Chapter 1. Chapter 1: Environmental Literacy

What challenges does humanity face in dealing with environmental issues...

Interactive Study Guide
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Guiding Question 1.3

What challenges does humanity face in dealing with environmental issues, and how can environmental literacy help us make more informed decisions?

Why You Should Care

The solutions to the environmental problems we face today are known, but the process of implementing them is challenging. Any solution that has a social component can suffer from "social traps," as we seek to create benefits today and hope to minimize consequences tomorrow. But those short-term benefits often have long-term costs, many of which are unforeseen. These social traps all require a short-term view, and taking a longer-term view will often minimize consequences.

How we see the world in large part shapes how we decide which actions are proper or allowed. Environmental philosophers categorize worldviews into three major groups based on their focus: human-centered, life-centered, and ecosystem-centered. In each case, the worldview places the greatest emphasis on the value of whatever it is centered on for its decision making. Most people fall into one worldview on most issues, but sometimes, they fall into a different worldview for issues with strong emotional ties.

Question Test Your Vocabulary

Choose the correct term for each of the following definitions:

Term Definition
qpzpD+GuXCe8qPjLKjj7ZZt+UzLU4G7eHr6i7qjSXCtLOVVOgUKlzxMJIoRpIrVkHMcIHDT88XeADo/QkMekoYaNT/mGh4SJXhqurWfO8sBe7uwwbLUg9gplIblqyw+W6V0LulxVr44Yp+6uYNs5ynNry0mVoymoK3PRVXqonRn2Q6nh0FKwFf+78CwR3mOcFN7CEeSbBEM60qPd A life-centered approach that views all life as having intrinsic value, regardless of its usefulness to humans.
nGl8CI7UYbJyJiFIGO6sV2oV5vmbesy/dFAT+KBdhVcXX5laPwNLFnnhWcfdsphjWuH8cT7mGsPrgSnvmgFYDOfdlUIn6cW5vFmqtIl9kY+f9gfGzLk+44UmuIC25dJF2cEo+RXsWEBffFJs1pBlHseP4+4oUCKAys8z7t8eY1bR7YX0LVRsVtqcpiplT2TsdvlgQDJVs2naIzXH A human-centered view that assigns intrinsic value only to humans.
w51Sc1C9UqjyA2RB9Jy9qLd24TsAZ0xarx+1cEmFM9zyrGRJ1MxI6Wzh9rKiKEeXoWbZ5HvxMqzOZwGmmhrFLmrSR0a3hJgxM1G8f5py/W7tQqY0eArhqZj+EET+HHh0TdfNUjp64nYbAHuVs4Uu8tUiYKfrNyV/UCcaScSg6RIteyB5iohGbwB4OsOFMMgLqkBDUFfsErrxtHxY A system-centered view that values intact ecosystems, not just the individual parts.
MFysNfw06r3nlIg28ra3xCq+43LMjazfmkYAUOjrzz4y1n3e6Dnymsk9/eoaY2Rs/KVQiJvScc6eqBRcisqePVkWunIeZA8J5gsKEgSOW12crHR672n4ACoxJ2xCLb8a4ZFNw7Wqa4mowB4vBq6ZtcwLXSwdBPVoweVdfD/TnLN2FNnw8Q6mX1hv+X8AoDyIlS3YrVfZjN7SRGzr The value or worth of an object, organism, or species is based on its usefulness to humans.
zijO8TtCYz4d+7n8c65SSmRqgdIvAQSu3DTTwtStJCW/JDXsbe0FKZXnZEaslnC+NOfOAjR8AqgWeH1/3Gy6vXO8OKkuXVD0H93A8tmKT7KCI8U74JbMEaOl6YGH32mW6kTt6VBiKOwlc/Tdic7AJcq7XRVDcCdauxMyajiM0WLmPK8PklIeQVCzJL9f43N9ak1ZNacNEfs+B6Rd The value or worth of an object, organism, or species is based on its mere existence.
vP41z/7p8SujOwxIw/M8Ik0qm3dWIv5nZcC2rTbl94Eyo6/toCJokUkH8vjHpeVOh3ZosOH+YIOf/vLhoqt2ewalwz9MZJvYp1aVDd90KtABsnJQdjV26UxPAlvtCSM2tJvZVJljGhdXi0ENg7duWNrJuKE+59ZQ/ZDYn9f/sofUVew6lmzQP2XekN0KVeoYXgjszjti1LuU2IZv The population size that a particular environment can support indefinitely.
Ah0L736IPGjp8wQ4NgONsNLSUsS+U+i+ywoPEYeBFmGeXgrlHBYRhFvHMHrwJ8CyHIXPxt0aRQb8DYUkbQ+CG5rvfvkosswfaPWrDdZH/TmGrLfAryBprn1dP0W0PMsjK6v2U4BL7ZliiEOeoPBUXYxLSjgBk8wC77IpiKyiTokatAwh3vvhPdngXhkPqMQVMNLUOwqFmUxxK2rj The land needed to provide the resources and assimilate the waste of a person or population.
999
Correct.
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Incorrect.
Infographic 1.6

