The importance of healthy outdoor environments

Question 1

What is sustainability

Answer 1

Capable of being maintained in existence without interruption or diminution (loss/reduction) - environmentally friendly, renewable and green

Question 2

What are the three pillars of sustainability

Answer 2

Social, environmental, economic

Question 3

Social sustainability

Answer 3

Refers to maintaining an inclusive society where every individual’s needs are met and where everyone has equal opportunities to contribute and participate in decision making processes. The priority is society and community (people). It includes environmental justice, human health, resource security and education

Question 4

Economic sustainability

Answer 4

Refers to maintaining a standard of living through economic systems whilst preserving natural resources and promoting long-term environmental health for future generations. It includes job creation, profitability & accounting for the use of ecosystems

Question 5

Environmental sustainability

Answer 5

Refers to maintaining the wellbeing of the environment, including aspects such as water & air quality, as well as the reduction of environmental stressors such as green house gas emissions

Question 6

Interdependence of three pillars

Answer 6

Promoting economic sustainability through business growth and job creation must also take into account environmental sustainability to prevent further depletion of natural resource and also ensure that these businesses and jobs promote social sustainability, such as fair wages, safe working conditions and respect for human rights.

Question 7

What are the four critiques of sustainability

Answer 7

-Cost
-Vagueness of the term
-Developing nations
-Measuring sustainability

Question 8

Vagueness of the term

Answer 8

Refers to the overuse of the term sustainability over time which means that the concept has lost it’s meaning and impact

Question 9

Cost - critiques of sustainability

Answer 9

Implementing sustainable practices can be expensive such as installing solar panes or grey water systems, however overtime this can be cost effective

Question 10

Developing nations - critques

Answer 10

There are economic inequalities between countries which means different needs also impact sustainability. Sustainability is difficult for developing nations when they have low access to basic resources

Question 11

Measuring sutainability

Answer 11

Sustainability is a complex concept and there are no universal ways to measure it in order to make predictions about future generations needs

Question 12

Observable characteristics

Answer 12

-Clear air
-Water
-Food
-Places for recreation
-Soil
-Places to inspire
-Biodiversity - habitats, species

Question 13

Why are floods important for the Australian environment?

Answer 13

Floods an increase fish population, trigger essential life cycle processes and transport sediment and nutrients across the landscape

Question 14

Why are floods important for the Australian environment? - specific example

Answer 14

River Red Gums shouldn’t go longer than 7 years without floods

Question 15

Damaging effects of floods on the environment

Answer 15

-loss of habitat
-spread invasive plant species
-reduced populations - if too intense (blackwater events)
-impaired wetland functions
-destruction of recreational areas - if too intense

Question 16

Damaging effects of floods on society

Answer 16

-damage to public infrastructure - road, rail networks & communities
-damage to homes and properties
-damage to crops and livestock
-disruption to essential services such as water sanitation, electricity, transportation, communication, education & healthcare
-increased risk of health problems from waterborne diseases
-reduced short-term tourism
-reduced regional & national economies

Question 17

How do floods affect the local Echuca environment and society

Answer 17

Floods may pose threat to the local environment surrounding Echuca by damaging homes & properties, pollution in the Murray river, reduced/damage to livestock and crops

Question 18

Why is fire important for the Australian environment?

Answer 18

Fires can burn soil which burnt soil can fertilise water plants and algae (moderate amount can provided more nutrients, however too much can cause excessive algae growth).

Question 19

Why is fire important for the Australian environment? - specific example

Answer 19

Fire enhances seedling germination, ash beds are also full of nutrients

Question 20

What are the damaging effects of fire on the environment?

Answer 20

-Immediate loss of native plants, animals & ecosystems
-loss of habitat (forest area)
-reduced air quality from smoke - harms to animal health
-climate feedback loop (bushfires creating conditions that promote more bushfires)

Question 21

What are the damaging effects of fire on society?

Answer 21

-loss of life
-loss of property & infrastructure
-reduced air quality from smoke & fire air particle pollution (threatens human health)

Question 22

How does fire affect the local Echuca environment and society?

Answer 22

Fire may pose threat to the local environments surrounding Echuca by damaging houses and properties & infrastructure, loss of native plant, animals and ecosystems and reduced quality of air

Question 23

What is fire?

Answer 23

Fire is a rapid, chemical reaction that releases heat and light. In environment contexts, it often refers to wildfires, which are uncontrolled fires that spread across vegetation and can be fuelled by dry conditions, wind and human activity. Wildfires can cause extensive damage to ecosystems, homes and infrastructure and pose risks to human health and safety

Question 23

What is a flood?

Answer 23

Floods are ‘the rising of waters from their normal containment within watercourse’.
River, lake or ocean - can result from heavy rainfall, rapid snowfall, storm surges or dam failures causing damage to property, infrastructure and loss of life

Question 24

What is climate change?

