16 - Science, Technology, and Social Perspectives Flashcards
This deck explores the interplay of science, technology, and society, focusing on their impact on the environment, public health, and resources. It covers key issues like pollution, the greenhouse effect, waste disposal, and medical advancements, along with science's role in energy production, resource conservation, and renewable/nonrenewable energy, providing a broad understanding of science's influence on human and environmental well-being.
Explain:
How does science impact public health?
Science provides hard data that informs public health policies.
For example, cigarette warning labels, obesity prevention programs and vaccination requirements are all based on research linking smoking to lung cancer, obesity to various diseases and vaccines to disease prevention.
List:
4 health issues associated with obesity.
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Inflammatory damage
These conditions highlight the broader societal impact of obesity, as it increases the burden on individuals and the healthcare system.
Explain:
The role vaccines play in public health.
They save lives and maintain productivity.
Vaccination helps prevent the spread of diseases and supports the economy.
Identify:
The name of the program that aims to deliver healthier foods to school children in the U.S.
The National School Lunch Program
This program is part of public policy efforts to combat obesity.
Identify:
The organization in charge of publishing vaccination guidelines in the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC)
The CDC plays a crucial role in promoting public health through vaccination.
Define:
pollution
It is the act of a harmful or damaging substance being released into the environment.
The harmful or damaging substance is called a pollutant.
List:
The five recognized categories of pollution.
- Air
- Land
- Water
- Noise
- Light
Explain:
What typically causes air pollution?
It is usually caused by the release of harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Common sources include emissions from vehicles and industrial activities.
Define:
environmental pollution
The damaging effects to Earth, specifically land, air and water, caused by human activity.
Examples include air, water and soil pollution.
List:
Common causes of water pollution.
- Litter (plastic bags and bottles)
- Runoff from fertilizers
- Oil spills
- Disposal of raw sewage
Each of these actions contributes to the degradation of water quality.
Define:
physical pollution
It occurs when materials or objects are introduced into the environment, causing toxicity or harm.
Littering is a primary example of physical pollution.
Explain:
The role landfills play in pollution.
They contribute to greenhouse gases and can contaminate surrounding soil.
They are designated locations for trash disposal, lined to prevent soil contamination.
Define:
chemical pollution
Any harmful chemical being released into the soil, air or water by humans.
Common pollutants include mercury, VOCs, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.
Define:
Dioxin
It is a chemical pollutant that weakens the immune system and affects seed development in plants.
It is often released from waste incineration.
How do pesticides contribute to chemical pollution?
They can runoff into watersheds after application, disrupting biodiversity and harming the environment.
They can also affect the human immune system.
Red tides are an example of chemical pollution. Pesticides and chemicals from farming and factories dissolve in water on land. Runoff flows into the ocean, speeding up algae growth, provoking this phenomenon.
Define:
biological pollution
It refers to substances derived from nature that cause human harm.
Examples include pollen and bacteria.
Identify:
An example of how biological pollutants can indicate contamination.
The presence of coliform bacteria in water indicates human fecal matter contamination.
This is a critical marker for water quality assessment.
List:
Some methods to reduce environmental pollution.
- Using cleaner forms of energy.
- Recycling products.
- Using green products.
These methods help minimize harmful waste and emissions.
Define:
Natural greenhouse effect
It is responsible for life on Earth by keeping the temperature warm enough to support life forms.
It involves the trapping of infrared radiation by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
List:
The main greenhouse gases present in Earth’s atmosphere.
- Carbon dioxide
- Methane
- Water vapor
- Ozone
- Nitrous oxide
These gases are vital for the greenhouse effect.
Define:
fluorinated gases
Man-made greenhouse gases that have no natural source and are potent in causing ozone depletion.
They include hydrofluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride.
List:
Non-greenhouse gases
- Oxygen
- Nitrogen
- Argon
Earth’s atmosphere is composed mainly of nitrogen and oxygen, which together account for 99% of its volume.
Mention:
What percentage of the greenhouse effect is contributed by water vapor?
Between 35-70%.
It plays a significant role in amplifying the effects of other greenhouse gases.
How does carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere compare historically?
For the last 800,000 years, it remained below 300 ppm until anthropogenic activities increased it.
The industrial activities have raised it from 280 ppm to 417 ppm in the last 150 years.
List:
The main sources of methane in the atmosphere.
- Digestive processes of ruminants.
- Slow rotting of organic matter.
- Human activities like natural gas extraction.
These processes contribute to its presence in the atmosphere.
Explain:
The role oxygen plays in the context of climate change.
It affects the amount of sunlight reaching the ground, potentially impacting climate.
It is not a greenhouse gas.
Climatologists believe oxygen levels are reducing in the atmosphere.
Define:
renewable resources
Energy sources that can be replenished or renewed at a similar rate that humans can use them.
Renewable resources can be used without fear of them running out.
List:
Common renewable energy sources that can help reverse the enhanced greenhouse effect.
