The soil system includes storages of inorganic nutrients.
Identify two inputs to these storages.
The soil system includes storages of inorganic nutrients.
Identify two outputs from these storages.
Solid domestic waste may contain non-biodegradable material and toxins that have the potential to reduce the fertility of soils.
Explain how strategies for the management of this waste may help to preserve soil fertility.
The provision of food resources and assimilation of wastes are two key factors of the environment that determine its carrying capacity for a given species.
To what extent does the human production of food and waste each influence the carrying capacity for human populations?
Distinguish between domestic and agricultural sources and types of waste.
Using named examples, discuss the usefulness of consequentialist ethics in helping us make decisions regarding our choice of energy source.
Strategies for energy conservation are mainly ecocentric, while those for energy efficiency are mainly technocentric. Discuss this statement in relation to the strategies needed to achieve energy security.
Outline how rapid human population growth has increased stress on Earth's systems.
Suggest three sustainable options for managing solid domestic waste in urban areas.
Outline four ways urbanization may influence processes in the hydrological cycle.
To what extent are water scarcity issues better addressed through behavioral interventions than through technological development?
Hydropower is a resource that can be exploited from rivers. Discuss how the value of this resource to a society may vary over time.
Analyze the environmental impacts of rapid human population growth on Earth’s systems.
Outline the reasons why natural capital has a dynamic nature.
Explain how the inequitable distribution of natural resources can lead to conflict.
The management of a resource can impact the production of solid domestic waste.
To what extent have the three levels of the pollution management model been successfully applied to the management of solid domestic waste?
Collected waste in England from 2000–2020
(Source: Data from Progress report on recycling and recovery targets for England 2020, Department for Environment Food & Rural affairs, can be accessed through www.gov.uk)
Estimate the amount of waste that was recycled in 2010.
Outline two reasons for the decrease in waste going to landfills.
Evaluate one of the waste disposal options shown in the graph.
Figure 1: Domestic waste disposal for selected countries
Referring to figure 1, state the country that has the highest level of recycling/composting.
Outline two potential reasons for greater use of landfills in the United States compared to European countries.
Identify two problems associated with one of the waste disposal choices of Germany.
State two strategies for reducing the environmental impact of landfill sites.
Outline how rapid human population growth has increased stress on Earth's systems.
