Economics in Environmental Science

Draw the supply and demand curve, labeling the equilibrium

Answer explanation

Larger quantities mean that each unit is worth less, and price goes down. Lower quantities mean that each unit is worth more, and price goes up.

Label each half of this cost-benefit analysis

a

b

cost

benefit

Answer explanation

Costs include factors like start up $, supplies, and labor. Benefits include the eventual profits. Cost-benefit analysis considers both short and long-term outcomes. Oftentimes, environmental consequences are less direct and longer-term than what most economists look for

Tags

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

NGSS.HS-ESS3-2

Which statement about the relationship between economics and the environment is true?

• 1. Internal and external environmental costs are usually considered equally

• Long-term effects often receive more weight than short-term effects

• Harm to the environment can harm economies

• The relationship usually receives serious consideration

Answer explanation

Economics are trades for goods and services. (almost) All resources originate from the environment of our planet Earth.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-2

NGSS.HS-ETS1-1

Organize the resources as renewable, non-renewable, or something in between

a

b

c

sunlight

Copper

soil

Answer explanation

Various resources replenish at different rates. Sunlight and wind replenish quickly so they are renewable. Metal ore and fossil fuels replenish over millions of years, so they are non-renewable. Other resources like soil, clean water, and wood depend on sustainable practices. Overuse can lead to depletion.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-1

"Energy Star," "USDA Organic," and "Fair Trade Certified" are all examples of

• ecosystems

• ecolabeling

• market value

• non-market value

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

In the United States, the strength of environmental policy is constant from state to state

• True

• False

Answer explanation

State laws vary, specifying on whatever federal (national) law has yet to cover

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-1

The executive branch of the United States government includes

• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

The Legislative Branch (Senate & House) legislates.

The Executive Branch (President & Cabinet, Agencies) enforces.

The Judicial Branch (Court system) interprets.

Reorder the US Environmental Policy timeline from 1 (1780s) to 4 (current)

• preserve and conserve natural spaces as parks and monuments

• creating agencies to combat pollution in American land, water, and air

• dealt primarily with the management of private land

• pushed for Westward Expansion as a 'manifest destiny'

Answer explanation

In the late colonial and Revolutionary periods, American policy began as land management for agriculture and settlement of the Ohio River Valley, and grew to encompass westward expansion into the Louisiana Purchase and later still into New Spain.

Throughout the 19th century, unsustainable agriculture, hunting, fishing, forestry, and other practices lead to to a growing conservation movement. Other groups also saw preserved natural spaces as important for the public good as part of stewardship. National Parks, Monuments, and other preserves developed.

Starting in the mid-20th century, citizens found themselves living amid dirtier air, dirtier water, and more waste and toxic chemicals. These also impacted human health and the economy. Laws and agencies were developed to assess and improve environmental health.

Which item is not tied directly with US Environmental Policy?

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• Clean Air Act

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

• Superfunds

• Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Match the following

• World Bank

• Promotes free trade & enforces fair trade practices

• United Nations

• 197 members use international discussion and cooperation on global problems

• European Union

• 27 members 

  share economic regulations and policies

• World Trade Organization

• Provides credits, grants, & low-interest loans developing nations