List the common characteristics of global issues, and define global change. correct answers• The problem has global effects or large scale regional effects.
• It is inter ‐related to other global issues.
• It exposes the inter ‐dependence between countries and regions. It cannot be so...
List the common characteristics of global issues, and define global change. correct answers• The
problem has global effects or large scale regional effects.
• It is inter ‐related to other global issues.
• It exposes the inter ‐dependence between countries and regions. It cannot be solved by any one
country acting alone.
• The problem is persistent (multi ‐generations).
• Its solution challenges the status quo in world order and global institutions.
• Requires interdisciplinary knowledge and solutions.
Explain why an interdisciplinary approach is needed to address global issues. correct answersReal-world
problems are complex, so no single discipline can adequately describe and resolve these issues.
Define the concept of institution, and summarize their importance and limitations regarding
global problems. correct answersDefinition: An elemental structure required for the
functioning of a society. Institutions embody the
particular sets of values, norms and roles that a
society believes to be essential for its continued
existence.
Global Change correct answersHuman induced transformation of the global environment.
Institutions correct answersAn elemental structure required for the functioning of a society.
Earth summits (1972, 1982, 1992, 2002) correct answersUnited Nations' World Conferences on the
Environment
,1992: 3rd Conference, "Earth Summit " (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) Global Warming/Climate Change Treaty
Biodiversity Treaty The term "Sustainable Development " was endorsed
2002: 4th Conference, "World Summit on Sustainable Development " (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Millennium Development Goals
2012: 5th Conference, "Rio +20 " (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Identify and explain the five main spheres of the earth system: lithosphere, hydrosphere,
atmosphere, biosphere and anthroposphere. correct answersLithosphere = Land
• Earth's raw materials and mined resources • Tectonic processes - Mountain-building - Earthquakes -
Volcanism • Erosion and Sedimentation • Soils
Hydrosphere = Water
• Three phases occur naturally on earth's surface • Component of solid earth - Physical and chemical
weathering of rocks • Drives the atmospheric 'heat engine' • Essential to life
Cryosphere = Ice
• Part of hydrosphere • Physical weathering • Sea level • Planetary albedo • Abrupt climate change
Atmosphere = Air
• Atmospheric structure and composition • Weather and Climate • Air quality
Biosphere = Life
• Inhabits air, water, land • Created and maintains oxygen-rich atmosphere • Carbon and Nitrogen
cycling
Anthroposphere = Humans
• Part of the biosphere, inhabited and used by humans
2.2. Explain how different cycles flow across these sphere (e.g. hydrological and carbon
cycles) correct answers• Change in one sphere often results in a change in one or more of the other
spheres.
, • Changes are typically fluxes of energy and matter between spheres:
- E.g., carbon dioxide (CO 2) released to air (atmosphere) and oceans (hydrosphere)
Provide examples of perturbations (both natural and human caused) and positive and
negative system responses. correct answersDefine: an impact or disturbance to a system. A perturbation
may or may not move the system out of equilibrium.
Examples:
• A landslide into a creek
• Slow changes of the Earth's orbit around the sun
• Pollution of a pristine environment
• Changes to the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere.
• Development of agriculture
• Earthquake
Positive feedback is a small disturbance that includes an increase in the magnitude of the perturbation.
Negative feedback is a decrease in the magnitude of the perturbation.
Summarize Costanza's four visions of the Century Ahead. correct answersStar Trek: fusion energy solves
economical and environmental problems, humans live in solar system and expand population
Mad Max: Economies collapse and governments weaken, no alt energy to oil and its declined. No armies
or population control. Run by corporations
Big Gov: gov sanctions companies that do not pursue public interests. Fusion energy slow to develop due
to strict standards. Growth is stabilized and incomes equalize.
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