All Flashcards
What is the effect of burning fossil fuels on the atmosphere?
Releases greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
What is the effect of mining on the lithosphere?
Habitat destruction and resource depletion.
What is the effect of damming rivers on the hydrosphere?
Alters water flow and affects ecosystems.
What is the effect of deforestation?
Loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
What is the effect of using fertilizers in agriculture?
Water pollution and soil degradation.
What is the effect of overfishing?
Depletion of fish stocks and disruption of marine ecosystems.
What is the effect of urbanization on the environment?
Habitat loss, increased pollution, and altered water cycles.
What is the effect of using renewable energy sources?
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and conservation of fossil fuels.
What is the effect of sustainable agriculture practices?
Improved soil health, reduced water pollution, and increased biodiversity.
What is the effect of water treatment plants?
Clean water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial processes.
Explain the concept of the 'triple bottom line'.
A holistic approach considering economic, social, and environmental impacts.
What are the three pillars of sustainability?
Environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
Explain the interconnectedness of human actions and environmental consequences.
Human actions have both positive and negative impacts on the environment, requiring careful consideration.
What is the core idea behind sustainability?
Meeting current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own.
Describe environmental determinism.
The outdated belief that the environment dictates human actions and societal development.
What is 'possibilism'?
The theory that humans have choices within environmental constraints.
What is the role of abiotic systems?
Non-living components of Earth that support life and are manipulated by humans.
Describe the human impact on the environment.
Human actions have both positive (e.g., improved living standards) and negative (e.g., pollution) impacts on the environment.
Describe the positive impacts of humans on the environment.
Improved living standards, technological advancements, increased life expectancy.
Describe the negative impacts of humans on the environment.
Pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, resource depletion.
What is a renewable resource?
Resources replenished quickly by nature.
What is a nonrenewable resource?
Resources formed slowly over millions of years; can be depleted.
Define sustainability.
Meeting present needs without compromising future generations.
What is environmental sustainability?
Using resources without depleting or damaging them.
What is economic sustainability?
Balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
What is social sustainability?
Creating a healthy, inclusive, and just society.
Define environmental determinism.
The belief that the environment shapes society.
What is the atmosphere?
Layer of gases regulating climate and protecting from radiation.
What is the lithosphere?
Earth's solid outer layer, source of minerals and resources.
What is the hydrosphere?
Earth's water system, essential for life.