Unit 01

Question 1

Explain the human-environment interaction model

Answer 1

Consists of 3 components: population, resources and environment. All life forms draw on resources which results on a change in the environment. The model reflects the primary causes of human impact on the environment. I= impact, P=population, A= affluence, T= technology

Question 2

List several ways in which humans may be able to affect the components of the model (e.g. population, resources, environment)

Answer 2

Public policy: may influence population or resources – example make the acquisition of resources more environmentally friendly
Use of technology: less access to technology
Dispersal of population

Question 3

Understand alternate definitions of a “resource” and be aware of the challenges in defining a resource (linked to personal scientific, technological, economic, political and emotional knowledge and experiences)

Answer 3

There are many different kinds of resources, all of which may be more important to one person than another. Peoples perception of what a resource is – based on what is valuable to someone.
Functional def: the function of which something or some substance performs or the operation which that thing or substance takes place. – based on needs and wants
Biophysical resources – renewable and non-renewable

Question 4

Identify characteristics of a functional resource

Answer 4

Dynamic: they change over time – their demand will also change
May be depleted
Life of resources can be extended: can develop technologies to extend the life of a resource
Can become hazards

Question 5

Distinguish between the three classes of resources (flow, stock, continuous)

Answer 5

Flow: potentially renewable
Stock: non-renewable
Continuous: renewable – likely to be available forever

Question 6

Understand the difficulties in defining “environmental impact” (linked to personal scientific, technological, economic, political and emotional knowledge and experiences)

Answer 6

Ecocentrics, technocentrics – based on value judgment

Question 7

Define environmental sustainability

Answer 7

Maintaining or restoring the quantity and quality of the biophysical resources upon which human depend

Question 8

List the rules guaranteed to lead to environmental sustainability

Answer 8

We can use no more than nature provides is with, if we do than we are mining the resource whereby it become more like a stock resource. For renewables: must be within the regenerative capacity, for non-renewables: should be equal or less than renewables.
Emissions or wastes from human activities should be within the assimilative capacity of the affected resource. – don’t overwhelm the system

Question 9

List the types of human activities impairing environmental sustainability

Answer 9

Changing the physical structure of the biophysical environment
 Land conversions
Change the biodiversity of the environment
 Conversion of ecosystems
 Non-native species
Change the chemical composition of the biophysical environment
 Dumping toxic wastes
Change the supply of natural resources