Sustainability and Natural Resources Concepts

The video introduces environmental science, focusing on sustainability, its importance, and how it is integrated into education. It covers key factors like solar energy, biodiversity, and nutrient cycling. The interdisciplinary nature of environmental science is highlighted, drawing on engineering, social sciences, and ethics. Social factors such as economics, political science, and ethics are discussed in relation to sustainability. The video also explains natural capital and ecosystem services, addressing environmental challenges and solutions. Pretest and post-test questions help reinforce learning.

What is the primary focus of the greening of American schools?

• Improving academic performance

• Increasing sports facilities

• Incorporating sustainability practices

• Enhancing technological infrastructure

Which of the following is true about biodiversity?

• It is not essential for sustainability

• It is only important for animal species

• It does not affect human life

• It is a key to long-term sustainability

What is considered a false statement about natural resources?

• They can be depleted

• They are essential for human survival

• They can be degraded

• They are in limitless supply

Which factor is NOT a key factor of sustainability?

• Natural capital

• Biodiversity

• Ethics

• Economics

What does solar energy primarily provide for the Earth?

• Water currents

• Nutrient cycling

• Biodiversity

• Heat and light

How can economics influence sustainability?

• By ignoring environmental costs

• By prioritizing short-term profits

• By including environmental and health costs

• By reducing subsidies for renewable energy

What is a win-win solution in political science regarding fossil fuels?

• Burning more fossil fuels

• Increasing fossil fuel subsidies

• Using fossil fuels for plastics

• Eliminating fossil fuel use

What is natural capital?

• A political strategy

• Natural resources and ecosystem services

• A social movement

• A type of renewable energy

Which resource does not need to be cycled by ecosystems?

• Water

• Natural gas

• Solar energy

• Carbon

What is a major challenge in maintaining natural capital?

• Focusing solely on renewable resources

• Overuse of non-renewable resources

• Balancing economic and scientific solutions

• Ignoring political factors