Unit 1 - Key Terms

Question 1

Perspective

Answer 1

Perspective: how particular situations are viewed and understood by an individual

Question 2

Value

Answer 2

Value: qualities or principles that people feel have worth and importance in life

Question 3

Worldview

Answer 3

Worldview: or Paradigm, it shapes the way a group of people perceive and evaluate environmental issues. It’s influenced by cultural, religious, economic and sociopolitical contexts

Question 4

Arguments

Answer 4

Arguments are made to support a personally held perspective or to counter a different one

Question 5

Systems Diagram

Answer 5

A system diagram shows the stores and flows of energy and matter in a system.

Question 6

Transfers

Answer 6

A transfer is a change in location of energy or matter.

Question 7

Transformations

Answer 7

A transformation is a change in chemical nature, a change in state or a change in energy.
Example: photosynthesis - transforming CO², H²O and light into biomass and O²

Question 8

Environmental Value System (EVS)

Answer 8

An EVS is a model that shows the inputs affecting our perspectives and the outputs resulting from our perspectives.

Question 9

Technocentrism

Answer 9

A technocentric point of view assumes that all environmental issues can be resolved through technology.

Question 10

Anthropocentrism

Answer 10

An anthroprocentric point of view believes humans must sustainably manage the global system. (laws, policies,taxes, etc). Views humans as the most important element of existence.

Question 11

Ecocentrism

Answer 11

An ecocentric point of view integrates social, spiritual, and environmental dimensions into a holistic ideal. It puts ecology and nature as central to humanity and emphasises on a less materialistic approach to life.

Question 12

System

Answer 12

A system is an assemblage of parts and the relationships between them, which together constitute an entity or whole. Systems consist of storages and flows.

Question 13

Negative Feedback

Answer 13

Feedback that counteracts any change away from equilibrium, contributing to stability.
(A method of control that regulates itself)

Question 14

Steady-state Equilibrium

Answer 14

The condition of a system in which there is a tendency for it to return to the previous equilibrium following disturbances.

Question 15

Open System

Answer 15

Both matter and energy are exchanged across the boundaries of the system. Open systems are organic (living). Examples - ecosystems/people

Question 16

Closed System

Answer 16

Only exchanges energy across its boundary, while matter is recycled within the system. Example: Earth has an input of solar radiation and an output of heat energy.

Question 17

Flows

Answer 17

Processes that may be either transfers or transformations.

Flows = inputs & outputs

Question 18

Positive Feedback

Answer 18

Occurs when a change in the system leads to additional and increased change - destabilising (snowball effect)

Question 19

Tipping Point

Answer 19

A crucial threshold where even a small change can have dramatic effects and cause a shift in equilibrium.

Question 20

Emergent Properties

Answer 20

A property that the system has but the individual components do not

Question 21

Resilience of systems

Answer 21

The capacity to resist damage and recover from or adapt efficiently to disturbances

Question 22

Sustainability

Answer 22

Using global resources at a rate that allows natural regeneration and minimises damage to the environment

Question 23

Pollution

Answer 23

the contamination of the Earth and the atmosphere to such an extent that normal environmental processes are adversely affected

Question 24

Environmental Justice

Answer 24

fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies

Question 25

Stable Equilibrium

Answer 25

condition of a system in which there is a tendency for it to return to the previous equilibrium following a disturbance

Question 26

Sustainable Development

Answer 26

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs