Question Bank - Unit 2

The river dolphin(Inia geoffrensis), also known as the pink dolphin or Amazon dolphin, has been
reinstated on the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The specialists
determined that this mammal has lost 80% of its population in the last decade, which is why it was
recategorized. This was reported by the Ecuadorian branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
on January 15, 2019. According to the IUCN, the species is present in Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil,
Colombia, Peru and Venezuela and its population is declining rapidly. For example, in the Mamirauá
Reserve, Brazil, the pink dolphin population has declined by half over the last 7 years.
One of the most latent threats faced by this animal is mining, since mercury is used during this process
and as a consequence, contamination levels in the rivers are high, reaching the point of being destructive
and causing an increase in the number of pink dolphin deaths. Other causes include logging,
indiscriminate fishing, river traffic (the noise produced by machines and engines disorients their
navigation systems, while boat propellers often cause the death of many specimens) and agriculture,
which contributes to river pollution, leaving toxic residues such as chlorine, DDT and phosphorous.and
agriculture, which contributes to river pollution by leaving toxic residues such as chlorine, DDT and
phosphorous.
Source: https://www.elcomercio.com/tendencias/delfin-rosado-amazonas-peligro-extincion.html
Source: https://animalespeligroextincion.org/mamiferos/delfin-rosado/

Is the pink dolphin an endangered species? Because:

Critically endangered
Contamination levels
You are in the category dangerous
It is in the vulnerable category
None of the above

What are the causes of the decline of the pink dolphin population?

Kuwait has a population of over two million inhabitants and an area of 17,820 km2. In addition, the fifth
largest oil reserve on the planet is located there. This country has a dry climate and its arid lands have
made it impossible to develop agriculture. Its geography has not allowed for renewable sources of water.
The amount of water available per person is 164 m3 per year, according to the North American
organization Pure Aqua, Inc. Drinking water is obtained only from subway aquifers and from seawater
desalination. On the other hand, this oil-rich country has one of the highest population growth rates in the
world, with an annual population increase of 3.59% (2008) and, as of 2003, 96% of the population was
urban.
Source: https://www.voyagesphotosmanu.com/problemas_medioambientales_kuwait.html
Source: https://es.pureaqua.com/osmosis-inversa-y-tratamiento-de-agua-en-kuwait/

What type of water scarcity does Kuwait have?

Physical scarcity
Economic scarcity
Water stress
Water scarcity
Absolute shortage

Is Kuwait under water stress?

The river silverside (Odontesthes bonariensis), originally from Argentina, was introduced in Bolivia in
1946, from where it escaped to the Desaguadero River and reached Lake Titicaca, and in 1958 it was
fished on the Peruvian side of the lake. At present, it is found in the Titicaca basin and in lagoons in
 Cusco, Apurimac and Cajamarca. In Lake Titicaca it is found near the shore up to 10 m deep in the
pelagic zone. The river silverside would have modified the abundance of several fish species through
predation and competition, putting the fish known as the puna catfish or suche (Trichomycterus
rivulatus) and the Lake Titicaca bogue (Orestias cuvieri) at risk of extinction. The puna catfish is
considered a vulnerable species due not only to predation, but also to contamination and destruction of
its habitat by mining and agricultural activities and dumping of organic waste in most of the Andes.
(Source: Cossíos, E.D. (2010). Naturalized vertebrates in Peru: history and state of knowledge. Rev. Peru biol. v.17 n.2.
http://www.faunagua.org/biblioteca/Sarmiento%20etal(2009)Trichomycterus%20rivulatus.pdf)

Is the river silverside an invasive species?

The river silverside is an [invasive] species because it is putting the puna catfish at risk of [extinction].

The puna catfish (T. rivulatus) is an endangered species?

