Deck 22: B: Population,urbanization and the Environment

Question 1

What is an "age-sex pyramid"? Why is it useful in the study of population?

Answer 1

no answer

Question 2

What is the debate about global warming?

Answer 2

The debate about global warming, also referred to as climate change, centers on several key issues, including its causes, impacts, severity, and the appropriate responses to address it. Here is a breakdown of the main points of contention:

1. Existence and Causes:
- One side of the debate acknowledges the scientific consensus that global warming is real and primarily caused by human activities, especially the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
- Skeptics question the extent to which human activities contribute to climate change, with some arguing that natural factors such as solar variability, volcanic activity, or natural climate cycles play a more significant role.

2. Severity and Impacts:
- Many scientists and policymakers argue that global warming will have severe and potentially catastrophic effects on the environment, including more frequent and intense weather events (hurricanes, droughts, heatwaves), rising sea levels, and loss of biodiversity.
- Others believe that the potential impacts of global warming are overstated or that the Earth's climate system is more resilient than commonly thought. They may also argue that some regions could see benefits from a warmer climate, such as longer growing seasons.

3. Economic Considerations:
- There is a debate over the economic costs and benefits of taking action to mitigate global warming. Proponents of strong action argue that the long-term costs of inaction (due to damage from climate impacts) far outweigh the costs of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
- Opponents of aggressive climate policies worry about the immediate economic impact, particularly on industries like coal, oil, and manufacturing. They argue that such policies could lead to job losses, higher energy prices, and reduced competitiveness without guaranteeing significant climate benefits.

4. Policy Responses:
- The debate extends to what actions should be taken to address global warming. Proposals range from reducing greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon pricing to adapting to the changes that are already inevitable.
- Some argue for market-based solutions and technological innovation as the best ways to address climate change, while others call for more direct government intervention and regulation.
- There is also international debate on the responsibilities of developed versus developing countries in mitigating climate change and the mechanisms for financing climate action globally.

5. Scientific Consensus vs. Skepticism:
- The vast majority of climate scientists agree that global warming is happening and is primarily caused by human activities. This consensus is supported by many scientific organizations worldwide.
- Despite this, some individuals and groups remain skeptical of the science, questioning the methodologies, data, and models used to predict future climate change. This skepticism is often amplified by political, ideological, or economic interests.

In summary, the debate about global warming encompasses a wide range of issues, from scientific understanding and environmental impacts to economic costs and policy strategies. While there is a strong consensus among scientists and many policymakers about the reality and risks of global warming, there remains significant public and political debate about the best course of action to address it.

Question 3

What is "environmental racism"?

Answer 3

Environmental racism refers to the way in which minority group populations, such as people of color and residents of economically disadvantaged areas, are burdened with a disproportionate number of hazards, including toxic waste facilities, garbage dumps, and other sources of environmental pollution and foul odors that can lead to health issues. These communities often have less political power and are less able to advocate for themselves, which contributes to the perpetuation of this issue.

The concept of environmental racism also encompasses the systematic exclusion of people of color from decision-making processes related to the environment, such as the planning of new industrial facilities, the enforcement of environmental regulations, and the siting of hazardous waste disposal sites. This exclusion can result in the lack of access to clean air, water, and natural resources, and can have serious health impacts on these communities.

Environmental racism can be seen in a historical context as well, where industrial facilities have been intentionally sited in or near communities of color or low-income neighborhoods. This practice has been linked to a variety of adverse health outcomes, including respiratory illnesses, cancer, and other chronic conditions.

Addressing environmental racism involves recognizing these patterns of injustice and working towards equitable distribution of environmental burdens and benefits, ensuring that all communities have a voice in environmental decision-making processes, and remediating contaminated sites in marginalized communities. It also involves broader efforts to combat discrimination, poverty, and systemic inequality.

Question 4

State the basic idea of the "limits to growth" thesis.

Question 5

Why is empowering women important to controlling global population?

Question 6

What three urban revolutions have reshaped human societies?

Question 7

How do population patterns differ in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?

Question 8

What are the four stages in demographic transition theory?

Question 9

Sustainable living depends on 3 strategies.What are these strategies? Explain.

Question 10

State the basic idea of the "logic of growth" thesis.

Question 11

Why are environmentalists concerned about the loss of the planet's rainforests?

Question 12

Compared to world standards,how would you describe the Canadian crude birth rate,crude death rate,and infant mortality rate?

Question 13

What two assertions about population and resources were made by Thomas Robert Malthus?

Question 14

What is a net-migration rate? How is it calculated?

Question 15

Why is the crude birth rate "crude"?