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Warning: TT: undefined function: 32 Warning: TT: undefined function: 32Exam RevisionSST201 – Sustainable Society Through Innovative TechnologyQuestion 1 The three elements of sustainability are human, environmental and economic well beings. *Sustainable development is a form of progress that meets t...

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SST201 – Sustainable Society Through Innovative Technology Question 1 1) The three elements of sustainability are human, environmental and economic well beings.

2) *Sustainable development is a form of progress that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

3) *Natural and managed ecosystems are pressed to provide increasing goods and services due to the rising world population.

4) The main problems associated with solar power involve the conversion, collection and storage of the solar energy.

5) Atmospheric pollution is one of the human impacts on the hydrologic (Water) cycle. 6) Riverbank filtration is a water treatment technology that consists of extracting water from rivers by pumping wells located in the adjacent aquifer.

7) Sources of anthropogenic/human air pollutants may be mobile, stationary and indoor.

8) *The tremendous stress on Earth’s ecosystems and resources can cause thousands of plants and animal species to be wiped out in the coming decades. 9) *Technology encompasses tools, instruments, culture and knowledge of how to create things or solve problems.

10) *Anthropogenic/Human activities are the likely cause of today’s climate change.

11) *Thermal pollution results from waste heat energy being discharged into natural waterways.

12) Modern day environmental stewardship incorporates an ethic that guides actions and programs that manage natural resources and human well-being for the common good. 13) Agriculture runoff, storm water and atmospheric deposition are non-point sources of water pollution.

14) The three liveability outcomes that Singapore has envisioned are competitive economy, sustainable environment and high quality of life. 15) The world economy, human well-being and economic development are dependent on the goods and services from ecosystems.

16) *The major issues associated with biofuels are the diversion of farmlands needed for food crops and limitations in current technologies. 17) *Mitigation aims to reduce climate change and involves reducing the flow of heattrapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

18) *Currently, hydropower is the main form of renewable energy.

19) Climate change/Atmospheric Pollution is one of the human impacts on the hydrologic/water cycle. 20) Water quality issues focus on water pollution and its consequences, on sewage treatment technologies, and on public policies for dealing with water pollution.

21) *The five areas which pose challenges for cities to move towards sustainability and liveability are connectivity, technology, equity, engagement and identity. 22) Biological hazards refer to organisms or their products that are harmful to human health.

23) The process of implementing new ideas to create value is innovation.

24) The human pressure on the environment results from population, affluence and technology.

25) Agriculture is the greatest use of water, globally.

26) The soil’s nutrient-holding capacity is its ability to bind and hold nutrient ions until they are absorbed by roots of plants.

27) The two main technologies in the Gene Revolution are genetic modification and markerassisted breeding.

28) The main methods of disposing municipal solid wastes in middle and high-income countries are landfilling and combustion.

29) *A sustainable society is a society that ensures the health and vitality of human life and of nature’s capital for present and future generations.

30) Energy is the capacity to do work while power is the rate of work.

31) Global warming has been attributed to increasing amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.

32) Currently, the photovoltaic cells and solar-trough collectors are the two most economically viable methods to capture solar energy.

33) *Complex organic matter can be processed to make biofuels, such as ethanol, for vehicles.

34) Fresh water is a renewable resource but is used unsustainably.

35) Non-point sources of water pollution include agricultural runoffs, stormwater and atmospheric deposition.

36) The goal of science is the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, while the goal of technology is to create products that solve problems and improve human life.

37) The FOUR (4) global trends affecting sustainability are Increasing population growth and declining human well-being, Decline of ecosystems, Global climate change and Loss of biodiversity.

38) *Solar energy, hydropower and wind energy are examples of renewable energy.

39) Earthquakes, floods and forest fires are examples of physical hazards.

40) *Most air pollutants are the direct or indirect product of the combustion of coal, gasoline, liquid fuels and refuse, and are thus anthropogenic in nature.

41) Eutrophication is the enrichment of an ecosystem with chemical nutrients, typically compounds containing nitrogen, phosphorus, or both.