Egypt has an area of slightly more than one million square kilometers, where 97% of its nearly 100
million inhabitants are concentrated in the Nile Delta, occupying just over 7% of the country's total
area, and 88% of its water comes from that same river. Egypt suffers an annual water deficit of about 7
billion cubic meters, according to the United Nations (UN), and could run out of the vital liquid by
2025.
The UN World Water Development Report warns that the country is below the water poverty line,
water availability is 1000 cubic meters and will soon be less than 500 cubic meters of water. As the
Egyptian Journal of Water Research highlights, there are many problems affecting the flow of the Nile
River, from inefficient irrigation to pollution. The UN agrees that in the coming years, Egypt will
experience a water crisis of considerable proportions, which will require more effective management of
the scarce resources available. This should include the modernization of irrigation systems to avoid the
current waste.
(Source: http://www.ipsnoticias.net/2018/10/escasez-mala-gestion-del-agua-ponen-riesgo-egipto/)

What kind of water shortages are affecting Egypt?

Egypt suffers from [physical] scarcity because it suffers an annual water deficit and [economic]
scarcity because of inefficient irrigation and pollution.

Physical scarcity
Economic scarcity
Water stress
Water scarcity
Absolute shortage

Does the Nile River suffer from water stress?

The National Water Authority (ANA) reported that the shortage of surface water and the growing
demand for this resource has led to overexploitation of aquifers in the Ica Valley and the pampas of
Villacurí and Lanchas. This has led to a reduction in the availability of water resources. "It is likely that
we are very close to affecting the competitiveness of agro-exports in this area of the country," said the
head of ANA, Hugo Jara, pointing out that the increase in water salinity has affected crops such as
paprika, vines, orange trees and tomatoes. In view of this situation, the coordinator of ANA's Water
Resources Evaluation area, Ismael Garcia, explained that 10 large agro-exporting companies from Ica
have migrated to the north of the country. "They are going to Piura and Lambayeque, because they have
realized that they can no longer grow in the region," he said.
Currently, water and electricity expenses represent 7% of each company's income in Ica, while in the
north this figure is reduced to 2%, because water there is 25 cents less per cubic meter.
In Ica, it is impossible to grant more licenses for the construction of wells. Currently, there are 451
licensed and more than 1300 unlicensed or clandestine. According to ANA, per capita water availability
is 860 m3/inhab/yr. Explains
(Retrieved from http://elcomercio.pe/economia/1465887/noticia-ica-escasez-agua-afecta-al-sector-agroexportador)

The aquifers in the Ica Valley have the following characteristics:

Physical scarcity..........................surface water scarcity

Economic scarcity...................the growing demand for this resource has led to overexploitation of the
aquifers in the Ica Valley.
Water stress........................ per capita water availability is 860 m3/inhab/yr according to ANA.

Are Ica's aquifers suffering from water stress?

Canada ranks third in water availability with 6.5% of the global total, after Brazil and the Russian
Federation. Canadians have the perception that water is abundant and, moreover, inexhaustible. In
reality, Canada receives the same amount of average precipitation per m2 as many other countries. In fact,
there is currently a major threat to water availability in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the Great
Lakes, and many regions that rely on groundwater. The causes of the deterioration of water quality and
quantity in Canada are rampant urban consumption, with a per capita consumption of 335 liters per day,
double that of European countries; the pollution of rivers and lakes by mining and oil extraction; by
dozens of paper companies; by irrigation for agriculture; and the high demand of the oil sands industry.
Consumption, coupled with drier periods brought on by climate change, means that Canada's water
resources will be less available in the short term.
[Excerpted from https://www.nacion.com/el-mundo/politica/exceso-de-agua-en-canada-lleva-al-despilfarro-y-a-la-
contamination/Z4LA6RRPPPPBC7TMIRCI3LVN34UU/story/]]

Does Canada have water shortage problems?

Does Canada suffer from water stress?

