Scale, Proportion, and Quantity In 2012, the total ecological footprint of China was only just below that of the European Union. But the ecological footprint of the average European was nearly three times greater than that of the average Chinese. Explain how this is possible.

Give an example of a technology that reduces some of the environmental degradation that results from affluence. Give another example of a technology or practice that reduces some of the environmental degradation associated with poverty.

Which category of environmental worldview do you think would be most likely to lead to a sustainable future if it were widely accepted, and why?
Crosscutting Concepts.

Cause and Effect Some people view the rapid population growth in less-developed nations as the primary cause of environmental problems. Others see the high rate of resource use per person in more-developed countries as the problem. Which factor do you think is more significant? Why?

4.Using Math Use the rule of 70 to estimate the population doubling times of Niger and the United States based on the data below. How many times will Niger’s population have to double to surpass the United States in population? (Extra credit: In what year will that happen?)
Niger: Pop. 18.2 million; 3.9% growth rate (2014)
U. S.: Pop. 318 million; 0.4% growth rate (2014)

1.Explain What is the connection between natural capital, natural income, and an environmentally sustainable society?

2.Summarize Name the early individuals who had a major impact on the American public’s awareness of the environment and sustainability, and explain their accomplishments.

3.Classify Into which category of environmental worldview would you put the early preservationists? Into which category would you put the early conservationists?

4.Evaluate In the 1970s, public opinion favored cleaning up the environment. Since the 1980s, some members of Congress and industry leaders have fought against environmental laws that regulate the amount of pollution that can be added to the environment. Are they working in the best interests of the public or of corporations?
Science and Engineering Practices

5.Engaging in Argument Work in teams to collect data on the environmental impact of a product people rely on or use regularly. Construct an argument about its environmental impact. Find out what materials it is made from and how they are obtained, where the product is made versus where it is used, how it benefits society, and other factors that determine its environmental impact