42) The three pillars of sustainability are human wellbeing, environmental wellbeing and economic wellbeing.

43) Coal, oil and gas are collectively known as fossil fuels.

44) Stewardship is the ethic that embodies the responsible planning and management of resources in the environment.

45) Two most commonly used technologies osmosis/microfiltration and distillation.

in

desalination

are

reverse

46) Chemicals in the environment that mimic the body’s hormones and cause health problems are called endocrine disruptors.

47) The sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emitted from the burning of fossil fuels react with water in the atmosphere to form acids.

Compare and Contrast the following terms:

a) Wind Power & Tidal Power Answer: Wind Power (WCSI) • • • •

Wind power is when movement of wind is harnessed in wind farms using turbine operated propeller blades Converts kinetic to mechanical energy for electricity production Second largest renewable electricity source and pollution-free Intermittent source, unappealing and hazardous to birds and bats

Tidal Power (TTE) • • •

Tidal power is when wind that blows over oceans is harnessed to create useful, clean and green electricity Tidal barrage is a dam built with turbines which generates power Energy used to grind grains and cut wood

b) Soil Degradation & Soil Erosion Answer:

Soil Degradation (DDDS) • • • •

Decline in soil properties for food production Deforestation and livestock grazing mismanages soil causing soil degradation Deterioration of physical, chemical and biological soil properties Soil compaction, salinization and acidification

Soil Erosion (SLH) • • •

Soil and humus are moved by water, wind or tillage causing reduced soil productivity Loss of topsoil, nutrients and happens when soil becomes bare and exposed Hinders machinery and animal labour

c) Landfill & Combustion (Waste to energy) Answer: Combustion (WMA) • • •

Waste reduction method which burns MSW to produce energy Municipal Solid Wastes have high organic content Ashes formed are disposed

Advantages (HRF) • • •

Hazardous products form ashes making it controllable and resource recovery Reduce weight of trash by 70% and volume by 90% Facilities have emission control technologies

Disadvantages (ACE) • • •

Air pollution and bad odours Constant supply of MSW Expensive facilities and location issues

Landfill (DDP) • • •

Dispose household waste by burial Decomposition, settles and produces methane Precautions are taken to prevent groundwater contamination

d) Technology & Innovation Answer: Technology (EF) • •

Encompasses application of scientific knowledge and engineering design to serve society’s needs and cause change Focuses on knowledge application involving people and machines that meet sustainable goals

Innovation (CSC) • • •

Creating new ideas, systems and processes for value Solve challenges in providing sustainable energy, clean water and infrastructure Continually growing due to trends like infinite computing and digital fabrication

e) Genetic Modification & Market-assisted Breeding Answer: Genetic Modification (GEP) • • • `

Genetic engineering combines plant genetics with traits into crops and animals to produce Genetically Modified (GM) varieties Exchanges genes among bacteria, animals and plants Produce more food, decreases use of pesticides but not 100% safe to eat

Marker-Assisted Breeding (CPND) • • • •

Crop improvements without transgenic techniques Plant genes are found using DNA sequencing and crossbred with modern crop breeds No special testing and permits cause reduced costs and delays DNA sequencing of seedlings avoids plant growth to maturity

f) Decline of Ecosystems & Loss of Biodiversity Answer: Decline of Ecosystems (NWDO) • • • •

Natural and managed ecosystems support human life and economies with goods and services World economy is dependent on renewable resources which are mismanaged Depleting groundwater and degrading agricultural soils Overfishing and deforestation

*NOTE Goods & Services = Ecosystem Capital

Loss of Biodiversity (Biodiversity → Variety of life) (BRD) • • •

Biodiversity maintains natural systems and boosts ecosystem productivity Resource exploitation like poaching and overfishing, population increase and pollution Degrades wildlife and marine habitats

g) Coal Power & Nuclear Power Answer: Coal Power (HBC) • • •

Highly compressed organic matter used for heating, cooking and industrial works Burning releases toxic substances like Chromium, Lead and Arsenic Cheap, plenty, easy to mine but nonrenewable

