Environmental Literacy Basics
What does "sustainability" mean?
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
What is one simple action you can take to reduce your energy consumption at home?
Turn off lights when not in use.
What is the main greenhouse gas responsible for climate change?
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
What does "environmental justice" mean?
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental laws, regulations, and policies, regardless of race or income.
What is one example of a green job?
Solar panel installer or energy efficiency auditor.
Name one example of an unsustainable practice in everyday life.
Using single-use plastic bags or bottles
Name one sustainable practice related to food consumption.
Eating locally-sourced, seasonal produce.
Name one effect of climate change on sea levels.
Rising sea levels due to melting polar ice caps and thermal expansion of seawater.
Which communities are most affected by environmental injustice?
Low-income communities and communities of color
What is the "triple bottom line" of a sustainable business?
People, planet, and profit.
What is an example of a renewable natural resource?
Solar energy or wind energy.
What is a "circular economy"?
An economic system aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of resources through recycling, reuse, and repair.
What is the term for the long-term warming of the planet due to human activities?
Global warming.
What is a "food desert"?
An area, often in low-income neighborhoods, where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food.
Name one sector of the green economy related to sustainable transportation.
Electric vehicle manufacturing or public transit system management.
Why is it important to conserve water even in areas where it seems abundant?
Water conservation helps ensure long-term availability, reduces energy consumption, and protects ecosystems.
Why is composting considered a sustainable practice?
Composting reduces landfill waste and creates nutrient-rich soil, which helps support agriculture and reduces methane emissions from landfills.
Which industries are some of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions?
Energy production, transportation, agriculture, and industry
Why is it important to address environmental justice issues when discussing climate change?
Vulnerable communities often experience the worst impacts of climate change but have the fewest resources to adapt or recover.
How does renewable energy contribute to the green economy?
It creates jobs, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.
Explain the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources.
Renewable resources can be replenished naturally over time (e.g., solar, wind), while nonrenewable resources are finite and deplete with use (e.g., fossil fuels).
Give an example of how public transportation contributes to sustainability.
Public transportation reduces carbon emissions and traffic congestion by minimizing the number of individual cars on the road.
What is "climate resilience"?
The ability of communities, ecosystems, or economies to withstand and recover from the effects of climate change.
How can urban green spaces help promote environmental justice?
Green spaces improve air quality, reduce heat islands, and provide recreational opportunities in underserved neighborhoods.
What is the concept of "cradle to cradle" in sustainability?
A design philosophy that promotes recycling materials in a way that they can be used again, minimizing waste and encouraging the continuous use of resources.