Environmental Science Test 1 Part 1
questions and answers
How are humans are using Earth's species (biodiversity) unsustainably? - ANSWER The
increasing need for resources is causing the conversion of forests, grasslands, and wetlands to
agriculture and urban development.
People act unsustainably in many ways. Name an example of human activities overwhelming
the ability of nature to cleanse the environment? - ANSWER We dump such large amounts of
toxic chemicals in the environment that the environment cannot detoxify them.
Why is a human population size of 7.5 billion, and growing, unsustainable? - ANSWER -More
people are living in unsuitable areas, such as semi-arid environments.
-Resources such as water are overused and cannot keep up with demand.
-Government policies do not account for unexpected variations in environmental conditions.
-Complex ecosystems are being replaced with much simpler, less resilient, human-dominated
ecosystems.
What happens when we use ecosystems and their services unsustainably? - ANSWER We get
out of balance with the natural world by depleting resources, polluting the natural environment,
reducing biodiversity, and damaging essential ecosystem services.
Is it possible for all the world's people to use as many resources as the average citizen of the
United States? - ANSWER No; it would take more resources than Earth has to allow everyone to
live like the average U.S. citizen does.
How does population growth affect environmental degradation? - ANSWER High population
growth and fertility rates increase environmental degradation.
, Why are university campuses in many areas unsustainable? - ANSWER They are huge consumers
of resources and energy.
Why is it unsustainable to depend on nonrenewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels (coal,
oil, natural gas)? - ANSWER Because they are nonrenewable, it is going to be harder to obtain
them as they are depleted. Extracting and burning fossil fuel resources also degrades the
environment, releases pollution, and contributes to climate change.
Earth has a vast store of resources and ecosystem services, called natural capital. How can we
use our natural capital sustainably? - ANSWER We must not use resources faster than they are
replaced.
How can educating the public and communicating concerns about environmental issues be part
of a move toward sustainability? - ANSWER Disseminating information and education allows
many organizations and governmental agencies to connect with the public, and provide
incentives for action to become more sustainable.
Why is it important that sustainability include equitability and environmental justice? - ANSWER
People must have access to resources and other forms of human well-being, but this access
currently is extremely variable around the world.
If human societies do not become sustainable, what is the most likely outcome for our species?
- ANSWER Ecosystem conditions will continue to decline, with unknown and perhaps severe
impacts on human well-being.
Name an action that embodies the main concept of sustainability? - ANSWER Reducing the
number of fish caught by commercial fisheries
People act unsustainably in many ways. What shows that humans can actually affect the entire
Earth? - ANSWER The amount of carbon dioxide released by human activities is causing the
global climate to change.
questions and answers
How are humans are using Earth's species (biodiversity) unsustainably? - ANSWER The
increasing need for resources is causing the conversion of forests, grasslands, and wetlands to
agriculture and urban development.
People act unsustainably in many ways. Name an example of human activities overwhelming
the ability of nature to cleanse the environment? - ANSWER We dump such large amounts of
toxic chemicals in the environment that the environment cannot detoxify them.
Why is a human population size of 7.5 billion, and growing, unsustainable? - ANSWER -More
people are living in unsuitable areas, such as semi-arid environments.
-Resources such as water are overused and cannot keep up with demand.
-Government policies do not account for unexpected variations in environmental conditions.
-Complex ecosystems are being replaced with much simpler, less resilient, human-dominated
ecosystems.
What happens when we use ecosystems and their services unsustainably? - ANSWER We get
out of balance with the natural world by depleting resources, polluting the natural environment,
reducing biodiversity, and damaging essential ecosystem services.
Is it possible for all the world's people to use as many resources as the average citizen of the
United States? - ANSWER No; it would take more resources than Earth has to allow everyone to
live like the average U.S. citizen does.
How does population growth affect environmental degradation? - ANSWER High population
growth and fertility rates increase environmental degradation.
, Why are university campuses in many areas unsustainable? - ANSWER They are huge consumers
of resources and energy.
Why is it unsustainable to depend on nonrenewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels (coal,
oil, natural gas)? - ANSWER Because they are nonrenewable, it is going to be harder to obtain
them as they are depleted. Extracting and burning fossil fuel resources also degrades the
environment, releases pollution, and contributes to climate change.
Earth has a vast store of resources and ecosystem services, called natural capital. How can we
use our natural capital sustainably? - ANSWER We must not use resources faster than they are
replaced.
How can educating the public and communicating concerns about environmental issues be part
of a move toward sustainability? - ANSWER Disseminating information and education allows
many organizations and governmental agencies to connect with the public, and provide
incentives for action to become more sustainable.
Why is it important that sustainability include equitability and environmental justice? - ANSWER
People must have access to resources and other forms of human well-being, but this access
currently is extremely variable around the world.
If human societies do not become sustainable, what is the most likely outcome for our species?
- ANSWER Ecosystem conditions will continue to decline, with unknown and perhaps severe
impacts on human well-being.
Name an action that embodies the main concept of sustainability? - ANSWER Reducing the
number of fish caught by commercial fisheries
People act unsustainably in many ways. What shows that humans can actually affect the entire
Earth? - ANSWER The amount of carbon dioxide released by human activities is causing the
global climate to change.
