Topic 1: Environmental Value Systems (EVS)

Question 1

What does EVS stand for?

Answer 1

A worldview that shapes how people perceive environmental issues.

Question 2

What are the main types of EVS?

Answer 2

1. Ecocentric (nature-centred): Deep ecology, minimal impact, respect for nature.
2. Anthropocentric (human-centred): Humans manage environment sustainably for our benefit.
3. Technocentric (technology-centred): Technology will solve environmental problems.

Question 3

What influences EVS?

Answer 3

Culture, religion, politics, economics, media.

Question 4

What is a system?

Answer 4

A set of components that interact to produce a function.

Question 5

What are the components of a system?

Answer 5

Inputs (things entering the system), Outputs (things leaving the system), Storages (where energy or matter is held), Flows (movement between storages).

Question 6

What is an open system?

Answer 6

Exchanges matter and energy (e.g., ecosystems).

Question 7

What is a closed system?

Answer 7

Only energy crosses boundaries (e.g., Earth).

Question 8

What is an isolated system?

Answer 8

No exchange of energy or matter (rare).

Question 9

What are feedback loops?

Answer 9

Negative feedback returns system to original state (stabilising); Positive feedback amplifies changes (destabilising).

Question 10

What do models do?

Answer 10

Models simplify reality but may be limited by assumptions or data.

Question 11

What is the 1st Law of Thermodynamics?

Answer 11

Energy is neither created nor destroyed.

Question 12

What is the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics?

Answer 12

Energy transfers are inefficient (some is lost as heat = entropy increases).

Question 13

What is steady-state equilibrium?

Answer 13

Stable over time with small fluctuations.

Question 14

What is static equilibrium?

Answer 14

No change over time.

Question 15

What are stable and unstable equilibria?

Answer 15

Ability of a system to return to original state.

Question 16

What is a tipping point?

Answer 16

Critical threshold after which irreversible change happens.

Question 17

What is sustainability?

Answer 17

Using resources without depleting them for future generations.

Question 18

What is natural capital?

Answer 18

Resources/services provided by nature (e.g., forests, water).

Question 19

What is natural income?

Answer 19

Yield from natural capital (e.g., timber, oxygen).

Question 20

What is ecological footprint (EF)?

Answer 20

Area needed to support your lifestyle.

Question 21

What does it mean if EF > biocapacity?

Answer 21

It’s unsustainable.

Question 22

What are sustainability indicators?

Answer 22

EF, water usage, air quality, HDI, etc.

Question 23

What is pollution?

Answer 23

Addition of harmful substances to the environment.

Question 24

What are the types of pollution?

Answer 24

1. Point source: From a single location (e.g., factory pipe).
2. Non-point source: From multiple diffuse sources (e.g., runoff).
3. Persistent: Doesn’t break down easily (e.g., pesticides).
4. Biodegradable: Breaks down quickly (e.g., food waste).
5. Acute: Large amount, short-term (e.g., oil spill).
6. Chronic: Small amounts, long-term (e.g., air pollution).

Question 25

What are management strategies for pollution?

Answer 25

1. Input control: Prevent pollution (e.g., laws, alternatives). 2. Process control: Reduce pollution during activity (e.g., scrubbers). 3. Output control: Clean up pollutants (e.g., oil spill response).