Question Sequence

Question 1.1

Scenario: Bison in North America numbered in the tens of millions in the 19th Century. A rapidly escalating market for their hides, meat, and territory for cattle lead to their near extinction. Please place the following in the correct order to demonstrate the social trap "time delay".

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2. WmOzBd5/b1S1VIqRL5aVttUFNO2l4G1g9erhWPOz7nZXkRC/ow/hsx9DdI8TIh0nBNm3D8hMl0udzYh660TSf27spOdZyhlkeoylxs0lF35H+Yq6LIH0TWkHjvUklXslxmvePf+5HXwQIxa5+7kKXOSpNTsjNtZQLcCZs96H7TJN2+XDFa8FrMOg2xYAHlRndZ74Ie83nDy5vJrZsrvCg5jSFeEAsfpp54Pfczz/YDFlu9Wh9PrPffm0pTpuTiZkFNfdgGfyE20lE7WcE1tEaewV1xMywjzovD3L4EhD3w+aO+AFb/TwGVstW37nzz5/DJRVIu3Jrcj7KV7VE6wNhPw70VPIvu9fuydZA7dVSfej+KjtNx1Il03Wmfl9a+ulqYgK12tzCUnbQLhsHfngYTJCNcfwpohUevBPcA==

3. QQAyDd4WeYYVji6pEmVetvq9hodiGpXwdhNB7Jkx24YipKKOnESVhajiPfTmbCu/r2rVTaOVHcv4hOuO3TXioBP3ICCSpzuGHtrmG0fO5VAYkXDiF+TJ1SiHlzGPDBELw3eP8k5juIX3MS8BbzXLkNevVqyGVD90lcJphcu/1l2xkhzsllOhLbOTUD8j5d93aus3cjYcSaYrlg07XXP80FYdNCYKOw0s0QwXpf33ThDeNmQizKH/hFvojAAqxvuvEfo6RtvvuKdG4+cFBcjwsQjyXapHiNaWq74rSoBbDaVouCSUcONm7/GnQ/kSQX8sE9nEaurvTdL1lRITg2gLZonh+qNuggCgsHwAFnbSl8/Ann2zg6LYYd++dH+3MyV6ADkffVU9hvGfOrwcLSc8aAY4O0ZANfjsyy4k/g==

4. uiWuEOamj5xt4nn92oidWBpzuD8VCMogbUtMxt/7zQI85jr+60tuj9rmrSPMHEXnqNrMz7+quTekW7B1lOWEmvfTQmchwBOMsNMsvzwSkj7/7UdbKO5JjHP+xGuK/5TVxXRxuWdELt0K6pyXjOqpHRwj6t3CYH5IIxCF4Y1ot/sNAEZmIteTb26Os01TH/gqJ7wAr6HpqO2KPJ8ZhBTjEhi1pRaHOWNSkD6TIU6iZs30IZr3HrYwexRTgJ2s0SbT5TDGU0661kjK2RDReXuU7SfN5niPrIjRJgtRFCUXaLoOZ4yEKM2JEZwYhTtv9OrW/iLZIph9x5zRzZpKzp4XBs84bS2KoWrGXcOWT9zVEr62QxIf+70niVBarKp5Z10wwCArBiyjBiGcjh1MHJ6ZLmS3AaDnycs+kQUplw==

