Topic 2: Understanding Environmental Science And Sustainability Flashcards
What is environmental science?
The systematic study of our environment and humans’ place within it. It is an interdisciplinary field.
What are the main goals of environmental science?
- Identify problems.
- Find practical ways to repair problems.
- Prevent other problems from occurring.
What are the 4 main areas of multidisciplinary study in environmental science?
- Environmental.
- Social.
- Economical.
- Political.
What are some different aspects of environments?
- Physical.
- Biological.
- Chemical.
- Economical.
- Social.
- Political.
- Cultural.
That is the term for human-centric?
Anthropocentric.
What is the term for ascribing value to human and non-human life?
Biocentrism.
What is the term for ascribing value to the well-being of entire ecosystems?
Ecocentrism.
What are 8 traditional parameters for measuring the environment?
- Soils.
- Water.
- Air.
- Biota.
- Population.
- Buildings.
- Land use.
- Descriptive lists.
What is the term for thinking that disaster is imminent and there is no possible solution?
Malthusian thinking.
What are the 7 major themes in environmental science?
- Population growth.
- Climate change.
- Water supplies.
- Food supplies.
- Energy.
- Air pollution.
- Biodiversity loss.
How many people are expected to live on Earth by 2050?
8-10 billion.
What is the predicted change in global mean temperature?
Between 1.5-6 degrees Celcius.
What is the term for the coexistence of obesity and undernourishment?
The double burden of malnutrition.
What percentage of Australia’s energy is from fossil fuels?
80-84%.
How many people are estimated to die each year from diseases triggered by air pollution?
At least 3 million.