Question 1

What is genetic pollution?

Accepted Answer

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Question 2

Data from NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies show that the world's annual average surface air temperature is decreasing.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. According to NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, global surface air temperature has been steadily increasing over the past century.

Question 3

Most pollutants released into the environment are especially concentrated in the West and East coasts of the United States.

Accepted Answer

Pollutants are released across the entire United States, not just concentrated on the West and East coasts. Industrial, agricultural, and urban areas throughout the country contribute to pollution, affecting air, water, and soil quality in various regions, not limited to coastal areas.

Question 4

What are the major forms of environmental degradation?

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Question 5

Because each species of animal and plant has unique properties,scientists lose those unique properties when the species becomes extinct.This is significant because about a quarter of all prescription drugs include compounds first found in wild organisms.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Many prescription drugs include compounds that were first discovered in wild organisms, so when those organisms become extinct, scientists lose the potential to discover new drugs or learn more about the natural world.

Question 6

Brym and Lie contend that market and technological solutions are insufficient by themselves to overcome the dangers of environmental degradation caused by technology.

Accepted Answer

Brym and Lie argue that relying solely on market and technological solutions is insufficient to address environmental degradation caused by technology. They believe that a combination of regulations, education, and changes in individual attitudes and behaviors is necessary to effectively address the issue.

Question 7

"Normal accidents" refer to the idea that technology will not fail if human subjectivity can be removed from its implementation and operation.

Accepted Answer

"Normal accidents" theory argues that technology is complex and inherently unpredictable, and that accidents can occur even with the best design and implementation. It acknowledges the role of human error, but also recognizes that technology itself can create unforeseeable and uncontrollable interactions and feedback loops.

Question 8

There is a strong relationship between the topics chosen for scientific research and the degree to which certain topics are funded by big corporations and national governments.

Accepted Answer

Big corporations and national governments often fund scientific research that aligns with their interests and priorities, which can influence the topics chosen for research. As such, there is a strong relationship between the topics chosen for scientific research and the degree to which certain topics are funded.

Question 9

Who is most exposed to the risks of environmental degradation?

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

The advantaged in a society often consciously put the disadvantaged in harm's way to avoid risk themselves.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true, as history and current events have shown that those with power and privilege may make decisions that prioritize their own safety and comfort over the well-being of marginalized individuals and communities, putting them in harm's way. For example, in the COVID-19 pandemic, essential workers who are often low-wage and minority individuals have been put at greater risk of infection and illness while more privileged individuals are able to work from home and practice social distancing.

Question 11

To turn scientific principles into technological innovations there only needs to be attention to detail,commitment,and genius.

Accepted Answer

Turning scientific principles into technological innovations requires not only attention to detail, commitment, and genius but also collaboration, funding, understanding of market needs, and often regulatory approval, among other factors.

Question 12

Because of the need to bioengineer and use biotechnology to make good food for everyone,large multinational companies share their patents and information.

Accepted Answer

Large multinational companies often hold their patents and information close to protect their competitive advantage in the market. Sharing this information may not align with their business interests.

Question 13

What is biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

If policy-oriented scientists,the environmental movement,the mass media,and respected organizations discover and promote environmental issues,this is enough for an environmental issue to be turned into a social problem.

Accepted Answer

While the discovery and promotion of environmental issues by scientists, the environmental movement, the mass media, and respected organizations are crucial steps, these alone are not enough to turn an environmental issue into a social problem. Public recognition, policy response, and societal willingness to address the issue are also necessary components for an environmental issue to be widely recognized and acted upon as a social problem.

Question 15

The people in the Northern Hemisphere cause a disproportionately large share of the world's environmental problems,enjoy the benefits of technology,and live with fewer environmental risks than people in the Southern Hemisphere.

Accepted Answer

The statement suggests that people in the Northern Hemisphere have a higher impact on the environment, enjoy technological benefits, and face fewer environmental risks compared to people in the Southern Hemisphere.

Question 16

By a wide margin,the United States is the world leader in scientific research,publications,and elite achievements.

Accepted Answer

According to various sources, including the National Science Foundation, the United States consistently leads the world in scientific research, publications, and elite achievements such as Nobel Prizes.

Question 17

What is acid rain?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

The possibility of having children genetically altered would free all children,regardless of class or social standing,from the possibility of inherited diseases and physical abnormalities.It would also put all children of the future on an equal footing.

Accepted Answer

While genetic alteration could potentially reduce or eliminate inherited diseases and physical abnormalities, it does not ensure equality among all children. Access to such technologies would likely be influenced by socioeconomic factors, potentially widening the gap between different classes or social standings rather than leveling the playing field.

Question 19

The seriousness of an environmental threat alone shapes our understanding and response to it.

Accepted Answer

Our understanding and response to environmental threats are shaped by a combination of factors including scientific knowledge, cultural beliefs, economic interests, political ideologies, and media representation, not just the seriousness of the threat itself.

Question 20

Currently poor countries do the most environmental damage because of their attempts to modernize.

Accepted Answer

While it is true that some developing countries may prioritize economic growth over environmental sustainability, it is not accurate to say that they are the ones causing the most environmental damage overall. Wealthier countries tend to have higher per capita carbon emissions and consume more natural resources. Additionally, historical emissions from industrialized countries have contributed significantly to global climate change.

Quiz 22: Technology and the Global Environment