#AP Environmental Science: Sustainability Study Guide

Hey there, future environmental champion! Let's get you prepped for the AP exam with a super-focused review of sustainability. We'll break down the key concepts, make connections, and get you feeling confident. Let's do this!

#1. Environmental Sustainability: The Big Picture

Factors to consider for sustainability:

• Biological Diversity: A rich variety of life helps ecosystems bounce back from stress.
• Human Population Levels: More people means more resource use.
• Resource Consumption: How much we use vs. how much the planet can regenerate.
• Greenhouse Gas Concentrations (CO2, CH4): These gases trap heat and affect the climate.
• Food Production: Ensuring we can feed everyone without harming the environment.

Image: A visual reminder that our actions today impact the future of our planet.

#2. Sustainable Yield: Harvesting Wisely

#What is Sustainable Yield?

• Definition: The amount of a resource that can be harvested without reducing the base supply. It's like taking only the interest from a savings account, leaving the principal untouched.
• Applies To: Timber, freshwater, fish populations, and crops.

#Factors Affecting Sustainable Yield

• Resource's Rate of Replenishment: How quickly does the resource naturally renew itself?
• Impact of Extraction: Does our harvesting damage the environment?
• Demand for the Resource: Are we using more than the resource can provide?

#The Tragedy of the Commons

• Commons: Resources that are shared and not owned by anyone (e.g., oceans, atmosphere).
• Overexploitation: Without proper management, commons resources are often overused, leading to depletion.
• Example: Overfishing can cause fish populations to crash, resulting in either extinction or strict regulations, both of which can negatively affect humans.

#Importance of Sustainable Management

• Long-Term Resource Availability: Ensures we can continue to use resources in the future.
• Ecosystem Health: Helps maintain the balance of nature.
• Human Well-being: Provides a consistent supply of resources for people.

#3. Connecting the Concepts

• Sustainability & Yield: Sustainable yield is a key tool for achieving environmental sustainability. It's about making sure we use resources in a way that doesn't compromise the future.
• Population & Consumption: Higher populations and increased consumption put more pressure on resources, making sustainable practices even more critical.
• Ecosystems & Biodiversity: Protecting biodiversity is essential for healthy ecosystems, which in turn provide the resources we need.

#4. Final Exam Focus

#High-Priority Topics

• Environmental Sustainability: Understand the core principles and factors.
• Sustainable Yield: Know how it is defined, how it is calculated, and why it is important.
• Tragedy of the Commons: Be able to explain the concept and give examples.
• Interconnectedness: Be ready to discuss how different environmental issues relate to each other.

#Common Question Types

• Multiple Choice: Expect questions that test your understanding of definitions and relationships between concepts.
• Free Response: Be prepared to analyze scenarios, propose solutions, and justify your answers with evidence.

#Last-Minute Tips

• Time Management: Don't spend too long on any one question. If you get stuck, move on and come back to it later.
• Read Carefully: Pay close attention to the wording of each question. Make sure you understand what is being asked.
• Stay Calm: Take a deep breath, and remember all the hard work you've put in. You've got this!

#5. Practice Questions

Practice Question

#Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following best describes environmental sustainability? (a) Using resources at a rate that depletes them. (b) Conserving resources for future generations while using them today. (c) Focusing solely on economic growth without regard to the environment. (d) Ignoring the impact of human activities on the planet.

2. The concept of sustainable yield is most directly related to: (a) Maximizing resource extraction in the short term. (b) Balancing resource use with resource replenishment. (c) Ignoring the needs of future generations. (d) Promoting unlimited economic growth.

3. The "Tragedy of the Commons" is best exemplified by: (a) Sustainable farming practices. (b) The protection of endangered species. (c) Overfishing in international waters. (d) The creation of national parks.

#Free Response Question

Scenario: A large forest is being considered for logging. The forest is home to a variety of plant and animal species, and it also provides important ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and water purification.

(a) Define the term "sustainable yield" and explain how it relates to the management of forest resources. (3 points)

(b) Describe TWO potential environmental impacts of logging the forest at a rate that exceeds its sustainable yield. (4 points)

(c) Propose ONE specific management strategy that could be used to promote the sustainable use of the forest. Explain how this strategy would help to balance the economic needs of the logging industry with the environmental needs of the forest ecosystem. (3 points)

Scoring Breakdown:

(a)

• (1 point) - Correctly defines "sustainable yield" as the amount of a resource that can be harvested without reducing the base supply.
• (2 points) - Explains that sustainable yield is about harvesting resources at a rate that allows for natural regeneration, ensuring long-term availability of forest resources.

(b)

• (2 points) - Describes ONE potential environmental impact of over-logging, such as habitat loss, soil erosion, or decreased biodiversity.
• (2 points) - Describes a SECOND potential environmental impact of over-logging, such as increased carbon emissions, water pollution, or loss of ecosystem services.

(c)

• (1 point) - Proposes a specific management strategy, such as selective logging, reforestation, or the establishment of protected areas.
• (2 points) - Explains how the proposed strategy would help to balance economic needs with environmental needs, such as by ensuring a continuous supply of timber while maintaining ecosystem health.

Alright, you've got this! Go rock that AP exam!