Resources, Sustainability and Biodiversity

What is sustainability in the context of the environment?

• The ability of an environment to support the population that lives there.

• The process of using resources without any limitations.

• A method to increase the planet's resources.

• The practice of consuming all natural resources.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, by what year would we need two planets to support human population if we keep consuming resources at the current rate?

• 2025

• 2030

• 2050

• 2100

Who described sustainability as "utilizing the forest to the greatest possible extent, but still in a way that future generations will have as much benefit as the living generation"?

• The World Wildlife Fund

• Georg Hartig

• Early environmentalists

• Forest overseers of the 1800s

What are some of the basic needs that Earth's limited resources provide for humans?

What must we do to ensure future generations can benefit from Earth's resources?

• Consume resources at an increased rate

• Monitor human actions that could deplete resources beyond repair

• Find a second planet to inhabit

• Rely solely on nonrenewable resources

What is the term used to define the resources that are provided to humans by Earth and cannot be manufactured?

• Manufactured resources

• Human-made capital

• Natural capital

• Sustainable resources

Which of the following is not a characteristic of renewable natural capital?

• They can replace themselves.

• They depend on the sun's radiation for energy.

• They can run out if overused without attention to natural growth rates.

• They are resources that will never run out.

What is a disadvantage of wind energy mentioned in the text?

• Wind turbines add pollutants to the atmosphere.

• Wind energy can be used in all areas without restrictions.

• Wind turbines must cover a large area of land to provide enough electricity.

• Wind energy is not a free resource.

According to the text, which of the following is not a form of energy that is considered replenishable natural capital?

• Wind

• Hydroelectric

• Geothermal

• Fossil fuels

What is one of the disadvantages of hydroelectric power?

• It is high in cost

• It contributes to air pollution

• It is dependent on fast-flowing rivers or streams

• It generates small amounts of energy