- Solar energy (sunlight)
- Wind energy
- Energy from biomass
These alternatives can reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
List:
The main consequences of the enhanced greenhouse effect on ecosystems.
- Habitat loss.
- Extinction of flora and fauna.
- Altered precipitation patterns.
Some regions may become drier while others may experience increased rainfall.
Fill in the blank:
The primary greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, nitrous oxide, ozone and _______ ______.
fluorinated carbons
Fluorinated carbons include chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons.
Define:
Integrated waste management
A system that combines strategies for both waste management and waste reduction.
Integrated waste management includes methods like recycling, reusing and composting.
Identify:
The difference between waste management and waste reduction.
- Waste management focuses on managing created waste.
- Waste reduction aims to minimize total waste production.
List:
Three common examples of waste management.
- Burying waste in sanitary landfills.
- Burning waste in mass burn incinerators.
- Treating waste to reduce toxicity.
Mention:
The percentage of municipal solid waste that could potentially be eliminated through integrated waste management.
75-90%
Mention:
An action individuals can take to support integrated waste management at home.
Set up systems for separating waste into categories.
This includes designating containers for recyclables, compost and general waste.
List:
The 3 Rs.
- Reduce
- Reuse
- Recycle
These are strategies to decrease waste production and environmental impact.
Why are the 3 Rs numbered in order?
There is a hierarchy of waste reduction: Reduce > Reuse > Recycle.
Reducing is the most effective method to minimize waste and environmental harm.
Define:
“Reduce” in the context of waste reduction.
To minimize or lessen consumption of resources.
This is sometimes referred to as source reduction.
Mention:
An example of reduction.
Building a smaller home to use fewer materials.
Explain:
“Reuse” in the context of waste reduction.
Repurposing existing resources instead of buying new ones.
This includes using items multiple times to extend their life.
List:
Some examples of reuse.
- Cutting old clothes into cleaning rags.
- Donating to thrift stores.
- Using a library card to borrow books.
Reusing helps reduce the demand for new products.
Explain:
“Recycle” in the context of waste reduction.
Making new products from materials of old products.
Recycling is the least effective strategy due to system inefficiencies.
Mention:
A significant challenge of recycling.
Different types of materials complicate the recycling process.
Less than 40% of items in recycling bins are actually recycled.
List:
Some examples of recycling.
- Using a recycling bin.
- Composting organic waste.
- Attending electronic disposal events.
These practices help divert waste from landfills.
Mention:
An effective strategy for reduction.
Eating less energy-intensive food.
Purchasing from local farmers can also reduce environmental impact.
Define:
conservation
It is the act of striking a balance between human use of a plant, animal and/or microorganism and long-term protection of that natural resource.
Conservation is essential for sustainable use of natural resources.
Define:
Conservation Biology
An interdisciplinary field aimed at halting biodiversity loss and restoring ecosystem functions.
Created in the mid-1980s by Michael Soule and other natural scientists.
Explain:
What does biodiversity represent?
The variety of animals, plants, microorganisms, ecosystems and genetic variations.
Biodiversity reflects the benefits these organisms provide to humans.
Define:
A population viability analysis
(PVA)
A study conducted to assess extinction risk and management needs for species of concern.
It includes levels of extinction risk, causes of decline, future threats and necessary management actions.
List:
The six types of focal species identified by conservation biologists.
- Keystone species
- Umbrella species
- Flagship species
- Indicator species
- Economically important species
- Vulnerable species
These species help guide conservation efforts and garner public support.
Define:
Keystone species
An animal that plays a disproportionately large role in influencing its biological community’s structure.
Example: Grey Wolves
Define:
Umbrella species
An animal that requires a large habitat area, where its conservation aids many other species.
Example: Greater Sage Grouse
Define:
Flagship species
An animal that appeals emotionally to humans and serves as a symbol for conservation efforts.
Example: Polar Bears
Define:
Indicator species
Its presence provides critical information about the environmental condition of its community.
Example: Frogs
Define:
Economically important species
Plants and animals that humans depend on for food, medicine, tourism, etc.
Example: Cinchona Tree
Define:
Vulnerable species
Organisms at high risk of extinction due to declining populations.
Example: Giant Panda
Define:
In situ conservation
Conservation efforts that occur within the species’ natural habitat.
Includes habitat protection, restoration and population enhancement.
Describe:
Habitat fragmentation
A threat to biodiversity caused by human activities that reduce the size of natural habitats.
It leads to challenges in finding mates, food and shelter for species.
Describe:
Wildlife corridors
Man-made or natural pathways that facilitate wildlife movement between fragmented habitats.
Examples include vegetated bridges and riparian zones.
Explain:
What does restoration involve in conservation biology?
Reconstructing the original habitat’s soil, water, plants and animals.
Example: Coral restoration projects focus on rebuilding and rehabilitating damaged coral reefs to restore their ecological functions and support marine biodiversity.
Define.
Ex situ conservation
Conservation techniques that occur outside of a species’ natural environment.