The spectacled bear or Andean bear(Tremarctos ornatus) is the only bear in South America and is
endemic to the tropical Andes. These mammals live along the Andes Mountains from Venezuela to
southern Bolivia. They are both terrestrial and arboreal. They are omnivores, although meat only
represents a small part of their diet. It is also known as ukuku (Quechua word) and is an important part of
the Andean and Amazonian cosmovision. They are considered mediators between the world of the living
and the world of the dead, and the indigenous Matsiguengas consider him to be the creator of life. On the
other hand, this animal is included in the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN), as its wild population has been reduced by up to 80 percent in the last 10 years.
This bear is constantly threatened due to changes in land use, which has fragmented its original habitat,
as well as hunting by humans who come into conflict with it, due to the use of various parts of its body
for traditional medicine and rituals. In addition, its elusive nature prevents it from being studied in depth,
so its protection and management imply great challenges. In addition to all this, the institutions
responsible for Andean bear conservation throughout their distribution are poorly funded and supported.
(Extracted from http://animalesdelperu.com/sierra/el-oso-andino/)

The spectacled bear is an endangered species because:

Critically endangered
Contamination levels
You are in the category dangerous
It is in the vulnerable category
For the felling of trees
What are the causes of the accelerated decline of the spectacled bear population?

In the 1980s, four hippopotamuses were illegally introduced into Colombia and taken to Hacienda
Nápoles, located in the municipality of Puerto Triunfo, Department of Antioquia. The farm was
abandoned and the animals were forgotten. Today, the Corporación Autónoma Regional de las cuencas
de los ríos Negro y Nare (Cornare) is asking for help to remove the hippos from the vicinity of the
Antioquian municipality of Doradal. There, they have been accommodated and reproduced. "They say
there are 50, but it could be more. They are wild animals, which are in the wild. It is a species that
entered the country illegally and represents a danger to Colombian biodiversity," explains Carlos Mario
Zuluaga, director of Cornare, the entity that has been in charge of caring for the hippos and being the
voice that responds to the complaints of fishermen and tourism agents who lament the presence of the
animals, because it limits their work.
David Echeverry, a Cornare biologist, reports that the species is a risk for the riverside population due
to possible attacks: "They are animals that weigh more than three tons, eat up to 50 kilos of grass per
day, and their footprints damage the forests. Echeverry also reports that animals such as the otter, the
chigüiro and the manatee have been displaced from the region, which puts native fauna at risk, since
hippos do not have a predator because they are not native to Colombian territory. Cornare has chosen
to relocate at least six of these mammals to zoos in the region, but insists that it is necessary to move as
many as possible to other locations.
[Excerpted and edited Diario El País, 2018. https://elpais.com/internacional/2018/01/23/billete_a_macondo/1516663959_111184.html]

Why have hippos become a risk for the Doradal region of Antioquia?

What are the consequences of the introduction of hippopotamus in the Doradal region?

In the department of Tacna, 16 communities suffer from drinking water shortages due to the excessive
use of water by the mining company Southern Cooper Corporation Peru in the headwaters of the river
basin. This has caused the loss of water from the wetlands (aquatic vegetation) and a reduction in the
flow of the springs that supply water for the population's consumption. In addition, its soils are semi-
arid, as they lack water, with low rainfall and long periods of drought. The per capita water availability
in the Caplina basin belonging to Tacna is 107 m3/inhabitant/year, according to the National Water Authority
(2013).
[Extracted from Autoridad Nacional del Agua. (2013). Water resources plan in the Caplina - Locumba basin.
http://www.ana.gob.pe/media/846763/r131.pdf].

What types of water shortages affect the provinces of Tacna?

Does the Caplina watershed suffer from water stress?

Germany is a sovereign Central European country and a member of the European Union, with
82,600,000 inhabitants it represents the largest population among the member states of the European
Union. Germany is a member of the G4 group of nations (the world's most industrialized and developed
countries), and is considered the world's fourth largest and Europe's leading power. Its industries are
diverse; the main products manufactured are vehicles, electrical and electronic equipment, machinery,
chemicals, synthetic materials and processed foods. It is a source of wealth and is reflected in the
growing European economy. However, it has one of the highest per capita carbon dioxide emissions in
the European Union. Emissions from coal combustion and industries contribute to air pollution. Acid
rain, as a consequence of sulfur dioxide emissions, is damaging forests.
(Taken from of: https://www.aragon.es/documents/20127/674325/Prospectiva_Aragon_2025_completo.pdf/912471e6-8929-1903-b756-
84af4cdb3fd4 )

Biocapacity Ecological
Biophysical resources
Hg/Hab footprint
Agricultural land 0.87 Hg/inhabitant
0.93
 Pastures 0.10 0.07
Forests 0.64 0.51
Fishing areas 0.08 0.14
CO2 absorption forests 2.21
Constructed areas 0.18 0.18
TOTAL 1.87 4.04

Does Germany have a green credit or deficit?

