10.5 Ecological Economics (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS): HL): Flashcards
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Define ecological economics.
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Define ecological economics.
Ecological economics is an approach that sees the economy as a subsystem of the Earth's biosphere, emphasising the interdependence between economic and ecological systems.
What is the main difference between ecological economics and environmental economics?
Ecological economics views the economy as part of the biosphere, while environmental economics focuses mainly on how economic activities affect the environment.
In ecological economics, the economy is considered a of the Earth's .
In ecological economics, the economy is considered a subsystem of the Earth's biosphere.
Define natural capital.
Natural capital refers to the world's stocks of natural resources such as forests, oceans, and biodiversity, which provide essential goods and ecosystem services for the economy and society.
What is the precautionary principle in ecological economics?
The precautionary principle is the approach of taking preventive action when using natural resources if the full impacts are not known, to avoid unforeseen environmental or social harm.
True or False?
All energy used in economic activities is converted into useful forms like electricity or mechanical energy.
False.
Some energy dissipates as low-grade thermal energy (heat) during economic activities and is released back into the biosphere.
The biosphere is a system fuelled by , which sustains natural resources like and .
The biosphere is a system fuelled by solar energy, which sustains natural resources like air and water.
Why is sustainable use of natural resources important in ecological economics?
Sustainable use ensures that resources are not depleted and are available for future generations, maintaining both economic and environmental well-being.
Production of goods and services in the economy generates and releases energy back into the biosphere.
Production of goods and services in the economy generates waste and releases low-grade thermal energy back into the biosphere.
Define ecosystem services.
Ecosystem services are the benefits people receive from nature, such as clean air, water, food, and climate regulation.
What does ecological economics recognise about the distribution of natural resources globally?
Ecological economics recognises that natural resources are distributed unequally between countries, leading to global resource dynamics and sometimes payments for ecosystem services.
Forests provide not only timber but also services like , habitat for , and .
Forests provide not only timber but also services like carbon storage, habitat for wildlife, and erosion protection.
Give an example of a payment for ecosystem services between countries.
Norway pays Brazil to help protect the Amazon rainforest, which provides vital ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation.
What issue can arise when wealthy nations pay developing countries to conserve natural resources?
Issues of sovereignty and fairness can arise, as developing countries may feel their independence is threatened or that compensation is not adequate for lost economic opportunities.
Payments for ecosystem services can lead to debates about and between countries.
Payments for ecosystem services can lead to debates about sovereignty and fairness between countries.
Define ecological economics.
Ecological economics is an economic approach that seeks to achieve a sustainable balance between human consumption and the Earth's biocapacity, often advocating for reduced or zero growth to avoid environmental harm.
The goal of ecological economics is to balance a country's ecological footprint with its .
The goal of ecological economics is to balance a country's ecological footprint with its biocapacity.
What does it mean if a country's biocapacity is lower than its ecological footprint?
If a country's biocapacity is lower than its ecological footprint, it means the country is not operating sustainably and is using resources faster than they can regenerate.
Ecological economists focus less on and more on sustainable balance between ecological footprint and biocapacity.
Ecological economists focus less on GDP and more on sustainable balance between ecological footprint and biocapacity.
True or False?
Sustainability means removing resources faster than they can be replaced.
False.
Sustainability means using resources at a rate at which they can regenerate and be replaced, not faster.
Define circular economy.
A circular economy is an economic system that minimises waste and resource depletion by promoting reuse, repair, and recycling of products, extending product lifespans and reducing environmental impact.
What is the main difference between the circular economy and doughnut economics models?
The circular economy emphasises efficient resource use and waste minimisation, while doughnut economics focuses on keeping economic activity within environmental limits and addressing social equity.
The circular economy includes a cycle for biodegradable products and a technical cycle for products that can be reused or recycled.
The circular economy includes a biological cycle for biodegradable products and a technical cycle for products that can be reused or recycled.
What is product stewardship in the context of the circular economy?
Product stewardship is the responsibility of manufacturers, sellers, and users to manage a product sustainably throughout its entire lifecycle, including design, use, and disposal, to promote sustainability and reduce environmental harm.
Doughnut economics aims to keep economic activity within boundaries and above social foundations.
Doughnut economics aims to keep economic activity within planetary boundaries and above social foundations.
True or False?
Recycling is the final goal of the circular economy model.
False.
Recycling is only the first step; the circular economy aims for reuse, repair, and minimising waste as the ultimate goals.
Define furniture leasing scheme.
A furniture leasing scheme is a model where customers rent furniture for a period of time instead of buying it, promoting resource conservation and reducing waste.
What is the “safe and just space for humanity” in doughnut economics?
The “safe and just space for humanity” refers to the area between planetary boundaries (environmental limits) and social foundations, where sustainable development can occur.
The circular economy aims to the lifespan of products and materials to reduce environmental impact.
The circular economy aims to extend the lifespan of products and materials to reduce environmental impact.
How do ecological economics and doughnut economics both promote sustainability?
Both ecological economics and doughnut economics promote sustainability by focusing on keeping economic activity within environmental limits and ensuring resources are used at a rate that does not exceed their regeneration, while also addressing social needs.
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