Global Consumption
What are the two major factors that increase the global demand for resources?
Rising population and increasing wealth.
What does the ecological footprint measure?
The impact of human activities measured in terms of the area of biologically productive land and water required to produce the goods consumed and to assimilate the wastes generated.
What are impervious surfaces?
Surfaces that do not allow water to penetrate.
What is a primary consequence of overconsumption?
Resource depletion.
What is a major challenge in waste management, especially in urban areas?
Managing waste sustainably.
Which type of countries generally consume more resources per person?
Developed countries.
According to the map, are countries with high ecological footprints concentrated in one area of the world?
No, they are dispersed.
What does a lighter color on the impervious surfaces map indicate?
More impervious surfaces
What is an example of a sustainability issue that arises as consumption increases?
Waste disposal.
What is the general correlation between a country's GDP and the amount of solid waste it produces?
Positive correlation
What is a consequence of uneven consumption patterns between developed and developing nations?
Resource depletion, environmental degradation, and inequality.
How can comparing ecological footprints help assess global sustainability?
By comparing the ecological footprint with available biocapacity.
How do impervious surfaces affect water runoff and groundwater recharge?
Impervious surfaces increase runoff and reduce groundwater recharge.
What is the relationship between consumption patterns and environmental pollution?
Unsustainable consumption patterns lead to increased pollution.
How do urbanization and rising consumption rates complicate waste management efforts?
They increase the volume and complexity of waste.
Give an example of a resource for which demand is rising because of global consumption patterns.
Energy, water, or food
What type of data is used to create a map of ecological footprints?
Satellite data.
Give an example of an environmental impact that results from the growth of impervious surfaces
Increased runoff.
Discuss the role of consumer behavior in addressing sustainability challenges.
Consumers can make more sustainable choices.
Describe a sustainable waste management practice that can reduce environmental impact
Recycling
How does increased wealth affect the demand for resources?
It increases the demand.
Name a small country that may have a high ecological footprint.
Singapore and Qatar.
How are satellite data and other data layers used in measuring impervious surfaces?
To measure the extent and distribution of these surfaces globally.
How does overconsumption lead to resource depletion?
By exceeding the rate at which resources can be replenished.
Why is sustainable waste management crucial for environmental health?
To minimize pollution.