Germany has ecological [deficit] because ecological [footprint] is larger than [biocapacity]; CO2
absorption forests measure [carbon] footprint.

Is Germany's carbon footprint significant?

Colombia, with a population of 48 171 392 inhabitants (World Bank, 2016) is on the list of megadiverse
countries in the world. Its territory has great diversity due to its varied topography. It also allows for
significant agricultural and livestock production. Forestry and fishing are also important. Privileged with
two seas and nearly two thousand species of fish, Colombia has a great wealth of ichthyological richness.
Its forests are located mainly in the Colombian Amazon, on the Pacific Coast, in the Catatumbo area
(bordering Venezuela) and in some forest areas in the upper and middle basins of the Magdalena and
Cauca rivers. Most of the timber harvested in Colombia is obtained illegally.
Colombia also has a large potential energy resource (coal, mainly in Guajira). Oil exploitation is one of
the main activities of the national economy and generates a large amount of foreign currency. Oil
production is one of the most important in the continent; Colombia is the fourth largest producer in Latin
America and the sixth largest in the continent. However, this activity, together with deforestation and
agriculture have contributed to an increase of 1.6 %CO2 emissionsin 2017.

Biocapacity Ecological
Biophysical resources
Hag/hab footprint
Agricultural land 0.27 Hag/inhab
0.40
Pastures 1.18 0.54
Forests 2.02 0.15
Fishing areas 0.07 0.04
CO2 absorption forests 0.81
Built-up areas 0.10 0.10
TOTAL 3.64 2.04

Colombia has ecological [credit] because the [biocapacity] is greater than the ecological footprint; in
agricultural lands it has ecological [deficit].

Is Colombia's carbon footprint significant?

The United Kingdom is a sovereign country, member of the European Union, located in the northeast of
Continental Europe, comprised of four constituent nations; it is a developed country, member of the
European Union and the G8 (Group of 8). It has a population of 65'788,568. The most important sectors
of the UK economy are wholesale and retail trade, transport and hotels and restaurants (18.6%), public
administration, defense, education, health and social services (18.4%), and industry (13.3%).
Its main export partners are the United States, Germany and Switzerland, while its main import partners
are Germany, China and the United States. It is the fifth largest economy in the world and the second
largest in Europe after Germany, ahead of France. The automotive industry is an important part of the
manufacturing sector and has a significant share of the global aerospace engine market. Also important
in the United Kingdom is the chemical and pharmaceutical industry.
(Source: https://www.ecured.cu/Reino_Unido#Econom.C3.ADa)

Biocapacity Ecological
Biophysical resources
Hag/hab footprint
Agricultural land 0.43 Hag/inhab
0.66
Pastures 0.11 0.24
Forests 0.12 0.46
Fishing areas 0.29 0.09
CO2 absorption forests 2.79
Built-up areas 0.13 0.13
TOTAL 1.09 4.37

Does the UK have a green credit or green deficit?

United Kingdom has ecological [deficit] because ecological [footprint] [footprint] [footprint] is greater
than [biocapacity] ; in agricultural land it has ecological [deficit].

Is the UK's Carbon Footprint significant?

