Question 1

Sustainable development is economic growth that meets the needs of the present without compromising future generations.

Accepted Answer

Sustainable development aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection and social equity, ensuring that current needs are met without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Question 2

Which of the following statements about sustainable development is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Sustainable development can only support levels of consumption within the limits of the environment.

Question 3

The ability to meet humanity's current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs is termed:

Accepted Answer

Environmental sustainability refers to the practice of using resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Question 4

For a population to live within the limits of its environment which of the following must occur? 1 Population growth must be held to a level that is sustainable
2 Resource consumption must be decreased
3 Quality of life must be lowered
4 Degree of affluence must be maintained
5 Environmental degradation must be reduced

Accepted Answer

For a population to live within the limits of its environment, it's essential to manage population growth to sustainable levels, decrease resource consumption, and reduce environmental degradation. These measures ensure the environment can support the population without being overexploited or irreversibly damaged.

Question 5

Global sustainable development depends on eradication of poverty in the developing world. What is the consequence of this?

Accepted Answer

Eradicating poverty in developing countries often involves improving access to essential resources such as clean water, food, and energy. This is necessary to improve living standards and health, which is a key aspect of sustainable development. The other options are potential risks or consequences of development but are not direct or inevitable outcomes of poverty eradication.

Question 6

The use of goods and services that satisfy basic human needs, improve the quality of life but minimize resource use is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Sustainable consumption refers to the use of goods and services that meet basic human needs and improve quality of life while minimizing the use of natural resources and toxic materials as well as the emissions of waste and pollutants over the life cycle of the service or product, so as not to jeopardize the needs of future generations.

Question 7

Which of the following is the MOST sustainable product?

Accepted Answer

Locally produced foods generally have a lower carbon footprint due to reduced transportation distances. Even though limited pesticides are used, the reduced transportation emissions make it a more sustainable option compared to imported organic products or industrially farmed produce.

Question 8

Which of the following interact to promote sustainable development? 1 Economically viable decisions
2 Socially equitable decisions
3 Environmentally sound decisions
4 High rate of resources use
5 Rapid population growth

Accepted Answer

Sustainable development is achieved through the balance of economically viable, socially equitable, and environmentally sound decisions. High rates of resource use and rapid population growth typically work against sustainability by depleting resources and increasing demand beyond what can be sustainably supported.

Question 9

If economic decisions are to be sustainable they will have to consider which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Sustainable economic decisions require consideration of both environmental and societal costs to ensure that they do not harm the planet or negatively impact communities.

Question 10

The three factors that interact to promote sustainable development are environmentally sound decisions, economically viable decisions, and _____________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The three factors that interact to promote...

Question 11

It has been argued that the United States has a serious consumption overpopulation problem. Why is this possibly true?

Accepted Answer

The United States, despite having a relatively small percentage of the world's population, consumes a disproportionately large share of global resources, largely due to the affluent lifestyles and high consumption patterns of its citizens.

Question 12

Sustainable consumption that recognizes individual happiness and quality of life are not necessarily linked to the accumulation of material goods is known as _____________

Accepted Answer

The answer of Sustainable consumption that recognizes individual happiness and...

Question 13

Sustainable human activities or behaviors include all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Promoting consumption to improve quality of life often leads to increased use of resources and environmental degradation, which is not sustainable. Sustainable practices focus on reducing consumption and improving efficiency.

Question 14

Environmental sustainability implies:

Accepted Answer

Environmental sustainability encompasses all these aspects: the impact of human actions on the environment, ensuring resources for future generations, and maintaining the environment's ability to function without decline due to human stresses.

Question 15

Which of the following is the BEST example of sustainable consumption?

Accepted Answer

Preparing a meal at home with food bought at the local farmers market is the best example of sustainable consumption because it supports local agriculture, reduces transportation emissions associated with food travel, and promotes the consumption of seasonal products, which generally have a lower environmental impact.

Question 16

A type of sustainable consumption which recognizes that individual happiness and quality of life are not necessarily linked to the accumulation of material goods, but rather that a person's values and character define that individual more than how many things he or she owns is known as:

Accepted Answer

Voluntary simplicity is a lifestyle choice that emphasizes reducing one's use of the Earth's resources and focuses on personal and inner growth rather than the accumulation of material goods. This concept aligns with the description given, as it advocates for finding happiness and quality of life beyond material possessions.

Question 17

Which of the following is the BEST example of voluntary simplicity?

Accepted Answer

Voluntary simplicity involves making intentional choices to live with less for the sake of a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle. Sharing ownership of a hybrid car reduces personal consumption and environmental impact, aligning well with the principles of voluntary simplicity.

Question 18

In 1987 the U.N. World Commission on Environment and Development presented a report on sustainable development called?

Accepted Answer

The 1987 report presented by the U.N. World Commission on Environment and Development on sustainable development is called "Our Common Future." This report is also known as the Brundtland Report, named after Gro Harlem Brundtland, the Commission's chair.

Question 19

Both pollution and degradation of the environment are exacerbated when individuals in populations consume larger amounts of resources.

Accepted Answer

Higher consumption rates lead to increased waste and resource depletion, contributing to pollution and environmental degradation as more resources are extracted and more waste is generated.

Question 20

Widespread adoption of sustainable consumption at the global level will not be easy because:

Accepted Answer

Sustainable consumption involves altering consumption patterns, particularly in developed countries, to address global inequalities and environmental sustainability, which is challenging due to lifestyle adjustments.

Quiz 2: Sustainability and Human Values