Exam 16: Sociology and the Environment

Which of the following accurately represents the level of environmental concern that has been demonstrated by Ontario citizens?

Who comprises the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change?

Many environmental health risks are chronic, involving low-dose exposure over an extended period of time.

What term is used to describe the sum of dangerous chemicals that accumulate in an individual over a given period of time?

In a class discussion, William was asked to give a concise definition of externality. Which of the following would he give?

David insists that the only way the human race will survive is by stopping the "buzz-saw of progress" in Northern industrial nations and by halting its advance in less-developed countries. Which of the following would David see as being unrealistic?

The flow of waste from the northern to southern hemisphere illustrates a form of environmental inequality. What has led to an intensification of this problem?

Marketable pollution permits (cap-and-trade) would allow countries the flexibility to address and control environmentally harmful emissions on their own terms. Discuss how this process would work, utilizing examples for elaboration.

Explain the resource curse and the negative outcomes that might be experienced by a country rich in natural resources.

Fort McMurray, Alberta, is a boomtown that is predicated on the exploitation of natural resources.

Brian learned that an international logging company was going to be clear cutting an old growth forest of Douglas firs in Cathedral Grove. He and other members of the "Friends of the Grove" group organized a "Crime Against Nature" protest, scheduling it for the day the loggers were to start work and issuing a press release. The day of the protest, representatives from four major news outlets showed up. Why?

One leading proponent of ecological balance for human survival maintains that increasing economic growth cannot be maintained, and that downsizing all human activity is necessary in order to let other species survive. This perspective is a contrast to which of the following concepts?

As City X grew, a new source of energy was needed to power the increasing number of factories and homes. A wind farm was built and companies were given subsidies to use solar power. Which of the following concepts includes the logic behind developing wind and solar power rather than using oil or coal?

In more recent times, environmentalists have been drawn from which groups of people?

According to your text, which of the following is true in reference to the early emergence of the environmental movement?

The Conservation Council of New Brunswick invites a leading environmentalist to speak at its annual general meeting, and he tells the audience that the planet is rapidly approaching the time beyond which the global ecosystem will not be able to sustain life. Which of the following terms best characterizes this moment in time?

The concept of sustainable development is key to much economic planning, but critics argue it is being used mainly as a rationale to allow more economic growth at the expense of the environment. What do you think: can economic growth and environmental quality coexist? Why and/or why not?

Which of the following would you find as members of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)?

Marcus drives his family crazy-going around and turning off lights, lecturing his brother on recycling, and instructing his mother on how to use less water and hydro when doing laundry. But when he is with his friends, Marcus discusses his ongoing purchases of computer monitors, keyboards, and the 54-inch LED television that replaces his 42-inch LCD purchase of last year. What is Marcus demonstrating?

Discuss the three waves of the current environmental movement. What was the focus of each one? Should it arise, what do you think will be the focus of a fourth wave? Explain your answer.