Planet Earth

Question 1

Definition of earth summits

Answer 1

Earth summits are created to build an agreement between nations. They try to help nations face problems such as overheating. They happen roughly every 10 years

Question 2

Definition of sustainable development

Answer 2

It is the the idea that technological development should be long lasting but at the same time not too expensive. E.g There is no use in swapping to coal as a fuel as it runs out quickly.

Question 3

Definition of the Kyoto agreements

Answer 3

The Kyoto agreements are something all countries sign up to in order to set targets, such as reduce global warming. They are helping solve big issues like, ice caps melting and less endangered species

Question 4

Definition and example of conservation

Answer 4

Conservation means when we try to protect an area of species. For example planting trees to protect an area from landslide

Question 5

Give examples of ways to improve the environment

Answer 5

Switch off lights
Turn of computers
Energy saving lightbulbs
Recycling
Solar power energy 
Hydropower instead of fossil fuels

Question 6

Definition of stewardship

Answer 6

This means looking after. All religions believe we have to look after the world as it belong a to God and not us

Question 7

Describe the Buddhist general attitude to the environment

Answer 7

Buddhists believe all life, in all forms should be respected, that means the natural world. Since everyone lives many lifetimes, it is important to protect it for our own future as well as our children’s. The two key beliefs are: respect and compassion

Question 8

Describe some more specific Buddhist teachings

Answer 8

first precept: help not harm other sentient beings
Compassion for all life
There are karmic consequences to all our actions

Question 9

Which 2 of the 3 poisons are related to the planet earth and how

Answer 9

Ignorance and greed are two of the three poisons that keep people from enlightenment, and much environment damage is because of people/ companies wanting more money and space for themselves

Question 10

Definition of pollution

Answer 10

When there is too much of one thing, which has caused imbalance and damage to the environment. E.G. Air, water or land. It is often a result of what humans have done

Question 11

Describe the general Christian attitudes to the environment

Answer 11

Christians believe that God created the word and have humankind stewardship(the responsibility to look after the world). Christians in modern times have especially seen the need to work to heal the world and look after the environment

Question 12

Describe specific Christian teachings

Answer 12

God made the world, gave the duty of stewardship to humans (Genesis)
The earth is the lords and everything in it (psalms)
Since humans must face God on the day of judgement, all must carry out their given duties
Respect for life extend to the rest of creation (Pope John Paul II)

Question 13

Describe the general Hindu attitudes to the environment

Answer 13

Traditionally Hindu life was very simple and relied on the environment this was linked with the beliefs about the sanctity of life and non violence to form a religion that is peaceful towards the environment. Brahman (the ultimate reality) is in all life

Question 14

Describe specific Hindu teachings

Answer 14

Respect and protection for all life (Brahman)
Ahimsa- non violence
Hindus should focus on environmental values (Artharva Veda)
Hindus believe all souls will be reborn into more lifetimes on earth, so we have to look after the earth for our future selves

Question 15

Explain interdependence in terms of life and planet earth

Answer 15

All life is interdependent including animals and plants. All life depends on the environment so everyone needs to protect and look after it

Question 16

Give some examples of natural resources

Answer 16

Vegetation
Minerals
Fossil fuels

Question 17

Definition of international efforts

Answer 17

When countries all around the world meet to discuss how to improve the environment

Question 18

Definition of climate change

Answer 18

The idea that the climate is getting warmer

Question 19

Definition of global warming

Answer 19

The scientific concept that the world is getting warmer

Question 20

Definition of droughts

Answer 20

Long periods of abnormally low rainfall

Question 21

Definition of famine

Answer 21

Starvation Owing to drastic, far reaching food shortage

Question 22

Outline the possible effects of global warming

Answer 22

Most scientists warn that global warming will result in severe weather leading to droughts or floods. These in turn case the destruction of food crops leading to famine. Global warming could make water scarce, damaging agriculture, health, forests, plants and animals.

Question 23

Describe religious attitudes towards climate change

Answer 23

Many religious believers consider climate change an important issue because of the harm it can do to the people, animals and the delicately balanced system of life on Earth. Many would see the exploitation and abuse of the earths resources as a sign of sinfulness and greed. Religious principles of good stewardship, sanctity of life, love of neighbour, compassion for the poor are applied to the environmental problems by all religions

Question 24

Describe the Religious attitudes on natural resources

Answer 24

Religious teachings make it clear that the earth belongs to God. Humans have a duty to care not only for the planet but also for their fellow human beings. Religions see both conserving the world and its people going hand in hand

Question 25

Describe religious teachings on the destruction of habitat using quotes

Answer 25

Buddhism:
Monks and mum may not ‘any plant or tree’ (vinaya pitaka)
Christianity:
‘The earth and all life on it are…given to us to share and develop not to dominate and exploit (R. Catholic Church 1991)
Hinduism:
‘The earth has enough for everyone’s need, not everyone’s greed’
(Mahatma Gandhi)

Question 26

Definition of deforestation and briefly describe why it is done

Answer 26

Deforestation is the permanent destruction of native forests and woodlands. It is usually done to:
Clear the land for farming to feed rising populations
Raise cattle for bees
Raise crops to be sold abroad
Cut trees like mahogany and teak for furniture
Cut trees like oak and pine for buildings and firewood

Question 27

Outline the effects of deforestation

Answer 27

Deforestation destroys the natural habitat of animals and ants so that they face extinction
Contributes to climate change as it is a major contribution to the greenhouse effect
With loss of protective cover from trees soil washes away into water courses, lakes and dam. This can cause flooding and landslides

Question 28

Definition of acid rain

Answer 28

Rain made acid by contamination through pollution in the atmosphere as a result of emissions from factories, vehicles, power stations and so on

Question 29

Definition of carbon emissions

Answer 29

Release of greenhouse gases such as carbon monoxide from vehicles in the atmosphere

Question 30

Definition of the greenhouse effect

Answer 30

The trapping of heat from the sun in the lower atmosphere due to an increase in carbon dioxide, methane and other pollution

Question 31

Outline the Basic religious ideas on caring for caring for planet earth

Answer 31

God created the earth with the right conditions to sustain life
God created living things, including people
The world really belongs to God not to human beings
Plants fish birds and animals were created for people to use and to make the earth a beautiful place to live
God deliberately made living things capable of reproducing naturally, so nature continues God’s work in creation of new life