Answer 24

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in weather patterns, including alterations in temperature, precipitation and wind patterns.

Question 25

What is net zero?

Answer 25

Describes the state where the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere is equal to the amount of greenhouse gases removed from the atmosphere.

Question 26

Climate change mitigation…

Answer 26

Avoiding and reducing emission of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere to prevent the planet from warming to more extreme temperatures

Question 27

Climate change adaption…

Answer 27

Altering out behaviour, systems and in some cases ways of life to protect our families, our economies and the environment in which we live from the impacts of climate change.

Question 28

Mitigation strategies

Answer 28

-Using renewable energy
-Increasing energy efficiency of building
-Increasing use of lower emission transportation
-Restoring native vegetation
-Conserving water

Question 29

Adaption strategies

Answer 29

-Building upgrades to protect from flood or fire
-Reseeding or revegetation with climate - adapted species
-Establishing native animal populations at new locations
-Restoring native vegetation
-Conserving water

Question 30

Aesthetic value

Answer 30

The ability of outdoor environments to inspire creativity for individuals. The diverse landscapes and features of the environment can elicit emotional responses such as fear, appreciation and awe. It is important to preserve outdoor environments so individuals can continue to appreciate and be inspired by the aesthetic value of nature.

Question 31

Recreation and adventure

Answer 31

Outdoor environments provide an escape from the daily pressures of life for individuals, and the opportunity to relax, explore, challenge themselves and take positive risks. Camping, kayaking, bushwalking. It is important to maintain the health of outdoor environments such as free from pollution, reduced erosion and high soil, water and air quality, so these activities can continue into the future.

Question 32

Physical and emotional wellbeing

Answer 32

Time spent in nature can improve individual human health and wellbeing. It is important to maintain the health of outdoor environments so individuals can have the opportunity to improve their physical wellbeing and enhance their mental wellbeing through connection with nature. Connection with nature and access to green spaces can lead to lower rates of distress, anxiety and depression for individuals, improving their overall wellbeing.

Question 33

Intrinsic value

Answer 33

Outdoor environments are unique places with diversity in landscape, wildlife and ecosystems. Humans hold a deep appreciation for nature and the intrinsic value they hold, and it is important for these places to remain healthy for individuals and society so they can be valued for what they are (rather than what they can provide) and in turn be cared for.

Question 34

Biodiversity

Answer 34

It is essential to maintain biodiversity to ensure that outdoor environments remain healthy. It is important to maintain biodiversity for individuals because species contribute to human experience through aesthetic and intrinsic value. Species also provide essential resources for individuals and society such as medicine, food and energy. Conserving biodiversity leads to a more sustainable future for the planet and society.

Question 35

Education

Answer 35

Education in outdoor environments benefits individuals by improving their knowledge of outdoor environments and therefore care for them. Learning within and about nature is also important for the future of human society because people value the places they have personally and positively experienced, and therefore they are more likely to want to protect them into the future. Outdoor ed & PE.

Question 36

Economic value

Answer 36

The economy is heavily reliant on the resources that outdoor environments provide such as minerals, coal, gas, timber, food and wool. These are essential components of exportation from Australia and contribute to the economy. Society is also dependent on industries such as agriculture and water regulation, and therefore maintaining the health of the environment increases the prosperity of society into the future. If nature is exploited, then there are negative impacts on the economy in the future.

Question 37

Future food and medicine sources

Answer 37

It is important to ensure that the health of outdoor environments is maintained so that sufficient food production and medicinal resources for individuals can continue. Australian farmers also contribute significantly to the Australian economy through exportation of food production, meaning that outdoor environments need to be

Question 38

Scientific research

Answer 38

study and understand the complexities of outdoor environments. Humans are able to utilise outdoor environments for resources and have designed technology to monitor natural processes. It is important to maintain the health of outdoor environments so that scientific research can continue and as a society we can understand the impacts humans are having on the environment.

Question 39

Local - referring to?

Answer 39

Victoria and within, including our local Campaspe shire

Question 40

Local - target

Answer 40

Victorian state targets are to achieve net zero by 2050 through:
By 2025, reducing 2005 levels by 28-33%
By 2030, reducing 2005 levels by 50%

Question 41

Local - achieving target?

Answer 41

Campaspe Shire is committed to:
Developing a Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan that sets the target of net zero by 2035 for the area
Advocating for building an energy grid that supports renewables
Developing Environmental Sustainable Design (ESD) guidelines to be applied to 100% of councils projects
-Gippsland Offshore Wind Farm as a large scale renewable energy effort

Question 42

National - referring to?

Answer 42

Refers to Australia, including Australian Government actions.

Question 43

National - target

Answer 43

Australia’s current target is net zero by 2025, with a legislated target of a 43% reduction by 2030

Question 44

National - achieving target?

