Exam 16: Sociology and the Environment

For decades a considerable number of Atlantic coast citizens made their living fishing cod. But in 1992, this way of life came to an abrupt halt. Why?

The psychological tendency known as future discounting means that many people are not inclined to change their environmentally dangerous behaviour due to the future benefits they may receive from it.

When growing up, Randy was always being told to turn off the lights when he left the room and he copied this practice with his own children. Then Randy and Sharon and their kids moved into their custom designed home, replete with recessed energy-efficient LED lighting throughout. After a few months, turning off the lights in unoccupied rooms was no longer a family practice. Which of the following concepts would best explain this change of attitude and behaviour?

Phanat was telling his classmates about scientists finding a region in Siberia where a million square kilometres of permafrost was melting. This was followed with his assertion that runaway global warming and worldwide social, economic, and environmental devastation was imminent. What was Phanat arguing?

Prior to the 1970s, sociologists considered both social and biophysical bases in their analysis of environmental problems.

In a discussion of environmentally responsible countries, Allison asserted that Canada was definitely not one. What would she utilize to support her argument?

Sue was researching the phenomenon known as the resource curse for a class assignment. Which of the following would Sue NOT be including in her presentation?

Pollution is considered to be an externality since it occurs outside the pollution-producing plant.

What is meant by the assertion that environmental concern appears to follow an economic contingency logic? Why might this be?

The strength of the economy is often measured in terms of the country's gross national product (GNP). But as your text points out, GNP figures mask the environmental devastation that accompanies economic growth. Explain how this happens.

Which country was the world's second biggest exporter of asbestos, a known cancer-causing agent?

Lyn grew up in a fishing town in Newfoundland with her father and brothers working long hours in the fish-canning factory. She moved with her family to Alberta in 1993, in order for her father and brothers to find work. What would explain this cross-country move?

What discovery by scientists in 1985 led to the banning of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in 1987?

Countries such as India, China, and other developing nations want to share the affluence that is enjoyed by wealthier countries, and many developing countries are experiencing rapid industrial growth. But as was demonstrated by developed nations, industrial growth has serious consequences for the environment. Should developing nations be subjected to strict regulations on their greenhouse gas emissions? Why and/or why not?

What evidence did the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change utilize to support its conclusion that there has been a dramatic rise in greenhouse gas since the time of industrialization?

The Buckminster Fuller Institute sponsored a corporate challenge to "make the world work for 100 percent of humanity" and asked for submissions outlining proposed industry strategies to address environmental concerns. What was the Institute advocating?

Epidemiological studies conducted of the Aamjiwnaang First Nations Reserve show that over the past decade a statistically significant lower number of girls than boys have been born.

Rebecca is hurriedly packing up her house, since the new owners want to move in before the end of the month. As she is cleaning up the basement, she finds a dozen old half-filled cans of paint. Although Rebecca regularly recycles, she throws the paint cans into garbage bags rather than taking them to a toxic waste site. Which of the following concepts would explain Rebecca's actions?

Which of the following has the lowest royalty rate on industry oil revenue?

Which country was the first in the world to ban bisphenol A from baby bottles?