Perspectives
State two characteristics of an ecocentric value system.
A value system that prioritizes nature and believes ecosystems have intrinsic value.
State the components of a system.
Inputs, outputs, storage, and flows.
State one feature of sustainability.
Resources are used at a rate that allows regeneration.
State one feature of a tipping point.
A threshold where a small change leads to a large and often irreversible shift in a system.
State one factor that reduces resilience.
Low biodiversity
Describe how an anthropocentric person views nature.
This value system believes humans should manage nature using technology.
Describe an open system.
A system where energy and matter are exchanged with surroundings.
Describe an ecosystem service
An environmental function that supports life or a benefit provided by ecosystems to communities/humans that enhance the quality of life
Describe how negative feedback maintains equilibrium
Negative feedback counteracts changes by reducing their effects, bringing the system back to its original stable state.
Describe the relationship between the atmosphere and hydrosphere.
They interact through processes like evaporation and precipitation, where water moves between the ocean and air.
Explain how environmental value systems influence decision-making.
They influence decisions by shaping attitudes toward conservation, resource use, and policy-making.
Explain how negative feedback loops work.
They reduce change and stabilize the system by reversing deviations.
Explain why sustainability is important.
It ensures resources remain available and ecosystems stay balanced.
Explain why systems may shift from stable to unstable equilibrium
Systems shift when disturbances are too large or when positive feedback amplifies changes, pushing the system beyond its limits so it cannot return to its original state
Explain why monocultures have low resilience.
Monocultures lack biodiversity, so they are more vulnerable to diseases or environmental changes, making it harder for them to recover.
Distinguish between ecocentric and technocentric value systems.
One focuses on nature’s intrinsic value, while the other focuses on human benefit.
Distinguish between positive and negative feedback loops.
One amplifies change, while the other reduces change.
Compare and contrast the perspectives of Cornucopians and Deep Ecologists regarding the management of global mineral resources.
Cornucopians believe mineral resources are abundant and should be used freely, relying on technology to solve shortages. Deep ecologists believe resources are limited and should be conserved to protect nature. While both address resource use, Cornucopians focus on human benefit, whereas Deep Ecologists prioritize environmental protection.
Distinguish between transfers and transformations
Transfers move energy or matter without changing form, while transformations involve a change in form or state.
Distinguish between flows and storages in a system.
Storages are where energy or matter is held, while flows are the movements of energy or matter between storages.
To what extent do EVSs affect environmental policies?
They strongly influence policies, but economic and political factors also play a role.
To what extent can models represent real ecosystems?
They are useful but limited because they oversimplify reality.
To what extent do religious beliefs and cultural traditions determine the environmental value systems (EVS) of different societies?
Religious beliefs and cultural traditions strongly influence EVS by shaping views on nature, such as stewardship or sustainable living. However, their impact is limited because economic needs, politics, education, and globalization also influence environmental decisions. Therefore, they determine EVS to a moderate extent.
To what extent does human activity disrupt natural systems?
Human activity disrupts natural systems to a large extent through pollution, deforestation, and resource use, but some systems can resist or recover due to resilience.
To what extent do feedback loops influence climate change?
Feedback loops influence climate change to a large extent, as positive feedback can accelerate warming, although other factors like human emissions also play a major role.