Brazil is a South American country, with a territory of more than 8.5 million km2, being the fifth
largest country in the world (equivalent to 47% of the South American territory). It has a population of
204,450,649 inhabitants. It possesses about 60% of the great Amazon rainforest and the greatest
availability of water in the world. Beginning in the 1990s, the country acquired economic stability,
attracting investment. Since 2001, the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) has included the so-
called emerging countries, due to their growing development. Brazil became an important player in the
world economy, attracting investments, exports, and presence and influence in different international
forums. Brazil is the sixth largest economy in the world, after the six most developed countries on
Earth.
Source: https://www.brasilalacarta.com

Biocapacity Ecological
Biophysical resources
Hag/hab footprint
Agricultural land 0.97 Hag/inhab
0.67
Pastures 0.97 0.86
Forests 6.17 0.53
Fishing areas 0.15 0.15
CO2 absorption forests 0.40
Built-up areas 0.09 0.09
TOTAL 8.35 2.70

Does Brazil have an ecological credit or deficit

Brazil has ecological [credit] because [biocapacity] is greater than ecological [footprint]; CO2 absorption
forests measure [carbon] footprint.

Is Brazil's carbon footprint significant?

Our country, Peru, is considered megadiverse due to the quantity and variety of fauna and flora. It has a
great variety of ecological and climatic areas, which distinguishes it from other nations, in addition to
the coastal, Andean and Amazonian regions with great natural resources. Peru currently has 31,237,000
inhabitants and, in recent years, the economy has had a remarkable level of growth compared to other
economies in the world, comparable only to China. In 2008, Peru had the second lowest inflation in the
 world after France and, therefore, one of the strongest economies in the region. Economic growth has
meant greater production and industrialization, increased consumption of fossil fuels such as oil,
gasoline, gas, etc., and greater use of biophysical resources.
[Extracted from Ministerio del Ambiente - Dirección General de Investigación e Información Ambiental (2017) Huella
ecológica en el Perú, Cálculo Nacional y Departamental. Retrieved from www. Minam.gob.pe]

Biocapacity Ecological
Biophysical resources
Hag/hab footprint
Agricultural land 0.33 Hag/inhab
0.46
Pastures 0.45 0.42
Forests 2.45 0.38
Fishing areas 0.22 0.02
CO2 absorption forests 0.27
Built-up areas 0.08 0.08
TOTAL 3.31 1.63

Does Peru have a credit or ecological deficit?

Is Peru's carbon footprint significant?

The Republic of India is the seventh largest country in the world. Its surface area is six times larger
than that of Spain. Its population, now 1.34 billion, is expected to soon overtake that of China and
become the world's most populous country. Until 1991, successive governments applied a policy of
centralized planning and import substitution. Since then, successive reforms have profoundly
transformed the country's economy. Although it continues to face major challenges, the Indian
economy today has one of the highest growth rates in the world and is already the sixth largest in the
world; however, it still suffers from problems such as high levels of poverty, illiteracy, pandemics and
malnutrition.
[Extracted from Bureau of Diplomatic Information - Country profile India (2019)].

Biocapacity Ecological
Biophysical resources
Hag/hab footprint
Agricultural land 0.34 Hag/inhab
0.34
Pastures 0.00 0.00
Forests 0.02 0.10
Fishing areas 0.03 0.02
CO2 absorption forests 0.28
Built-up areas 0.05 0.05
TOTAL 0.44 0.79

Does India have ecological credit or deficit

Is India's carbon footprint significant?

Italy is a member country of the European Union with a population of 62,007,540 inhabitants and a gross
domestic product (GDP) that ranks seventh among the world's economies, according to the World Bank.
It is one of the most industrialized countries in the world and it is precisely industry that is the backbone
of its economy and its main development factor. In contrast, agricultural activities have experienced a
considerable decline, both in terms of employment of the active population (7.3 %) and in terms of their
share of GDP (3.7 %). Agricultural production and livestock do not meet the population's food demand.
Among the active industrial sectors are: food ( pasta processing, canning), furniture, clothing and
footwear, which are expanding due to the growth of the design sector; paper, glass, non-ferrous
metallurgy, agricultural machinery, aeronautical constructions, among others. Even so, they are heavily
dependent on the import of raw materials and the scarcity of energy resources (coal, natural gas and oil,
electricity production) that do not meet the country's demand. Italy is among the countries with the
highest CO2 emissions (7.7 tons) and the highest energy consumption per capita (3001 kilograms)
according to the World Bank 2007.
[Retrieved from https://datos.bancomundial.org/pais/italia?view=chart;
http://www.oratlas.com/libro-mundial/italia/cuestiones- transnationals; http://www.ambitalia.com.uy/economia/economia-
italiana.php]

