Introduction to Sustainability - AP Environmental Science
- What is the impact of deforestation on sustainability?
- Reduces biodiversity and increases carbon emissions. Removes carbon storage and habitat, disrupting ecosystems.
- What is a common method for assessing sustainability?
- Life cycle assessment (LCA). Evaluates environmental impacts throughout a product's lifecycle.
- Which factor is part of the triple bottom line in sustainability?
- Economic, social, and environmental factors. The triple bottom line balances people, planet, and profit.
- What is the role of education in sustainability?
- Raises awareness and promotes sustainable practices. Knowledge empowers individuals to make sustainable choices.
- What is the definition of sustainability?
- Meeting present needs without compromising future generations. This is the Brundtland Commission's foundational definition from 1987.
- What is 'greenwashing'?
- Misleading claims about environmental benefits. Companies falsely market products as environmentally friendly.
- Which practice can reduce energy consumption in buildings?
- Insulation. Reduces heat loss and lowers heating/cooling demands.
- Which practice helps in water conservation?
- Rainwater harvesting. Collects precipitation for later use, reducing demand.
- Identify a benefit of energy efficiency.
- Reduces energy costs and consumption. Using less energy saves money and reduces emissions.
- What is the focus of the circular economy model?
- Reusing and recycling materials. Keeps materials in use longer, reducing waste streams.
- Which material is commonly recycled to promote sustainability?
- Aluminum. High recycling rate saves energy and reduces mining needs.
- Identify a strategy to achieve sustainable urban development.
- Smart growth. Compact development reduces sprawl and infrastructure needs.
- Define 'sustainable consumption'.
- Using resources efficiently to minimize waste. Meets needs while reducing environmental impact per unit.
- What does 'eco-efficiency' mean?
- Creating more value with less environmental impact. Maximizes economic output while minimizing resource use.
- Identify a benefit of urban green spaces.
- Improves air quality. Plants filter pollutants and produce oxygen naturally.
- Define 'carrying capacity' in ecological terms.
- Maximum population size an environment can sustain. Population exceeding this limit leads to resource depletion.
- Identify a sustainable practice in forestry.
- Selective logging. Harvests specific trees while maintaining forest structure.
- Identify a consequence of overfishing.
- Depletion of fish stocks. Exceeds reproductive capacity, threatening marine ecosystems.
- What is an example of a sustainable transportation option?
- Public transit. Shared mobility reduces per-capita emissions and congestion.
- Name a non-renewable resource.
- Fossil fuels. Formed over millions of years and consumed faster than replenished.
- What does 'sustainable yield' refer to?
- Harvesting without depleting resources. Extraction rate matches natural regeneration capacity.
- What is the purpose of the Paris Agreement?
- To limit global warming to below 2°C. International climate accord targeting greenhouse gas reduction.
- What does the term 'resilience' refer to in sustainability?
- Ability to recover from environmental disturbances. Systems maintain function despite shocks or stresses.
- Which principle focuses on maintaining ecosystem services?
- Ecosystem-based management. Considers whole ecosystems rather than individual components.
- Which sector is a major contributor to carbon emissions?
- Transportation. Moving people and goods produces significant greenhouse gases.
- Identify a global challenge addressed by sustainability.
- Climate change. Rising temperatures threaten ecosystems and human systems.
- What is 'biocapacity'?
- Capacity of an area to generate renewable resources. Measures land's ability to support human consumption patterns.
- What does the term 'ecological footprint' refer to?
- Measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems. Compares resource use to Earth's regenerative capacity.
- What is the main goal of sustainable agriculture?
- To produce food without degrading natural resources. Maintains long-term soil fertility and ecosystem health.
- Which farming practice supports soil health and sustainability?
- Crop rotation. Alternating crops prevents soil depletion and pest buildup.
- Which principle emphasizes minimizing waste in sustainability?
- Zero waste principle. Aims for complete elimination of waste through design.
- What is the role of biodiversity in sustainability?
- Supports ecosystem services and resilience. Greater diversity increases ecosystem stability and function.
- What does the term 'environmental justice' mean?
- Fair treatment of all people in environmental policies. Prevents disproportionate environmental burdens on communities.
- What is the significance of the Brundtland Report?
- Defined sustainable development. 1987 report established the modern sustainability framework.
- What is the main objective of eco-labeling?
- To inform consumers about the environmental impact. Labels help consumers make environmentally conscious purchases.
- What does 'carbon footprint' measure?
- Total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an entity. Includes direct and indirect emissions from all activities.
- Identify an example of a renewable resource.
- Solar energy. Naturally replenished and doesn't deplete with use.
- Identify a sustainable energy source.
- Wind energy. Harnesses natural forces without depleting resources.
- Identify a key principle of sustainable development.
- Intergenerational equity. Ensures current actions don't harm future generations' rights.