5. mixYNqkGM3/p2qUrF4ze1viOHpdL0Cp3Gi4I1nUpBJB8IZUcKJ1Y3tttl3MCFbmHdsL4qHK5jBsSebeaDIFwOaTJE8ZuscSdTzxilh3p0I0mEdPQzEbtG7Vzbb1A+buX8r9qbwzY03Gs1NwJJKCpvdCjdhTl6Lt1tSs2Xw6UN0S9j9ZnnG6KB4n63eTt0M90FfchWO5ZuUuh89josbKtn+Y8kTUcy5wHx3q2Wzz23lQR1bOVnw4SvBPGoWPVZPXlSM3cJBx8zS+hC852zPuCHtPIrUUIjUWQsSPKJPDX2oBZJQexYvxdgAJgSS1Mamq+1hOCNveeTKndh172LXBJKQeup7zTfm3mMIQQ/1l4O9MGC32b6qIXB3KgW/MeicAJLTfAuOWRKr9VvPrTsE7519xGj7+0fiuOVj6DUQ==

999
Try again.
Correct.
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Question 1.2

Scenario: Hydraulic fracturing (“hydrofracking”) is a new practice to extract natural gas trapped in layers deep beneath the Earth’s surface. Deep wells are drilled into these layers, into which custom mixtures of fluids are injected. The drilling and injection of the fluid can cause pollution of nearby water supplies. The dangers of this drilling, the effect on water supplies, and the proper procedures to regulate it are all still being discussed politically. Please place the following in the correct order to demonstrate the social trap "tragedy of the commons."

1. FtUFe9VkCYbNfU9pl83pHLG3kxEYSdEjmhp//zBgnWc6QEDTnDdCiylBpJCwUD2jWN1CYvhg1W5CKpUR20D674pRejz+USTSUcFfk8Efq+b+sONCZInmLz5h7oOxd6PFnPIFDtujxOEQRXlbFtsZiJ0/qoXmdyfkwICI4vPYK78orUDANWhfwVl9L+JBL1bAQGEN7hLGX0/+1MLPIp/4z0WUe0whrJ1JKdRmwSxf2reR8JxQ9AY6GuTJqTW+IGSlH8eEaQ2W4kTInA7uTC9xHc7II688bkmGqUTIWtDGS0WFfVY0HORk0IoHIHA/5cby2czADQirl0SR/NUZmmYI6j02u+3ihvmU0hhUJnvUvInzyzA8

2. ZuMVJWiBM5tUpDj48DMxgLSVDzJszlQmbiv8cx451lddJ4cd5Pk1B2Vb0YbjmicQZc/LYrwqic1p31ISI+TwUBw44lWmjS6Ox+VB/5dIWOkrTk4Vhw8DBkO9JoDzMuOd5dzxrvaXQkJHos6800onQ11SpmqKh/JNRmITiMONn3yYX0MVjE1RJxd19Mjz/IFFAiL9YPEgB+ZubOY/V9nu/202sU1B4e8AKZ1giqclPE6uq+CYmo+YNqY86QS4up/SADPIAfYYHAd0YUw9gS3KtwFyGcmPMm/g8ITHaBobYYCwmtNrEKwOFypC69BUuxFN0HIJHQI9u4N7OXCKOIk8KDwZroVMgjn1vyzAzguwbtSMfKV8

3. INBq2v8HkVIdJSt77GTL0Ofbgw7DCDXmUcBRJeZ1VOEAz6WKsmdUpibygoHoy6mNEJVvv2xbsoMnFf/QLt4Dlcuoe4SUtUAZk62TL+oBhE6AtqrgTgSyXVaG5sCT9bYEcTA6NhgUIxQSLJtFleg5lTF+ROdb9pZWKPzRiJ98t+lKs+qOabjc6q0nf0oGrA+EF02rKbHNVa3wn5w2siLRqKUhD9GfBRL4ErUsWlAJlYqyLGaR8YfTtMM7pruoyvLmHEurjsCGLsbK9z6SCBYLNkczTo39BA6z/Qm0sYvUZLrJ8I6XhQGdVTNL3eWmqX9pZNp0YFiJFpIJBNcmRah4kKRWJmRD0JX5mbDyfok0I5VaBmLi

