Central Question: How can linking ecology and economics help reduce societies’ environmental impacts?

Answer the following questions for each chapter section and then answer the Central Question.

2.1–2.4 Science

  • What makes up economies and ecosystems?

  • What are the forms of energy and what are the rules that govern it?

  • How do matter and energy move through ecosystems?

  • How do matter and energy move through economic systems?

2.5–2.7 Issues

  • What factors fuel and limit economic growth?

  • How can economic system models have environmental consequences?

  • What is the Tragedy of the Commons and how does it impact the environment?

2.8–2.10 Solutions

  • What economic strategies and policies support wise resource use?

  • How can property rights and ownership lead to environmental preservation?

  • What are some alternative economic approaches to sustainability?

Answer the Central Question:

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Ecosystems, Economic Systems, and You

A sustainable economy starts with you! We can all play a role in working toward a society that uses resources wisely and also benefits from economic growth. Get to know the economic foundations of your community and investigate the environmental impacts of the industries in your community.

□Study the local and regional economics and environment.

What is the economic base for your community? Is the economy dominated by one or a few industries—for example, agriculture, manufacturing, or mining—or is it a mixed economy? How is employment divided among the main sectors of the regional or local economy? What developmental initiatives are currently being pursued in your community or region? What are the areas of growth or decline?

Familiarize yourself with the local and regional ecology and the main environmental issues in your community. Learn how economic development may be affecting the local or regional ecosystems. How is the local economy impacting air or water quality? What challenges does the local economy create for wildlife in your area? What steps are being taken to reduce the environmental impacts of water pollution, air pollution, or land use changes? Are there particular parts of your community being impacted or neglected?

□Promote economic and environmental sustainability.

Does your community have a long-term plan for sustainability, which attempts to promote economic development with reduced environmental impact? For example, does your community have a program to promote energy efficiency and reduce waste through recycling programs? If so, try to become involved in activities and planning related to the sustainability program. If not, join with other interested individuals to encourage such a program by writing opinion pieces for the local media and letters to local or regional leaders. It may be most efficient to focus on a particular issue, such as recycling or water or energy efficiency, of special significance in your area.

□Make environmentally constructive choices.

How each of us affects the surrounding environment begins with our personal choices. As a consumer, every time you purchase a product, you send a message to the manufacturer that you support the values behind its product. Use this purchasing power to support businesses that work to reduce their negative impacts on the environment or that have a positive environmental influence. Join friends or a Meetup group with like-minded economic values and communicate your choices on a blog or Facebook page dedicated to your topic of interest.

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