Global Sustainability
Describe a biophysical condition required for viticulture
Mediterranean climate, latitude of 30-50, around 10-20Celsius, 50-60mm rainfall annually
Describe one management strategy used in the Great Barrier Reef.
Zoning, Reef restoration, Agricultural runoff restrictions
Why is New York a world city?
Its economic and cultural authority: wall street, UN headquarters, Fortune 500 companies, World trade organisation, the MET
A town that acts as a hub for surrounding rural areas by offering services like healthcare, education, and transport is called?
A regional centre
Explain the difference between a positive and negative feedback loop
A positive feedback loop accelerates the original process whereas negative feedback loops diminish or balance
Identify one current trend in Viticulture
-Growth in new world wine producers (Australia, Chile)
- Consumer preference shifting to organic and sustainable wines
- Wine tourism integrating viticulture with hospitality and culture
Explain an atmospheric process in Kosciuszko Alpine Region?
Orographic Precipitation - Moist air from the coast rises over the Snowy Mountains, cools, and condenses, producing rain and snow.
Explain a major population challenge shared by NY and Melbourne?
Cause: urban population growth and urban migration, high population density
Result: housing shortages, increased traffic congestion, and pressure on infrastructure and services.
What is dynamic equilibrium?
A state of balance within an ecosystem where changes occur, but the system adjusts to maintain stability over time.
Describe one urban adaptation strategy to manage climate change in Australian cities.
Strategies include urban greening, reflective building materials, water-sensitive urban design, and improved stormwater management to reduce heat and flood risk.
Name a Sustainable Development Goal most closely linked to viticulture
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production: reduce transport emissions, RAS capture and process waste
Name the 6 countries located in the Coral Triangle
Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste
How has the redevelopment of Melbourne’s Docklands precinct addressed urban challenges?
The Docklands redevelopment transformed industrial land into a mixed-use precinct with offices, housing, and public spaces. It improved transport connections, created jobs, enhanced liveability, and promoted urban renewal.
Crossing this ecological threshold can cause rapid and often irreversible changes in an ecosystem
Tipping point
What is intergenerational equity and how does it influence environmental management?
Intergenerational equity is the principle that current generations should use natural resources responsibly so future generations can meet their needs. It guides sustainable practices like conservation, renewable energy, and protected areas.
Explain how one technology is making viticulture more sustainable.
Robotic pest deterrents – emit specific sound frequencies that confuse pests (e.g., insects) and interrupt breeding cycles. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides, lowering environmental damage and improving vineyard biodiversity.
Drip irrigation- delivers water directly to the roots of grapevines, reducing evaporation and waste. Conserves water, lowers costs and helps maintain healthy vines, especially in drought-prone regions.
Drones – monitor vine health, detect pests/disease early, reducing pesticide use.
GIS mapping & sensors – analyse soil and microclimates to apply fertiliser/water only where needed.
Solar power – powers wineries and irrigation systems, cutting emission
Explain the value of the Coral Triangle
The Coral Triangle supports the highest marine biodiversity on Earth (over 75% of coral species, 3,000+ fish species). Biodiversity provides ecological value (reef health, resilience), economic value (fisheries, tourism), cultural value (Indigenous livelihoods, traditions), and scientific value (new medicines, genetic resources).
What is the purpose of New York’s High Line, and how does it contribute to urban sustainability
The High Line is a repurposed elevated railway turned green space. It provides recreational areas, supports biodiversity, reduces urban heat, and promotes sustainable urban renewal.
A regional centre is ...
A town that acts as a hub for surrounding rural areas by offering services like healthcare, education, and transport.
How do different worldviews on the environment influence geographic decision-making?
Environmental worldviews shape how people value and manage the environment. For example, ecocentric views prioritise ecosystem health, anthropocentric views focus on human benefits, and technocentric views emphasise technological solutions.
How does climate change challenge the future sustainability of viticulture, and what adaptation strategies are producers using?
Rising temperatures and variable rainfall → shifting vineyards to cooler regions, using drought-resistant grape varieties, and adopting water-saving technologies.
Compare a sociocultural factor that influences the management of the GBR and CT
Both regions show that community and Indigenous involvement is crucial for sustainable management, but the GBR has more formalized co-management structures, whereas the CT relies heavily on community-driven initiatives across multiple countries
How do New York City and Melbourne demonstrate the impact of climate change on urban areas, and what strategies are being used to address these impacts?
Both cities face climate-related challenges—NY with coastal flooding and storm surges, Melbourne with heatwaves and water scarcity. Strategies include resilient infrastructure, improved drainage and flood management (NY), and water-sensitive urban design, urban greening, and heatwave response plans (Melbourne).
Explain benefit sharing with an example
Benefit sharing is a formal agreement ensuring Indigenous Peoples share equally in the benefits that arise from their knowledge and resources. Examples include: Kakadu Plum
How is GIS (Geographic Information Systems) used to support decision-making in urban planning?
GIS analyses spatial data to map land use, infrastructure, population density, and environmental risks, helping planners make informed decisions about transport, housing, and disaster management.