All Flashcards
What is the significance of biological diversity in sustainability?
A rich variety of life helps ecosystems bounce back from stress, making them more resilient.
How do human population levels affect sustainability?
More people means more resource use, putting greater strain on the environment.
Why are greenhouse gas concentrations important for sustainability?
These gases trap heat and affect the climate, impacting ecosystems and resource availability.
Explain the importance of sustainable management.
Ensures long-term resource availability, ecosystem health, and human well-being.
What is the tragedy of the commons?
Without proper management, shared resources are often overused, leading to depletion.
What factors affect sustainable yield?
Resource's rate of replenishment, impact of extraction, and demand for the resource.
How does resource consumption relate to sustainability?
Sustainability depends on balancing how much we use with how much the planet can regenerate.
Why is food production important to consider for sustainability?
Ensuring we can feed everyone without harming the environment is crucial for long-term sustainability.
What are the consequences of overfishing?
Fish population crashes, potential extinction, strict regulations.
How does increased consumption affect resource availability?
Puts more pressure on resources, potentially leading to depletion.
What are the environmental impacts of logging a forest at a rate that exceeds its sustainable yield?
Habitat loss, soil erosion, decreased biodiversity, increased carbon emissions, water pollution, or loss of ecosystem services.
Define environmental sustainability.
Using resources wisely so future generations can also enjoy them.
What is sustainable yield?
The amount of a resource that can be harvested without reducing the base supply.
Define 'commons' in the context of environmental science.
Resources that are shared and not owned by anyone (e.g., oceans, atmosphere).
What is overexploitation?
Overuse of a resource, leading to depletion.
Define biological diversity.
A rich variety of life that helps ecosystems bounce back from stress.