Module 1: Finals Version Flashcards
1
Q
characteristics of sustainability (3)
A
- it is defined by the problems that it addresses rather than by the approaches employed
- focuses on coupled human-environment systems, making it strongly interdisciplinary
- rooted in values and solutions differ depending on the values of different people
2
Q
sustainability science (2)
A
- examines the impacts of human activities on the environment
- attempts to identify how human needs can be met without compromising the global ecosystems which we all depend on
3
Q
what is driving the increase in human impact on our environment (2)
A
- major factor is human population growth
- patterns of consumption (excessive consumption by richer countries)
4
Q
what fields are important in addressing the increase in human impact on our environment (3)
A
- academic
- political
- ethical
5
Q
earth system science (3)
A
- focus on studying processes at the global scale with connection to human society
- embraces multiple disciplines in transcending disciplinary boundaries to treat Earth as an integrated system
- seeks deeper understanding of physical, chemical, biological, and human interactions that determine the past, present, and future states of earth
6
Q
what can the rise in human population be linked to
A
- fossil fuels, Industrial Revolution, mechanization of agriculture that allowed additional billions to be fed
7
Q
system
A
- collection of interdependent parts enclosed within a defined boundary
8
Q
what is the Earth system comprised of
A
- sub-systems
9
Q
what are the sub-systems of the Earth
A
- atmosphere
- biosphere
- hydrosphere
- lithosphere
- anthroposphere
10
Q
anthroposphere
A
- sub-system of Earth that considers human impacts on environment
11
Q
lithosphere (4)
A
- the cold, hard, solid rock of the planet’s crust (surface)
- the hot semi-solid rock that lies underneath the crust
- the hot liquid rock near the centre of the plant
- the solid iron core of the planet
12
Q
hydrosphere
A
- all of the planet’s solid, liquid and gaseous water
13
Q
biosphere
A
- all of the planet’s living organisms
14
Q
atmosphere
A
- all of the planet’s air
15
Q
what is Earth system science’s focus (3)
A
- interactions between ocean, atmosphere, living things, geological processes, land surface dynamics, and human systems
- processes that connect biological, physical, and human systems operating near the Earth’s surface
- how interrelationships between physical and biological systems impact each other and lead to changes
16
Q
what are the main characteristics of earth systems science (ESS) (5)
A
- builds upon and bridges the scientific disciplines
- holistic model of earth
- contextual approach
- exploration and discovery of causes and effects at a global level
- identification of critical thresholds
17
Q
cryosphere
A
- ice/snow
18
Q
heliosphere
A
space surrounding earth, created by the sun
19
Q
sustainability (2)
A
- the process of living within the limits of available physical, natural, and social resources in ways that allow the living systems in which humans are embedded to thrive in perpetuity
- human-centric topic
20
Q
sustainable development (2)
A
- development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs
- this development will leads us to achieve sustainability
21
Q
what are the 3 dimensions of sustainability
A
- social
- economic
- environment
22
Q
social dimension of sustainability
A
- refers to values that promote equality and respect for individual rights
23
Q
economic dimension of sustainability (2)
A
- refers to economic development and growth while encouraging and promoting protection of the environment by limiting risks posed by production
- recycling and use of renewable energy are fundamental
24
Q
environmental dimension of sustainability
A
- commitment to protect the environment by reducing risks and measuring impacts
25
social and economic dimensions met
- equitable
26
social and environment dimensions met
- bearable
27
environment and economic dimensions met
- viable
28
what occurs when all of the sustainability dimensions are met
- the goal of sustainability is achieved
29
what are the tools for analyzing sustainability (4)
- futurity
- equity
- global environmentalism
- biodiversity
30
futurity
- a concern for the welfare of future generations
31
equity
- the fair sharing of economic benefits and burdens within and between generations
32
global environmentalism
- a recognition of the global dimension of ecological problems associated with use or depletion of natural capital by one or some at the cost of others
33
biodiversity
- the maintenance of the integrity of ecological processes and systems
34
united nations sustainable development goals (SDGS) (3)
- what is it
- what is the overall goal
- set up
- 17 interlinked global goals
- designed to be a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future
- set up in 2015 by UN General Assembly and intended to be achieved by 2030
35
why are the UN SDGs important
- because we are FAR from achieving sustainability in many places and for many different reasons
36
what are the characteristics of the UN SDGs (3)
- universal (can apply globally)
- indivisible (all interconnected)
- transformative (bring about positive change)
37
what are possible misconceptions about the UN SDGs (4)
- it is focused on the environment only
- it applies to developing countries only
- it is a UN top-down plan; UN does all the work and local areas can't apply changes
- it is lacking in resources for action
38
what are the weaknesses and gaps of the SDGs (7)
- development/growth-focused approach, which some believe is not achievable
- human-centric
- indigenous perspectives missing
- ethnocentric
- missing alternative visions of sustainability ad development
- no accountability
- inability to show data to measure success
