7 People and the Environment Free Online FlashCards

What three factors shape total environmental impact?

Environmental impact ≈ $\text{population} \times \text{consumption per person} \times \text{impact per unit of consumption}$. This is a conceptual model, not a precise calculation.

Why does population alone not determine environmental impact?

Population is only one factor. Consumption per person and the technologies and systems used to produce goods and services also affect environmental impact.

Which demographic factors shape local population and service needs?

Fertility, mortality, migration, and age structure influence how many people live in a place and what services they need.

Why can a city's consumption affect places beyond its limits?

Some impacts occur where raw materials are extracted, products are made, or waste is disposed of—not only where people use the products.

What is the aim of sustainable development?

Sustainable development aims to meet people's needs while reducing unnecessary resource use and environmental harm.

What does urbanization mean?

Urbanization is the growing concentration of people and activities in towns and cities.

How can expanding cities change land and habitats?

Urban expansion can replace farmland, forests, or other habitats with buildings and infrastructure.

How can thoughtful city design reduce resource use per person?

Compact neighborhoods, reliable public transit, and efficient buildings can serve many people with less resource use per person than spread-out development.

What travel pattern can car-oriented sprawl encourage?

A spread-out neighborhood designed around cars can make driving necessary for many daily activities.

What environmental harms can poorly managed human activities cause?

If poorly managed, activities such as agriculture, mining, fishing, and construction can deplete resources, fragment habitats, and pollute air, water, or soil.

How can environmental change create risks for people?

Environmental change can harm health, reduce crop yields, and damage homes and infrastructure.

How does burning fossil fuels contribute to climate change?

Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.