ASU Human Impact on Natural Resources Quesitons
ANSWER
Provide at least 2 international examples from the news in support of your statements:
- Example 1: The Paris Agreement is an international environmental treaty adopted in 2015, signed by almost every country to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Example 2: The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are another international initiative aiming to promote sustainable development across various sectors, including environmental protection and resource management.
2. What are the effects of mineral extraction and deforestation on land?
- Mineral Extraction: Mining activities can lead to habitat destruction, soil erosion, water pollution, and disruption of ecosystems. It can also release harmful chemicals into the environment.
- Deforestation: Deforestation results in the loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems, decreased carbon sequestration, and increased greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change.
3. Why is Indonesia in support of the deforestation of its rainforests?
- Indonesia has faced complex economic and social pressures that drive deforestation. The demand for products like palm oil, which is used in various industries, has led to the conversion of rainforests into palm oil plantations. This conversion is often driven by economic interests and poverty alleviation.
4. What is the “tragedy of the commons” and what causes it?
- The “tragedy of the commons” refers to a situation where shared resources, such as land, air, or water, are overused or depleted due to individual self-interest and lack of coordinated management. Each individual acts in their own interest, disregarding the collective well-being, which leads to resource degradation.
5. How can the “tragedy of the commons” be managed or mitigated?
- To address the tragedy of the commons, effective resource management is needed. This can involve implementing regulations, establishing property rights, imposing usage fees, creating community-based management systems, and raising awareness about the importance of sustainable resource use.
6. What is causing species extinction?
- Species extinction is primarily driven by habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation, climate change, and invasive species. These factors disrupt ecosystems and put species at risk of extinction.
7. What are the four steps that can be taken to decrease individual impact on natural resources?
- Reduce Consumption: Use resources more efficiently and buy products with minimal environmental impact.
- Reuse: Opt for reusable items and reduce the use of single-use products.
- Recycle: Participate in recycling programs to minimize waste and promote resource recovery.
- Conserve Energy: Use energy-efficient appliances, turn off lights when not needed, and consider renewable energy sources.
Please note that the specific details from the video are not available, so the answers provided are based on general knowledge. If you have specific questions related to the video content or need further clarification, feel free to ask.
QUESTION
Description
Lesson 7: What is Our Impact on Natural Resources?
Regardless of how countries approach sustainable development, environmental problems continue to grow as consumption and population increase. Nations vary greatly in how well they treat the environment. In 2014, a study by Yale and Columbia universities in the United States rated Switzerland, Luxemburg, and Australia as the best, while the United States was ranked 27 of 180 countries. Many less wealthy countries ranked higher than some of the wealthier ones, which is different from conventional development classifications – showing that economic development and environmental protection are not directly correlated, despite conventional assumptions otherwise.
Task: Read Chapter 7.
Watch the video “Poverty and Palm Oil are Driving Deforestation in Indonesia.”
Answer the questions below:
Provide at least 2 international examples from the news in support of your statements.
What are the effects of mineral extraction and deforestation on land?
Why is Indonesia in support of the deforestation of its rainforests?
What is the “tragedy of the commons” and what causes it?
How can the “tragedy of the commons” be managed or mitigated?
What is causing species extinction?
What are the four steps that can be taken to decrease individual impact on natural resources?
Source: Hite, Kristen, A. and John L. Seitz. Global Issues. Available from: VitalSource Bookshelf, (6th Edition). Wiley Global Research (STMS), 2021.