SHHS Unit 8 Environmental and Medical Issues Cards Flashcards
2.1 What is Global Warming?
The increase in the temperature of the earths atmosphere (thought to have been caused by the greenhouse effect)
2.1 What are the causes of Global Warming?
The Greenhouse Effect
Natural Climate Change
Solar Activity
2.1 What is the Greenhouse Effect?
This is caused by human activity.
The burning of fossil fuels produces a barrier in the atmosphere which means that the heat from the sun can get in, but cannot get back out again.
2.1 What is natural climate change?
Some scientists believe the Earths climate has always been changing.
This is supported by the fact that in the last 10,000 years the warmest periods have happened long before humans started to produce lots of carbon dioxide.
2.1 What is solar activity?
Changes in the Earths temperature are caused by the amount of radiation coming from the sun.
When solar activity is high, solar winds cause fewer clouds to form so more heat from the sun reaches Earth, causing it to heat up.
2.2 What are the possible solutions to global warming?
The Kyoto Protocol (55 nations pledged to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5.2% a year)
Alternative ways of making electricity (solar, wind, nuclear)
Alternative ways to power cars (electric, biofuel)
Improving the efficiency of how we travel (car sharing, using public transport, bikes, walking)
2.2 What are the forms of pollution?
Acid rain
Human Waste
Eutrophication
Radioactive Pollution
2.3 What is a Finite Resource? Can you give an example?
- They disappear once used
- Coal, oil, gas, iron, tin, copper, uranium and hard wood (takes a long time to grow)
- If finite resources runs out this means no cars, no TV’s, no radios etc.
2.3 What is a renewable resource? Can you give an example?
Resources which can be used over and over again.
Wind power, solar power, water power, fertile land using food, rape seed oil, sugar cane etc.
Use of renewable resources causes no problems. However, using it to make electricity is more expensive.
2.3 Can you explain the possible solutions to running out of finite resources?
- Use renewable energy resources
- There are already a few cars on the market which can be powered by water and electricity.
- Recycling can enable the lifetime of many finite resources to be extended.
- We could change our lifestyle, use natural products, eat organic food and ride bikes or walk.
2.4 What do Christians believe about stewardship?
God gave human the stewardship of the Earth and its resources.
2.4 Why do Christians believe they should be stewards of the earth?
- Genesis creation story God gave humans the right to rule over the Earth.
- Parable of the Talents - God expects humans to pass on to the next generation more than they have been given. (leave earth a better place)
- Sermon on the mount this teaches that Christians have a responsibility to ensure a fair sharing of the Earth’s resources.
- Judgment day - People will be judged on their beliefs and behavior.
2.4 How do beliefs about stewardship affect Christian attitudes towards the environment?
- Christians should try to reduce pollution and preserve resources for future generations.
- Christians should try to improve the quality of life of the less fortunate, but sharing the Earth’s resources.
- Christians feel they have a duty to support the work of groups which try to reduce pollution and conserve resources.
- Christians should be judging what they are doing in their life by the standards of Christian stewardship.
2.5 What does Islam teach about stewardship?
God created Adam as his khalifah.
All Muslims are God’s khalifahs who have to keep the balance of creation and look after the Earth.
Islam also teaches there will be a day of judgement. A major part of this test is looking after the environment.
2.5 How should Muslims try to be good khalifahs?
- Muslims should try to reduce pollution and preserve resources by following the Shari’ah.
- Stewardship means a fair sharing of the Earth’s resources. Muslims should try to improve the quality of life of the less fortunate.
- Muslims have a duty to support the work of groups that try to reduce pollution and conserve resources.
- Every Muslim should be judging what they are doing in their life as an individual by the standards of Islamic stewardship.