Nuclear Energy (NIN) • • •

Nuclear fission produces heat and turbo generators spin to generate electricity Increased construction costs, safety and storage issues for radioactive waste No release of greenhouse gases, particles and acid forming pollutants

h) Air Pollution sources & Water Pollution sources Answer: Water Pollution Sources Point sources (Comes from one pipe) •

Industrial discharges, sewage and power plants

Nonpoint sources (Comes from Farmer’s fields) • Agricultural runoffs from farms and croplands • Storm water from streets • Atmospheric deposition Ground water sources (Comes from underground aquifer)

Air Pollution Sources Sources of anthropogenic air pollutants Mobile •

Vehicles

Stationary •

Factories, refineries and power plants

Indoor • Building materials and cleaning activities

i) Sustainability & Sustainable Societies Answer: Comprises of 3 Pillars, • • •

Human Wellbeing (People) Environmental Wellbeing (Environment) Economic Wellbeing (Economy)

Sustainability (STB) • • •

Systems and processes that can continue without depleting materials or resources Trees and fish grow faster than needed for a stable population Built in capacity allows species to increase or replace populations itself

Sustainable Societies (ASC) • • •

Applying concept of sustainability to human systems Society that balances with natural world Continuing generation after generation without depleting resources or producing pollutants in excess

j) Desertification & Soil Erosion Answer:

Desertification (RPL) • • •

Regions with long dry seasons which form deserts Permanent reduction in productivity of arid, semiarid and drylands Land degradation due to long droughts, overgrazing, deforestation and overcultivation

Soil Erosion (SLH) • • •

Soil and humus are moved by water, wind or tillage causing reduced soil productivity Loss of topsoil, nutrients and happens when soil becomes bare and exposed Hinders machinery and animal labour

k) Eutrophication & Acid Rain Answer: Eutrophication (WD) • •

Water body becomes unnaturally enriched with nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen due to runoffs and sewage causing algae and marine plant growth Decreased fish yields, biodiversity and water transparency and carcinogenic

Acid rain (SMB) • • •

Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with oxygen and water to form sulphuric and nitric acids Microbes in soil are killed, oceans acidify and evolutionary changes in insects Buildings are chemically corroded

l) Non-Renewable & Renewable Energy Sources Answer: Renewable Energy Sources •

Renewable energy sources will not deplete by use like Solar, Hydropower, Wind, Tidal, Biomass, Geothermal and Hydrogen

Non-Renewable Energy Sources •

Non-Renewable energy sources deplete by use like Coal, Oil and Natural Gas like fossil fuels

m) Green Revolution & Gene Revolution Answer: Green Revolution (DTRCE) • • • • •

Developmental initiatives that increased agricultural production Technologies like chemical fertilizers and agrichemicals Resistance of crops to diseases improved Created job opportunities Expensive machinery and fertilizers

Gene Revolution Genetic Modification (GEP) • • • `

Genetic engineering combines plant genetics with traits into crops and animals to produce Genetically Modified (GM) varieties Exchanges genes among bacteria, animals and plants Produce more food, decreases use of pesticides but not 100% safe to eat

Marker-Assisted Breeding (CPND) • • • •

Crop improvements without transgenic techniques Plant genes are found using DNA sequencing and crossbred with modern crop breeds No special testing and permits cause reduced costs and delays DNA sequencing of seedlings avoids plant growth to maturity

n) Mitigation & Adaptation to Climate Change Answer: 2 approaches to respond to climate change Mitigation (Short term) • Reducing flow of heat trapping greenhouse gases using source reduction or enhancing sinks to store gases Adaptation (Long term) • Adapt to life of a changing climate to reduce vulnerability to harmful effects o) Drylands & Desertification Answer: Drylands (EPV) • • •

Ecosystems with water scarcity like cultivated lands and deserts could lead to desertification if not controlled Precipitation is balanced by evaporation from surfaces and by evapotranspiration Vegetation grow back when water is introduced through rain or other means

