Chapter 1. Chapter 1: Environmental Literacy
What are some of the environmental dilemmas...?
Guiding Question 1.2
What are some of the environmental dilemmas that humans face, and why are many of these considered “wicked problems”?
Why You Should Care
The problem with any dilemma is that there are hard choices to make, no matter which way you choose to go. Many environmental-science issues are dilemmas because, just as they can be broken into different questions, those questions are answered differently by different members of society. These dilemmas are called “wicked problems” because they combine urgency with complexity and must be solved comprehensively to avoid impacts.
The human mind can gather and integrate new information to adapt to new situations rapidly. However, our emotions and attitudes strongly influence our perception of our situation. Any discussion of environmental issues must also include attitude. How do we think about the future? How does that change our view of possible solutions and how we approach those solutions?
Question Test Your Vocabulary
Choose the correct term for each of the following definitions:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Q185C6Xx/VlKL6tvYC0RR7Ot50hOspLQRzumEeBfrIRCSHxwrS9mStOfsBB9Gpj+XaBKLGcOmxqnNA6x/0Gj1ykIv2UhovGu8EHW8rnqTBIgh4lTvxhtfg5qlHQ= | A method of using resources in such a way that we can continue to use them indefinitely. |
| LhYTz9l6qDUz4n4CzkR9fBpBTL0eDo0Bf04GMJC+4eeA2vpBDzeibsUJYPUkJG8GQjHVHkX5Gd21NdCirRtzU0rRte+nQqPaB0s32QJZTpCcskl0JkpTZnXXNPI= | Caused by or related to human action. |
| AjDQEmW/+SBdApZkbDjmgItgojJY4hvyHPjk74WkANw35NWlx63iRqtkw8sC3pjARgLp/Wir7+ebOKXfAVfT66tF4u9fgnCRtLV4u4aNbOgPQWrkD8KYrD8lGQ8= | The imperfect and sometimes problematic responses between which we must at times choose when addressing complex problems. |
| omW61ZKar6PpJDfGql77ZWSfBR2xDl9mH1z0aweTGHKRZSgSBPCUuHTT7VAI2EOCbDnyz7rUG5KPkVoxpoxgszF3yglJdyr/eYnFqlFa1SF5xIL94VdJpx2pRdw= | Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. |
| qrbZGDQGX89Njr0uWoy017qi78nBad5qDYnhLyYS0EXs8hQYa55AD8RhtHdBNMJZfsJs7c6KNAG7esq5RG0AQtGNrsEW20pgvQ5dk6YhYo7jPUc2TQRZcUyyq1o= | The combination of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of our choices. |
Question Sequence
Question Sequence
Follow this link and play the climate challenge game. You are the leader of a European country, and you will be allowed to make five changes during each decade to shape the availability of energy, food, and water resources.
While you’re playing the game, take notes for each decade about what changes you propose. Also, keep track of how treaties to decrease carbon shape your choices.
Question 1.1
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oszgxU2Ext1Fhk7Vq/yi+o/BxF5F5Do1MXE+bkQoUMG3H6kIC4gFhLy7R8cXYcVigTdWPClMJfS3pDwYWt+esXNvpvQ=Question 1.3
HnW2hozFgjDVasAC7rXuHXwgJjqPfpqmgKTvoWcyeGMqZDmsqrR2RJHClGTK1rxDnSW1es5+x6tHASQ5fLtpvXHsIcRWzdsfij73/Ut/gRh+tUC/YWaizaab0EW7oojm
Question Sequence
Question Sequence
Choose the viewpoint that most closely fits the following statements:
Question 1.4
Sure, we are running out of oil, but we have invented new ways to make oil last, and we will find a way to stretch it out for centuries. mC+/odHc3SAWOgik5/Wey3VBC4dN1YsUdb9+vNE50pDCqTsI+99ZJTeK919bf0yfari5ngbLN8RJ9oYLq3nNaJe2iU8kqThCYvwh1BhqJoCl+R6axkEj9w==
Question 1.5
Researchers are still fine-tuning their predictions of climate change, so we should wait until we have a better idea of what is going on. 48ruQM5Jormhw/LON8182aQ5ns4wDnGGBFZ2COQh/Fv8nZbaF0jShs7SA4XDaXNbberRY5OXsdqVfxrFJCCbxYP8Zu+/d7xavg56SFsHzjrTJKmXiW77PA==
Question 1.6
What can one person do with a global problem? vCX9V/RyIfV0V8qpQdBi0/C10YQvzW/TRoUUMIO1jX6izr7pOreHk2WdeH013Z5RnhuOEhvtKyIp+AH+nd/pPQRADAFGPiwtSunYnReZMoX6pM4TOutvhQ==
Question 1.7
Given enough time, humans will find a way to overcome climate change—after all, we always have, haven't we? q/59BbYpmJBMl3PFp+xlZOFWNFCHu/N2PuYwKOvPzw+U6xozmSNGsFpR3wf+kusy0r4YkKheM6JZTuLThXxQkcPNIEU9ChiGMrkTxv/bpsimJvq/jVMC9Q==
Question 1.8
Climate change can be slowed if we only use nature as a guide. prC11wKTc8722JmcvkKEYuu5TqKYmjGAV07YpNmKgCCEP/IApVh4LHDjL3uokxRe3y24/CJe727aL/BhEzkSH5q8SBhguNggwpAQQBOErdXnKJaAhutg1Q==
Question 1.9
It doesn't matter if I recycle; everyone else has to conserve, too. They'll never do anything, so it doesn't matter.vCX9V/RyIfV0V8qpQdBi0/C10YQvzW/TRoUUMIO1jX6izr7pOreHk2WdeH013Z5RnhuOEhvtKyIp+AH+nd/pPQRADAFGPiwtSunYnReZMoX6pM4TOutvhQ==