Answer 44

*-Reducing price of electric vehicles (making them more affordable)
-Upgrading electricity grid to support more renewables
-Offer and deliver a Community Batteries for Household Solar program which enables Australians to store affordable solar energy and share energy with other households. This will lead to lower emissions, lower electricity bills (increasing incentive) and reduce pressure on the grid for the broader community.
*-Nature-based solutions such as protecting carbon blue coastal ecosystems. This protects plants such as mangroves that absorb and store carbon through their roots.

Question 45

International - referring to?

Answer 45

Worldwide, global strategies that countries commit to together. Mostly driven by the United Nations.

Question 46

International - Kyoto Protocol

Answer 46

international agreement that commits industrialised countries to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by setting and agreeing to individual country targets. Implemented first in 1997, revised in 2005 and gained 147 signatories in 2020. Relies upon strict monitoring, reporting and record keeping of emissions to hold countries accountable.

Question 47

International - Paris Agreement (2015)

Answer 47

international agreement between 196 countries committed to limiting global temperature rise to 2oC and pursue efforts to limit to 1.5oC (compared to pre-industrial levels). Operates on a 5-year increased action cycle and requires countries to be transparent with their emissions. Countries are required to report and regularly update on their progress, adaptation strategies and measures they are using.

Question 48

International - UN Climate Change Conference landmark agreement (2020)

Answer 48

International agreement to provide ‘loss and damage’ funding to vulnerable communities that have experienced devastating impacts of climate change.

Question 49

International - sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

Answer 49

set of goals to represent a collective global effort to create a better and more sustainable future for all. Applies to all nations regardless of their development.
Goal 13

Question 50

SDG - goal 13

Answer 50

Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
This goal has 5 targets to mitigate the effects of climate change which include strengthening resilience and capacity to manage climate change, changing national policy, improving education and awareness, increasing commitment from developed nations and building capacity of developing nations (including small island regions).

Question 51

Water quality

Answer 51

Characteristic: The chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water.

Description: Water quality refers to the suitability of water for various uses, including drinking, recreation, and supporting aquatic life. It includes factors like pH, turbidity, contaminants, and the presence of microorganisms.

Protection: Protect water quality by controlling pollution sources, treating wastewater, maintaining riparian buffers, and regulating the use of chemicals. Individuals can conserve water and avoid dumping pollutants into drains.

Good Health: Clean, clear water with low levels of contaminants and microorganisms, safe for drinking and supporting healthy aquatic ecosystems.

Bad Health: Polluted, murky, or contaminated water with high levels of toxins, pathogens, and chemicals, posing health risks and harming aquatic life.

Question 52

Air quality

Answer 52

Characteristic: The presence of pollutants and particulate matter in the atmosphere.

Description: Air quality refers to the cleanliness of the air we breathe. It is influenced by the concentration of pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3).

Protection: Improve air quality by reducing emissions from vehicles and industries, using cleaner energy sources, and implementing regulations to control pollution. Personal actions include using air purifiers and avoiding outdoor activities during high pollution periods.

Good Health: Clean air with low levels of pollutants, leading to minimal respiratory issues and overall well-being.

Bad Health: High levels of pollutants causing respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and exacerbating conditions like asthma and allergies.

Question 53

Soil quality

Answer 53

Characteristic: The health and fertility of the soil, including its nutrient content and structure.

Description: Soil quality refers to the ability of soil to support plant growth, retain nutrients and water, and sustain biological activity. Healthy soil is rich in organic matter, well-structured, and free from contaminants.

Protection: Maintain soil quality by practicing sustainable agriculture, reducing chemical use, using organic fertilizers, and preventing erosion through cover crops and proper land management.

Good Health: Fertile soil with balanced nutrients, good structure, and high organic content, leading to robust plant growth and minimal erosion.

Bad Health: Depleted, contaminated, or eroded soil with low nutrient content, poor structure, and reduced capacity for supporting plant life, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and ecosystem degradation.

Question 54

Biodiversity

Answer 54

Characteristic: The variety of different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms in an ecosystem.

Description: Biodiversity refers to the diversity of life forms within a given ecosystem, including genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. It is crucial for ecosystem stability, resilience, and functionality.

Protection: Protect biodiversity by conserving natural habitats, reducing pollution, preventing overexploitation of resources, and supporting conservation efforts and protected areas.

Good Health: Rich and varied ecosystems with a wide range of species and interactions, contributing to ecological balance and resilience.

Bad Health: Declining or imbalanced ecosystems with reduced species diversity, leading to disrupted ecological functions, increased vulnerability to diseases, and loss of ecosystem services.

Question 55

Achieving true sustainability

Answer 55

To achieve sustainability there must be a shift in the current way of living and an improved understanding of the relationships between society, economy and the environment.