Module 1: Finals Version

Question 1

characteristics of sustainability (3)

Answer 1

• 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

Question 2

sustainability science (2)

Answer 2

• 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

Question 3

what is driving the increase in human impact on our environment (2)

Answer 3

• major factor is human population growth
• patterns of consumption (excessive consumption by richer countries)

Question 4

what fields are important in addressing the increase in human impact on our environment (3)

Answer 4

• academic
• political
• ethical

Question 5

earth system science (3)

Answer 5

• 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

Question 6

what can the rise in human population be linked to

Answer 6

• fossil fuels, Industrial Revolution, mechanization of agriculture that allowed additional billions to be fed

Question 7

system

Answer 7

• collection of interdependent parts enclosed within a defined boundary

Question 8

what is the Earth system comprised of

Answer 8

• sub-systems

Question 9

what are the sub-systems of the Earth

Answer 9

• atmosphere
• biosphere
• hydrosphere
• lithosphere
• anthroposphere

Question 10

anthroposphere

Answer 10

• sub-system of Earth that considers human impacts on environment

Question 11

lithosphere (4)

Answer 11

• 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

Question 12

hydrosphere

Answer 12

• all of the planet’s solid, liquid and gaseous water

Question 13

biosphere

Answer 13

• all of the planet’s living organisms

Question 14

atmosphere

Answer 14

• all of the planet’s air

Question 15

what is Earth system science’s focus (3)

Answer 15

• 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

Question 16

what are the main characteristics of earth systems science (ESS) (5)

Answer 16

• 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

Question 17

cryosphere

Answer 17

• ice/snow

Question 18

heliosphere

Answer 18

space surrounding earth, created by the sun

Question 19

sustainability (2)

Answer 19

• 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

Question 20

sustainable development (2)

Answer 20

• 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

Question 21

what are the 3 dimensions of sustainability

Answer 21

• social
• economic
• environment

Question 22

social dimension of sustainability

Answer 22

• refers to values that promote equality and respect for individual rights

Question 23

economic dimension of sustainability (2)

Answer 23

• 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

Question 24

environmental dimension of sustainability

Answer 24

• commitment to protect the environment by reducing risks and measuring impacts

Question 25

social and economic dimensions met

Answer 25

• equitable

Question 26

social and environment dimensions met

Answer 26

• bearable

Question 27

environment and economic dimensions met

Answer 27

• viable

Question 28

what occurs when all of the sustainability dimensions are met

Answer 28

• the goal of sustainability is achieved

Question 29

what are the tools for analyzing sustainability (4)

Answer 29

• futurity
• equity
• global environmentalism
• biodiversity

Question 30

futurity

Answer 30

• a concern for the welfare of future generations

Question 31

equity

Answer 31

• the fair sharing of economic benefits and burdens within and between generations

Question 32

global environmentalism

Answer 32

• 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

Question 33

biodiversity

Answer 33

• the maintenance of the integrity of ecological processes and systems

Question 34

united nations sustainable development goals (SDGS) (3)
- what is it
- what is the overall goal
- set up

Answer 34

• 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

Question 35

why are the UN SDGs important

Answer 35

• because we are FAR from achieving sustainability in many places and for many different reasons

Question 36

what are the characteristics of the UN SDGs (3)

Answer 36

• universal (can apply globally)
• indivisible (all interconnected)
• transformative (bring about positive change)

Question 37

what are possible misconceptions about the UN SDGs (4)

Answer 37

• 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

Question 38

what are the weaknesses and gaps of the SDGs (7)

Answer 38

• 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