Summary ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE A GLOBAL CONCERN (WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM & MARY CUNNINGHAM, 16TH EDITION) STUDY GUIDE YEAR

Environmental Science: A Global Concern (William Cunningham & Mary Cunningham, 16th Edition)




ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE A GLOBAL CONCERN
(WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM & MARY CUNNINGHAM, 16TH
EDITION) STUDY GUIDE YEAR 2025-2026
Environmental Science: A Global Concern (William Cunningham & Mary Cunningham, 16th
Edition)




STUDY GUIDE AND test bank




grade-A
official revision




Study Guide - Environmental Science A Global Concern (William Cunningham & Mary Cunningham, 16th Edition) study guide year 2025-2026 - Page 1

, Environmental Science: A Global Concern (William Cunningham & Mary Cunningham, 16th Edition)


TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. examination STUDY GUIDE AND test bank
2. exam study guide
3. Study Tips




grade-A
official revision




Study Guide - Environmental Science A Global Concern (William Cunningham & Mary Cunningham, 16th Edition) study guide year 2025-2026 - Page 2

, Environmental Science: A Global Concern (William Cunningham & Mary Cunningham, 16th Edition)


exam STUDY GUIDE AND test bank 2025-2026
Q1: What is environmental science?
A: The interdisciplinary study of how humans interact with the environment, integrating biology, chemistry,
geology, physics, social sciences, and policy to address global concerns. ■


Q2: Why is environmental science considered interdisciplinary?
A: Because it draws knowledge from natural sciences (ecology, chemistry, physics) and social sciences
(economics, politics, ethics) to understand and solve environmental issues. ■


Q3: What is sustainability?
A: Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
needs, balancing environmental, economic, and social goals. ■


Q4: Why is sustainability central to environmental science?
A: Because most global issues—climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution—arise from unsustainable use
of resources, making sustainable solutions critical for the future. ■


Q5: What is an ecological footprint?
A: A measure of the resources an individual or population consumes, expressed as the land and water area
needed to provide those resources and absorb wastes. ■



grade-A
official revision




Study Guide - Environmental Science A Global Concern (William Cunningham & Mary Cunningham, 16th Edition) study guide year 2025-2026 - Page 3

, Environmental Science: A Global Concern (William Cunningham & Mary Cunningham, 16th Edition)


Q6: Which countries generally have the largest ecological footprints?
A: Wealthy industrialized nations such as the United States and Canada, due to high consumption levels
and energy use. ■


Q7: What is the IPAT equation?
A: Impact = Population × Affluence × Technology; it shows how human numbers, lifestyle, and technology
combine to affect the environment. ■


Q8: Why is population growth a key driver of environmental problems?
A: Because a larger population increases demand for food, water, energy, and land, amplifying pressure on
ecosystems and resources. ■


Q9: What is affluence in the IPAT model?
A: It refers to the level of consumption per person; higher affluence often means more resource use but can
also support cleaner technologies. ■


Q10: How can technology both increase and decrease environmental impact?
A: It can worsen problems through pollution and overextraction, but it can also provide solutions like
renewable energy, recycling, and efficiency. ■




grade-A
official revision




Study Guide - Environmental Science A Global Concern (William Cunningham & Mary Cunningham, 16th Edition) study guide year 2025-2026 - Page 4