Biocapacity Ecological
Biophysical resources
Hg/Hab footprint
Agricultural land 0.45 Hg/inhabitant
0.86
Pastures 0.04 0.31
Forests 0.34 0.45
Fishing areas 0.06 0.14
CO2 absorption forests 2.62
Constructed areas 0.05 0.05
TOTAL 0.94 4.43
Does Italy have a credit or ecological deficit?

Is Italy's carbon footprint significant?

Peru's 72 million hectares of tropical forests hold captive at least 9.9 billion tons of carbon in biomass
(150 tons/hectare). The total area deforested in the Amazon rainforest during the period 1990-2000
represents 10.36% of the Amazon forest area. The department of San Martin has the largest deforested
area with 1,327 hectares. 668.52 ha (18.51%), contributing to an 80% reduction in the population of the
San Martin stump monkey(Callicebus oenanthe), a species endemic to this region, over the last 25
years.The department with the least deforested area is La Libertad, with 7231.26 ha (0.10%).
Source: (MINAM, 2009)

Does deforestation of Peruvian tropical forests contribute to climate change?

Deforestation of Peruvian tropical forests contributes to [change] in [climate]; the Tocón monkey is a
species in the [endangered] category.

Is the San Martin Stump-footed Monkey an endangered species?

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the levels of heat-trapping greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere have reached a new record high. This trend continues over the long term, which
means that future generations will have to cope with increasingly severe effects of climate change, such
as higher temperatures, more extreme weather events, increased water stress, rising sea levels and altered
marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
The WMO's greenhouse gas (GHG)bulletin , has shown that the global average concentration of carbon
dioxide (CO2) reached 407.8 parts per million (ppm) in 2018, surpassing the 400 ppm threshold in 2015;
which was just above the average of the last decade. Likewise, methane and nitrous oxide concentrations
soared and rose in greater quantities over the last ten years, according to observations from the Global
Atmosphere Watch network. Since 1990, there has been a 43% increase in total radiative forcing - which
has a global warming effect - caused by long-lived greenhouse gases.
IsCO2 the main responsible for:
Global warming of our planet
Ozone layer depletion
Environmental contamination
Environmental impact
Acid rain
How is the increase in GHGs related to sea level rise?

Since the 1970s, scientists began to observe that the stratospheric ozone was weakening, without being
able to find an explanation. In 1974, Mexican scientist Mario Molina published a scientific paper in
Nature magazine stating that the depletion of the ozone layer was due to CFCs. By 1980, the scientific
community corroborated Dr. Molina's assertions and, for this reason, in 1985, the Vienna Convention for
the Protection of the Ozone Layer was approved. It is important to emphasize that in the 1980s, modern
societies were surrounded by CFCs, for example, in the air conditioning system that cooled homes, in
refrigerators for food preservation and in aerosol propellants.
In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was signed, an international agreement in which practically all the
countries of the planet committed themselves to reduce and eliminate the production, consumption and
commercialization of substances that damage the ozone layer. The treaty focuses on the elimination of
global emissions of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The treaty proposes the reduction of their
production and consumption up to partial elimination.
[Extracted from Aportaciones a la ciencia- Centro Mario Molina] [Extracted from Aportaciones a la ciencia- Centro
Mario Molina].

Check the correct answer

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer.

