Chapter 9 Flashcards
biodiversity:
the number and variety of plant and animal species on Earth, including genetic variation within individual species
climate change:
a rise in the average temperature of the Earth, primarily caused by emissions from burning fossil fuels,
such as coal, oil and natural gas
Why do Environmental issues arise?
because of human activities that change the natural world.
For example, changes
happen when factories release toxins and other
pollutants into the air or water, or when housing
developments occupy land that once supported wild
plants and animals.
Which individuals’ perspectives are environmental issues broken down to?
Workers= • e.g., construction workers,
Companies= • e.g., forestry companies, oil companies,
Aboriginal Peoples
Governments
Consumers
Environmental Organizations • e.g., school environment clubs, community organizations,
and provincial and national organizations
Why do aboriginals people have links to environmental issues?
• because their collective rights include rights to
land and resources
• because their traditional ways connect to wild
lands and wildlife
Why are governments involved in environmental issues?
because of the values that shape political parties
in power
Why are consumers involved in environmental issues?
• because they create demand for products
and services
How are governance, economics and
environmental issues connected?
Laws affect the quality of our environment, including laws about water quality.
Economic decisions involve using resources in the natural world, such as forests, to produce goods and services, such as lumber. Economic decisions reflect values related to different economic systems,
Aboriginal peoples have collective rights
connected to the land.
Consumerism makes consumers a powerful force in the economy. Consumer behaviour affects demand for products, such as gasoline and energy-efficient cars,
which in turn has impacts on the natural world.
What’s climate change?
• Climate change refers to a rise in the average temperature of Earth due to a build-up of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere.
impacts of climate change?
rising sea levels, more severe weather, and disruption of ecosystems and freshwater supplies.
Where do GhGs come from?
GHGs primarily come from burning fossil fuels, such as natural gas, gasoline, coal and oil.
Individual consumers also use fossil fuels — for example, to heat their homes and drive their cars.
How are regions of north america already experiencing climate change?
For example, hurricanes on the east coast of North
America have become more frequent and severe. In 2005, the city of New Orleans experienced extensive flooding because of Hurricane Katrina. Coastal cities such as New Orleans also face flooding from rising sea levels.
impacts
such as the following for North America from warmer temperatures:
• Decline in abundance of fresh water (lakes and rivers).
• Loss of wildlife species overall. Some species will adapt to
warmer temperatures.
• More extreme weather events, such as storms and droughts.
• Longer growing seasons, possibly resulting in higher crop
yields and increased forest growth in some regions.
• Flooding along coastlines.
Why does Alberta have a large GHG output?
Alberta has a large GHG output because of its oil industry and its coal-fired plants for generating electricity.