Examples include captive breeding and colony relocation.
Explain:
The purpose of captive breeding in conservation.
To increase the population of at-risk species and potentially relocate them back to their natural environment.
This may involve conducting breeding activities within a large enclosure in the animal’s natural habitat.
Describe:
Sustainability in the context of conservation biology.
A state where species can reproduce and maintain their ecological roles without risking extinction.
It requires long-term planning and policies from all societal sectors.
Explain:
The role conservation biologists play.
They conduct population viability analyses and implement conservation strategies using in situ and ex situ techniques.
Their work aims to increase species populations and restore ecosystems.
Why is conservation important?
It is important because all humans depend on Earth’s natural resources to survive, including for:
- Building homes, businesses and roadways
- Food production
- Medical advancement
- Tourism and recreation
It allows for the sustainable use of resources without diminishing their populations.
Fill in the blank:
Conservation allows us to use natural resources without _______.
diminishing their populations
This principle is central to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Define:
Wind energy
Energy harnessed by turbines that spin with the wind to create electricity.
Turbines are typically placed in areas with high wind speeds.
Define:
Hydroelectric energy
Electricity produced by the movement of water.
It can be generated by water flowing through dams.
The same water can be used repeatedly to generate power.
Define:
Biomass energy
Energy derived from organic matter such as plant or animal waste.
It can come from burning wood, food waste and crops.
Biomass emits less carbon dioxide than fossil fuels.
Define:
Geothermal energy
Energy extracted from the heat in the Earth’s mantle.
Large wells are dug to access hot water deep underground. It is a clean, renewable and dispatchable energy source.
Define:
Non-renewable resources
Energy sources that are not sustainable and cannot be replenished quickly.
Once used, non-renewable resources will no longer be available.
List:
Three common non-renewable resources.
- Coal
- Crude oil
- Natural gas
These resources take millions of years to form.
Explain:
The primary difference between renewable and non-renewable resources.
Renewable resources can be replenished quickly, while non-renewable resources take millions of years to form.
Renewable resources can be ‘replaced’ easily.
List:
The benefits of using renewable resources.
- Produce fewer carbon emissions.
- Slow down global warming.
- Reduce air pollution.
- Minimize water contamination.
Renewable energy is essential for mitigating climate change.
Fill in the blank:
Fossil fuels are the primary ________ resources that humans rely on.
non-renewable
Fossil fuels include crude oil, natural gas and coal.
List:
The 7 types of renewable resources.
- Wind energy
- Solar energy
- Geothermal energy
- Biomass energy
- Hydropower
- Hydrogen power
- Ocean energy
These resources are replenishable on a continuous basis.
Define:
Fossil fuels
Ancient fuels formed from the remains of living organisms, such as coal, oil and natural gas.
Fossil fuels are typically mined from underground and are hundreds of millions of years old.
How do fossil fuels form?
Organic matter is buried in an oxygen-free environment, subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years, transforming into hydrocarbons.
These hydrocarbons consist of long chains of carbon atoms surrounded by hydrogen.
Identify:
The main ingredient in natural gas.
Methane
Methane consists of a single carbon atom surrounded by four hydrogen atoms.
Natural gas is primarily used in power plants to produce electricity.
List:
The advantages of fossil fuels.
- High energy density.
- Low cost.
- Abundant availability.
- Dispatchable power sources.
Fossil fuels can be adjusted according to demand, unlike renewable sources.
List:
The disadvantages of fossil fuels.
- Air pollution
- Climate change
- Water pollution
- Acid rain
- Transportation issues
- Non-renewable
These factors contribute to their environmental impact and sustainability concerns.
Explain:
What is acid rain and its link to fossil fuels?
It occurs from sulfur dioxide produced when coal is burned, transforming into sulfuric acid in the atmosphere.
This can damage ecosystems and structures.
List:
The primary uses of oil.
- Gasoline
- Diesel fuel
- Jet fuel
- Home heating oil
Oil is processed and separated into various fuels based on weight.
List:
Two common methods of coal mining today.
- Open pit mining
- Strip mining
These methods involve removing large amounts of Earth’s surface to access coal deposits.
Describe:
The technology that captures solar energy.
Photovoltaic cells and solar-thermal power plants.
Photovoltaic cells are the blue solar panels seen on rooftops.
Identify:
A disadvantage of solar energy.
Production peaks in mid-day and is non-dispatchable.
This means it cannot be adjusted according to electricity demand like fossil fuels.
Identify:
A major challenge of geothermal energy.
It requires expensive drilling and is only cost-effective in certain regions.
Example: Iceland has major geothermal plants.
Identify:
A key advantage of hydrogen as an energy source.
When burned, it releases energy with water as the only byproduct.
Hydrogen fuel cells can produce electricity with water vapor as a result.
Identify:
A current limitation of hydrogen fuel cells.
Lack of filling stations and high costs compared to traditional engines.
Hydrogen production is also energy-intensive.
