Sustainability

Explain why atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide are expected to increase in the future.

Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations are expected to increase, because practices that are responsible for carbon emissions are expected to increase. With an increased demand for energy caused by an increasing population, fossil fuel burning is expected to increase. When fossil fuels burn, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Additionally, the clearing of forests for agriculture and living space that occurs in response to increasing populations causes a release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Explain how recycling practices can lead to environmental sustainability.

Environmental sustainability is achieved when the environment can meet the needs of a population without losing its ability to meet future needs. Recycling practices can lead to environmental sustainability, because they help reduce the amount of waste introduced into the environment, which leads to higher pollution levels and other environmental concerns. Recycling also reduces the amount of raw materials that are taken from the environment to produce new products.

Explain why water shortages are expected to be such a widespread problem in the future.

Increased human population not only increases the demand for freshwater, but also increases the risk of contamination of freshwater sources. As more people use a greater number of natural resources, the damage to the environment increases. With more freshwater sources being subject to pollution and an increased demand, water shortages are expected.

Decreasing the use of pesticides and herbicides can help agricultural sustainability.

True

Increases in the world's population will require an increase in sustainable practices.

True

More than 50% of ecosystems are currently being used unsustainably.

True

Explain why using wind, solar, and biomass energy can lead to sustainable energy use.

Wind, solar, and biomass energy are all forms of renewable energy. Wind and solar energy use do not deplete a natural resource as is the case with coal and oil use. Using renewable resources is a sustainable practice, because it allows for continued energy use. Coal and oil reserves will eventually be depleted beyond the energy demands of the population because they are nonrenewable resources. Wind, solar, and biomass energy, on the other hand, can meet current energy needs and continue to meet the energy needs of the future.

How can recycling materials lead to environmental sustainability?

a. Recycling materials helps decrease the amount of new materials taken from the environment.

Which of the following energy sources is expected to have the highest rate of consumption in 2030?

a. coal

What is the current greatest threat to agricultural sustainability?

a. erosion

It has been projected that by 2025 _______ people will suffer from water shortages.

b. 2 out of 3

Which of the following is not a direct consequence of groundwater use?

b. increased surface water levels

The decreased use of _______ can help lead to sustainable agriculture.

b. pesticides

Energy sustainability can best be achieved by using

b. renewable energy sources

How is the world population projected to change in the next few decades?

c. It is projected to increase steadily.

Which of the following practices will lead to sustainability?

c. conservation tillage

Which of the following is not a way in which carbon sequestration can benefit soil?

c. increased water storage

Which of the following is the most likely cause for future water shortages?

c. water pollution

By the year 2050, the world's population is projected to be

d. 9 billion

Which of the following needs must be met to achieve sustainability?

d. all of the above