Chlorofluorocarbons(CFCs) are responsible for climate change

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) responsible for global warming
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are responsible for glacial melting
All are correct

The Earth's average annual temperature has increased by about 0.8°C since 1880. The Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicates that global temperatures are likely to continue to rise during
the 21st century. The increase would be between 1.1 and 2.9ºC in the lowest emissions scenario and
between 2.4 and 6.4ºC in the highest emissions scenario. The observed increase in the global average
temperature since the mid-20th century is due to the increase in anthropogenic GHG concentrations that
is altering the greenhouse effect. The burning of fossil fuels and changes in land use, fertilizer use, soil
degradation, food waste and solid waste production are the main sources of greenhouse gases. In view of
this, the international scientific community has warned that if global development, population growth
and energy consumption based on fossil fuels continue to increase, this could have devastating climatic
consequences.
[Retrieved from https://prof-ojeda-roger-por-venezuela.blogspot.com/2016/01/]

Why does altering the greenhouse effect cause global warming?

What alternatives are proposed to mitigate climate change?

The Paris Agreement on climate change is considered the greatest environmental achievement in history.
The agreement sets the goal of keeping temperature increases well below 2°C compared to the pre-
industrial era. It also commits all signatory countries, rich and poor, to make efforts to limit this increase
to a maximum of 1.5°C, to avoid reaching dangerous and irreversible levels of climate change, as
indicated by scientists. Concern is focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially CO2, and also
on reducing the two main causes of climate change: deforestation, particularly of tropical forests such as
the Amazon, a victim of abusive deforestation; and the use of fossil fuels such as oil, gasoline, gas and
coal. According to European Council (2016).
[Extracted from European Council. (2016). Paris Agreement on Climate Change - Chronology.
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/es/policies/climate-change/timeline/ ]

Why deforestation contributes to climate change

Why are fossil fuels primarily responsible for climate change?

Peru is among the ten countries most vulnerable to climate change and the main effect on the country is
manifested in glacial retreat. In the last 22 to 35 years, 22% of the glacier surface has been lost
(equivalent to 7,000 million cubic meters or 10 years of water consumption in Lima), with a greater
effect on small and lower altitude glaciers. It is estimated that by 2025 glaciers in Peru below 5,500
m.a.s.l. will have disappeared. The fresh water from the glaciers has a considerable impact on the water
availability of most of the rivers of the western slope during the dry season (May-November), which are
supplied by the melting of glacier ice (for example, approximately 40% of the flow of the Santa River
during the dry season comes from deglaciation). Thus, a continuous process of deglaciation would
initially generate a greater circulation of water in the riverbeds, reaching a maximum of availability
during the next 25 to 50 years, after which a progressive decrease would begin, worsening the period of
low water levels and consequently reducing water availability for social activities, industrial processes
and hydroelectric power generation.After that, a progressive decrease would begin, worsening the low
water period and consequently reducing the availability of water for social activities, industrial processes
and hydroelectric power generation. The retreat of the glacial fronts together with the increase in rainfall
intensity would produce the formation of lagoons or glaciers, increasing the risk of natural disasters
(landslides, alluviums and overflows), affecting the populations of the inter-Andean valleys.

What is the cause of glacial retreat in Peru?

What would be the main consequences of glacier melting in Peru?

Corporación Aceros Arequipa, is a steel company with Peruvian capital and collaborators, dedicated
mainly to the production and marketing of steel products, from the metal transformation process to final
products such as construction bars, steel sheets, among others. The main production plant is located in
the province of Pisco, department of Ica. Together with its collaborators, it carries out continuous
improvement projects in search of excellence in production processes, safety management and
environmental impact. It has made improvements in lighting, such as the implementation of presence
sensors, having reduced energy consumption by 22%, reduced water consumption by 40% by using eco-
efficient faucets in kitchenettes, 80% of the power installed in the offices is Energy Star equipment that
consumes less energy. The Corporation is committed to the social and sustainable development of the
communities that are directly or indirectly related to its operations. To this end, they have developed
tools and programs that support their commitment, in alliance with other internal and external
stakeholders: Training programs in environmental care, programs focused on prevention and health care,
education and technology programs through scholarships and virtual libraries, programs focused on
improving the ornamental and green areas, waste management programs, and programs for the
management of waste, among others.
Fuente:https://www.bvl.com.pe/hhii/CI0003/20190228164101/RSCORPORATIVA322018324532SECCION32B.PDF

Aceros Arequipa has the following characteristics:

Presents social responsibility .............................. has developed tools and programs that support its
commitment, in alliance with other internal and external actors: Training programs in environmental
care, programs focused on prevention and health care, education and technology programs through
scholarships and virtual libraries.
It is an eco-efficient company..................................... has made improvements in lighting, such as the
implementation of presence sensors having reduced energy consumption by 22%, have reduced water
consumption by 40% using eco-efficient faucets in kitchenettes, 80% of the power installed in the offices
are Energy Star equipment that consume less energy.