4. Bj6aqLIJFvvWhjKgQt49YBRu9TRe8rgk1CXnqb/Mw4toZav1s/jm17badAY9xYcfwSWiftfBTwRSKXPP1Xit+U+1uqr0+b6125Np9AS1EClvCMmepj4p+P58cWKcEgt7IVM1rKaWZdlAlFncnXxEVxj0GsTvB6AwaSIamLOtMRgp/LmPmcPEwbsi2hwJUckXSN4UUP0piLKNyX5rtyrA3FbQOpPlH7F5gr0fiHazP/s8NkzvYRb5CcWrWLemgYOu2I+kqMYZTLKhY4UKMxwKE902aKy6jbCoWD3cm3cl2Gqjdi7Rc5RCSSYYdAELOjvuBEUlUly9cCUOH3Xaq5fPCcrWhOfdHYuN+VcDrwfQI45BYLLu

999
Try again.
Correct.
Incorrect.
Infographic 1.7

Question Sequence

Question 1.3

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
999
Correct.
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Incorrect.

Question 1.4

0MrxxEI7yTh+6IhUlG+03jjM0rT8fzaaNGAUZMJ9FQTkSXamtMDhfF0kAb3VEzvjW91bIpiOQnu0xHA61IajWmqF3e43EjqHmUgO1OJh0sreUzC83WeohI5m6cSZQOOr9HWEEIDfwwS2K+rlRDcu8/LVyOLPfn44a47G/N7fzd418zxlqL6aSe06Hv8=
999
Correct.
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Incorrect.

Question 1.5

+2V8GT56yb/ZSs6+gCR+TngJ33loISbuD/+meRlD/AivJXM+bzLov+gCdcoJPH6BLIN6c5bPXT+Kl49Vic/yNHEK8ftcXLqgIwqlSDuT+iaeW6m0xo8X7oUKAQqr7LM/roUB8/NUOwj7tGt98uuUsqFgbQdTxHUCzpHcavvCEugUnRm6PPWRQQ==
999
Correct.
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Incorrect.

Question 1.6

GFxK4AusVwTAg5hG35vKKkBRCKcysgJ7DEi9xD0QXpFRLRRapstxe0K1SDOYQOF5Y4E9pu82lUs1pSONLcSQ8s0RfNdsTav9VvE57nvMozTp/rJdV8DOn1e1MZ13Ym2PzLgBbA2bCHfIYfLcXcUuUrdono+vtQ9NJjQKoATTO1voCnfe0OEwTbdJkwdrrMPk/+2V/rU0Hp3lnDj59fARWEl9wnZnPdHnuI0lw29qizpoqQtVbmsOKV5skH+Pvp3BHNsVWg==
999
Correct.
Try again.
Incorrect.
Infographic 1.8

Question Sequence

Question 1.7

Oam18tbNpPIZ5AAC+dE83aNqvj6GlVj5Bxpn9qMd0bXT1yu+Lhj+gtS+9/T0f7AF+r1wn/sIK/WevHa2xyhG1coM/LcruOOPXJvVppYnPqVfzVaR3myMMbT9ZMtIQtEU88C4E9Yose1m1flOuodadPGc64ByZbcHwZXGqiy+aLqpHJchP0UnRhdKCirBRiqKS61gHGu5753zhFilL5vOpli1c6oLPFbJHDWp7a70PTwikVeGsN9UDVI/l9PeRhKNPwzgdA==
999
Correct.
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Incorrect.

Question 1.8

tk/vjAWnqLsVkCXb5ANmmRVdAkfbh/9dT//Dv5jOkmsio/FQn/HJ3teq7064yuKjKwqEHdDJ4WS+tkFRxldl+v9OowgzRubNG+udgprnn3BFVC4xuL9tcDVzGuGIMxvk+DKs3w6Q97ekQCFEpnnQH0xCKf7LTclANRx0KjD3S2aHQKX0088mGIW3M5fpnYnDYrAS2175WTBUrLP42YNtMtyA4Y00k5jVnd9+LeNmVEiS1nSYEfwt8C566FDuL6IfC0Cp+Q3Q1tNLbjCxwmiydCisgEIYAK+CZZGlSQt+v5UlGFCzlItm8AYudgdjm3Whn+DC5h9Flvu5uigUYtKVVw==
999
Correct.
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Question 1.9

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999
Correct.
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Incorrect.