Chapter 11 Flashcards
(9 cards)
What is a “Wicked Problem”?
A problem that is difficult or impossible to solve because of incomplete and contradictory information
What are the two groups of thought according to Mark Sagoff?
(1) Hedgehogs: Know one big thing; focus on one central issue.
(2) Foxes: Know many things; consider issues to be multi-faceted and linked to other issues.
What is IPAT? What train of thought is it associated with?
Impact on the land is a consequence of Population growth, Affluence, and Technology.
Belief of hedgehog perspective
Regarding IPAT, what issues are associated with P?
(i) Mineral-rich soils get mined by plant roots, diminishing returns after a few crop rotations is inevitable
(ii) Necessity of cooking → need for fuel (wood) → destructive habits
(iii) Growth of cash crops
Not important to get everything right, just a basic understanding
Regarding IPAT, what issues are associated with A?
(i) Further growth of cash crops (like sugar cane) to feed desires of the elite
(ii) Water-poor countries have giant soft-drink companies drain their water to produce Coca-Cola.
(iii) Rise of Affluence → more desire for red meats and sugars → increase in population’s cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes
Not important to get everything right, just a basic understanding
Regarding IPAT, what issues are associated with T?
(i) Turning unreactive nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into reactive forms
(ii) Surface runoff from agricultural fields drains into costal waters → nitrogen-rich waters → exponential growth of algae →algae deplete oxygen in waters below→ creation of “Dead Zones” (fish and amphibians suffocate)
Not important to get everything right, just a basic understanding
In the fox perspective, what is said about production?
(i) Rainfed agriculture accounts for 80% of the global cultivated land (relies on rain water). It produces 60% of the world’s food. More difficult in hot/ dry countries.
(ii) Irrigated agriculture accounts for 20% of the global cultivated land. Produces 40% of the world’s food. Accounts for 70-80% of global fresh water withdrawals
(iii) Virtual water: kcal/ m3 of water used. Beef = 161 kcal/m3, Rice = 2770 kcal/ m3
(iv) Organic vs non organic chicken: Organic chicken uses twice as much feed than non organic chicken → greater amounts of virtual water
Not important to get everything right, just a basic understanding
In the fox perspective, what is said about transport?
The argument of local is better for the environment is flawed. We must calculate not just “vehicle kilometers” but “tons per kilometer”.
In the fox perspective, what is said about preparation?
Sprouted grains and legumes account for less calories than their unsprouted counterparts. Begs the question: is sprouting a form of food waste?
