Sustainability Flashcards
(35 cards)
Define sustainability
exploiting a resource which does not affect future resources for future generations
Define biocapacity
Measure of biological productivity of an area
Define ecological footprint
Area of the earths surface that is needed to provide the resources that are used by human population
Define carbon footprint
amount of co2 released per person
What is Earth overshoot day?
-the time of year that biocapacity is reached
- its becoming earlier every year
Define overshoot?
- harvesting resource above MSY
(damage to the point it cannot recover)
What is business as usual scenario?
- keeping things the same
- bad because we are living unsustainable lifestyles
- e.g over fishing i.e tuna is not sustainable
what are two negative feedback mechanisms for global climate change?
- increased temperatures causing
increased cloud cover and a higher
albedo - increased carbon dioxide levels
leading to greater photosynthesis
and carbon sequestration.
what is the negative feedback mechanism for hydrological cycle?
- increased
evaporation leading to increased
precipitation.
what is the negative feedback mechanism for population regulation?
-homeostatic
population regulation caused by density dependent factors i.e competition for resources, space, disease
Outline the 3 examples of positive feedback mechanisms of global climate change
- ocean acidification
- decline of albedo
- forest and peat fires
Define tipping point
-critical thresholds in a system
- when exceeded can lead to a significant change in the state of the system
- change is irreversible
What are examples of potential tipping points as a result of global climate change?
- forest fires,
- methane hydrate releases - - permafrost melting.
What are two diverse natural systems that are resistant to change?
- coral reefs
- tropical rainforest
How have humans produced less diverse systems?
- Agro ecosystems focus on production of a limited range of food species
- little attempt to maintain other species that help maintain ecological stability e.g pollinators and pest predators
compare two natural systems that use low temperatures with human systems that use high temps
- production of carbohydrates by photosynthesis
- nitrogen fixation
vs
- incineration of wastes
- haper process
What does it mean by linear human system?
refers to systems of human activity or processes that follow a “one-way” path, typically from resource extraction to production and consumption, ending with waste or disposal.
- “take, make, dispose” approach contrast to circular systems
- little to no focus on the reuse or recycling of materials
What does linear human systems result in?
- resource depletion
- waste generation
What is the problem with the use fossil fuels in human linear systems?
- The reliance on non-renewable energy resources
cannot be sustainable (depletable) - Inefficient use and use when renewable resources are available accelerates
depletion rates
What is the problem with the use of mineral resources in human linear systems?
- produces mixtures from which separation is
difficult - These make recovery and re-use difficult so
sustainable exploitation is reduced.
Why are molecules produced by natural processes more sustainable?
- biodegradable
- broken down into non-toxic products
Define circular economy
- involves the analysis of human activities
- an assessment of how using the principles of natural systems would create more sustainable lifestyles
How can land use support natural ecosystems?
- urban development ( designs and management of gardens, parks and public green spaces
- agri - environmental schemes
- forestry - incorporate mixed species forests
- mineral exploitation - site restoration after mine closure (clay pits flooded for wetland)
How can water be used more sustainable?
- artificial recharge of aquifiers
- water conservation e.g low water appliances like dual flush. Xeriscaping.
- Recycling of grey water
- water treatment
