In this module we have identified global-scale indicators of environmental health that allow us to monitor specific parameters over time. Ultimately, these indicators contribute to a picture of the sustainability of human activities on Earth. We have identified that biodiversity is decreasing and that food production has leveled off. Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations are steadily increasing and global temperatures fluctuate, although the overall change is toward an increase. The human population continues to increase in size but the rate of increase has been declining. One measurement that allows us to assess the sustainability of these different parameters and how they change over time is the ecological footprint. The final module in this chapter introduces us to some of the scientific methods and techniques we will use in order to measure these indicators and make assessments about sustainability.

Module 2 AP^® Review Questions

18

Question 1

1. atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations.

2. human population.

3. natural resource depletion.

4. ocean fish harvest.

5. pollution in a local stream.

Question 2

1. 200 ha

2. 250 ha

3. 500 ha

4. 750 ha

5. 1,250 ha

Question 3

1. Developing countries consume slightly more meat and fish per capita.

2. Developed countries consume slightly more meat and fish per capita.

3. Developing and developed countries consume about the same amount of meat and fish per capita.

4. Developing countries consume about four times more meat and fish per capita.

5. Developed countries consume about four times more meat and fish per capita.

Question 4

1. 1.2 ha

2. 29 ha

3. 73 ha

4. 178 ha

5. 1,752 ha

Question 5

1. the land that a person lives on.

2. the amount of carbon dioxide a person contributes to climate change.

3. the land required to produce a person’s food.

4. the land needed to support all of a person’s activities.

5. the amount of fossil fuel a person uses.