Chapter 1-4 Study Guide Questions
Chapter 1
1. Define sustainability. What role does concern for future generations play in the notion of sustainability?
The ability for a society to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
2. Distinguish between natural resources and environmental services.
Natural resources – we get from the environment to meet our biological and economic needs and wants
Environmental services – natural processes that regulate conditions in the environment in ways that make the planet suitable for life 3. Describe the four principles of sustainability, and give two examples of each.
P1 – do not use natural resources or produce wastes faster than they are regenerated or assimilated by the environment * Forests help regulate the movement of water by pulling it from the soil and pumping it into the atmosphere (helps maintain climate) * Soil helps with food production
P2 – Each of us has many connections to other parts of society and our environment
P3 – The first 2 principles of sustainability must mesh with the ethical and moral principles that govern fairness
P4 – Social incentives must rewards those who act in a sustainable way and push those who act in a non-sustainable manner
4. What role do economic incentives play in the principles of sustainability?
Economic incentives can help a society be sustainable if its social systems punish such behaviors or reward people who limit the use of natural resources or environmental services, recognize the direct and indirect impact of their actions, and lessen the inequality among social groups
5. What does it mean to take a “systems perspective” in environmental decision-making? The recognition that human society is part of the environmental system and that this linkage can cause the effects of human actions to differ from their intent. Decisions are made in order to avoid unintended and unwanted
1. Define sustainability. What role does concern for future generations play in the notion of sustainability?
The ability for a society to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
2. Distinguish between natural resources and environmental services.
Natural resources – we get from the environment to meet our biological and economic needs and wants
Environmental services – natural processes that regulate conditions in the environment in ways that make the planet suitable for life 3. Describe the four principles of sustainability, and give two examples of each.
P1 – do not use natural resources or produce wastes faster than they are regenerated or assimilated by the environment * Forests help regulate the movement of water by pulling it from the soil and pumping it into the atmosphere (helps maintain climate) * Soil helps with food production
P2 – Each of us has many connections to other parts of society and our environment
P3 – The first 2 principles of sustainability must mesh with the ethical and moral principles that govern fairness
P4 – Social incentives must rewards those who act in a sustainable way and push those who act in a non-sustainable manner
4. What role do economic incentives play in the principles of sustainability?
Economic incentives can help a society be sustainable if its social systems punish such behaviors or reward people who limit the use of natural resources or environmental services, recognize the direct and indirect impact of their actions, and lessen the inequality among social groups
5. What does it mean to take a “systems perspective” in environmental decision-making? The recognition that human society is part of the environmental system and that this linkage can cause the effects of human actions to differ from their intent. Decisions are made in order to avoid unintended and unwanted