Sustainable Development
Jackson Gonzalez
9 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers sustainable development, including its key principles (intergenerational equity, precautionary principle, polluter pays principle, common but differentiated responsibilities) and how to achieve it. It explores renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass) and their benefits. Ecotourism is examined, including its activities, benefits, and example destinations. Finally, the guide details the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their key features, and how they address global challenges.
#AP Human Geography: Sustainable Development Study Guide 🌍
Hey there, future geographers! Let's get you prepped for the AP exam with this super-focused study guide. We'll break down sustainable development, renewable energy, ecotourism, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making sure you're not just memorizing but understanding the big picture. Let's dive in!
#1. Introduction to Sustainable Development
Sustainable development is all about meeting our current needs without messing things up for future generations. Think of it as being a good house guest on planet Earth! 🏡 It’s a balancing act between social, economic, and environmental factors, ensuring that progress is fair and long-lasting.
#Key Principles:
- Intergenerational Equity: Making sure future generations have the same opportunities and resources as we do. It's like leaving the campsite cleaner than you found it. 🏕️
- Precautionary Principle: When in doubt, take the safe route. If there's a risk of serious harm, act to prevent it, even if we don't have all the scientific proof yet. ⚠️
- Polluter Pays Principle: Those who create pollution should pay for the cleanup. It's only fair! 💰
- Common but Differentiated Responsibilities: Acknowledges that different countries have different capabilities and responsibilities when tackling global issues. Not everyone starts at the same place. ⚖️
#How to Achieve Sustainable Development:
- Resource Efficiency: Using resources wisely, like switching to renewable energy and reducing waste. ♻️
- Sustainable Agriculture: Farming in ways that protect soil, conserve water, and minimize harmful chemicals. 🌱
- Conservation: Protecting natural habitats and biodiversity. 🏞️
- Social Equity: Ensuring everyone has access to basic needs like education and healthcare. ❤️
Sustainable development is a holistic concept that requires balancing economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection.
Practice Question
Multiple Choice:
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Which of the following best describes the principle of intergenerational equity in the context of sustainable development? (a) Ensuring that current generations have access to all resources (b) Prioritizing economic growth over environmental protection (c) Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (d) Allowing for unlimited resource consumption
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The "polluter pays" principle is primarily concerned with: (a) Encouraging economic growth at any cost (b) Shifting the financial burden of pollution to those responsible (c) Promoting the use of non-renewable resources (d) Ignoring the environmental impact of development
Free Response Question:
Discuss the key principles of sustainable development and explain how these principles can be applied to address the challenges of climate change. (7 points)
Scoring Guide:
- Identification of Key Principles (3 points):
- 1 point for identifying the principle of intergenerational equity.
- 1 point for identifying the precautionary principle.
- 1 point for identifying the polluter pays principle.
- Application to Climate Change (4 points):
- 1 point for explaining how intergeneration...
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