Desertification (RPL) • • •

Regions with long dry seasons which form deserts Permanent reduction in productivity of arid, semiarid and drylands Land degradation due to long droughts, overgrazing, deforestation and overcultivation

p) Global Warming & Climate Change Answer: Global warming •

Ongoing rise in global average temperature due to increasing greenhouse gases in atmosphere

Climate change •

Significant change in measures of climate for temperature, precipitation and wind patterns for long periods of time

q) Fossil Fuels & Solar Power Answer: Fossil Fuels (OC) • •

Organic compounds from decomposed organisms buried for a long time which provides energy Coal, oil and natural gas are non-renewable and releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide when burnt worsening climate change

Solar Power (CSSSR) • • • • •

Collected, converted and stored to harness energy Solar trough collectors and photovoltaic cells are workable technologies Space Based Solar Power (SBSP) provides clean and reliable energy source Satellites are launched with reflectors and microwave power transmitters Reflectors directs solar radiation into solar panels

r) Weather & Climate Answer: Weather •

Way the atmosphere behaves in terms of temperature, precipitation, wind, humidity and atmospheric pressure over a short term

Climate (AD) • •

Average long-term weather pattern of an area Difference between weather and climate is a measure of time

s) Hazard & Risk Answer: Hazard •

Something with the potential to cause harm (Environmental Destruction)

Risk •

Likelihood that a hazard will cause harm in combination with the severity of the foreseeable harm

*NOTE Relationship between Risk and hazard: Risk = Hazard x Vulnerability (Equation)

t) Sustainable & Renewable (Resources) Answer: Sustainable (STB) • • •

Systems and processes that can continue without depleting materials or resources Trees and fish grow faster than needed for a stable population Built in capacity allows species to increase or replace populations itself

Renewable Resource (NWP) • • •

Natural resources can be replenished through reproduction or other naturally recurring processes Water regeneration by water cycle and solar, hydropower, wind, biomass and geothermal Polluting water faster than it can be replenished is unsustainable

3 Essay Questions 1) What population groups are the most susceptible/Vulnerable to environmental hazards and explain why? Answer: (PPC) • • •

People from poor communities and countries are near to pollution sources People with low socioeconomic status cannot afford preventive health care Children are at risk as they have more air food and water per unit of body weight than adults

2) Apply the concept of stewardship to demonstrate how sustainable development could be achieved. Answer: (SCB) • • •

Stewardship are acts and programs that manages natural resources and human wellbeing for common good and usable with sustainable goals Commitment to take care of the natural world and pass on to the next generation Benefit people and the natural world and focus on how sustainability can be achieved

3) Apply the concept of sustainable development in meeting the needs of humans in the future. Support with examples. Answer: (DCDRTP) • • • • • •

Dimensions to sustainable development include social, economic, environmental and political Commitment to take care of the natural world and promote equity Demographic transition to a stable human population Resource transition where economy relies on nature’s income and protects ecosystems Technology transition to environmentally friendly practices Political transition to a stewardly approach to people’s needs and poverty

4) Importance of sustainability on a society, in reference to ‘Easter Island’. Answer: (DT) • •

Deforestation to build statues of ancestors which caused environmental degradation Tree trunks used for tracks, levers and rollers to move statues

5) Importance of sustainability on a society, in reference to ‘Aral Sea Disaster’. Answer: (SSPE) • • • •

Soviet Union diverted Aral Sea for irrigation and transformation of Uzbekistan to farm cotton Sea started to sink causing economic and environmental issues like unemployment of fishing communities Polluted with fertilizers and pesticides and climate change Economic was higher than human and environment wellbeing

6) How human activities led to land degradation, in reference to ‘Loess Plateau, China. Answer: (SU) • •

Soil erosion rates are high due to infertility Unsustainable farming practices, deforestation, crop production on slopes and population increase caused degenerated ecosystems, desertification and poverty

7) What a...