Contributes to sustainable development............................ The Corporation is committed to the social and

sustainable development of the communities that are directly or indirectly related to its operations.
Siderperú is the leading steel company in Peru. Produces and markets high quality steel products for the
construction, mining and industrial sectors, both in the local and foreign markets. It has also been part of
Gerdau since 2006, a leader in the production of long steel in the Americas, and Siderperú's water
treatment and recirculation system allows 100% of the water used in the industrial process to be reused.
With the above process, they have achieved zero discharge of industrial effluent into the El Ferrol bay in
Chimbote, recirculating 97% of the water in the process and using the remaining water to irrigate internal
areas, complying with the national standards of the Ministry of the Environment and the international
standards of the World Health Organization for irrigation of green areas.The company has achieved zero
discharge of industrial effluent into El Ferrol Bay in Chimbote, recirculating 97% of the water in the
process and using the remainder to irrigate internal areas, complying with national Ministry of the
Environment and World Health Organization international standards for irrigation in green areas and
with the authorization of the National Water Authority. As a result, Siderperú has managed to reduce
total water consumption at its Chimbote plant by more than 80%.
Likewise, Siderperú invests in the education sector, as they are convinced that it is part of their authentic
commitment to Chimbote and the country. For this reason, they provide annual technical vocational
training scholarships to low-income young people. In alliance with the Servicio Nacional de
Adiestramiento en Trabajo Industrial (Senati), Siderperú provides 2 years of technical study and 1 year of
internship at Siderperú's industrial complex. On the other hand, they promote musical education in the
children and youth of Chimborazo and, in this way, provide an opportunity for them to develop their
artistic skills and become part of a symphony orchestra. Finally, they develop various projects and
activities aimed at caring for the environment; proof of this is that more than 400,000 trees have been
planted in Chimbote.
Source: http://stakeholders.com.pe/noticias-sh/siderperu-gana-premio-a-la-ecoeficiencia-empresarial/
Source: https://www.siderperu.com.pe/conoceno/responsabilidad-social

Is Siderperú an eco-efficient company?

Does Siderperú comply with the principles of social responsibility?

Natura, founded in 1969, consolidated its position as a leader in the cosmetics and perfumery products
sector in Brazil. It is experiencing strong economic growth in Latin America and in May of this year
confirmed the acquisition of Avon.
In 1983, Natura pioneered the refill concept for its products, which use less plastic and generate less
waste. In addition, the use of spare parts also encourages responsible consumption and means significant
savings, since their price is 27% cheaper than a traditional product. In 2000, Natura launched its Ekos
product line, making an explicit commitment to using resources from Brazilian biodiversity. In this way,
we seek to increase awareness of the richness of nature and to obtain natural ingredients in a sustainable
way, developing the quality of life in the communities that grow or extract them. Glass and containers
containing recycled material are used.
In 2009, Natura brought its "Believing is Seeing" program to Peru, which is fully invested in educational
projects in Peru, such as the Learning Communities. These activities are financed thanks to the resources
raised in one of its product lines titled in the same way as the program (source
https://natrura123.blogspot.com/2019/07/natura-empresa.html)

Natura has the following characteristics:

Natura contributes to sustainable development .......... In 2000, Natura launched its Ekos product line,
making an explicit commitment to using resources from Brazilian biodiversity. Seeking to increase
awareness of the richness of nature and to obtain natural ingredients in a sustainable way, developing
the quality of life in the communities that grow or extract them.

Natura is eco-efficient................................ In 1983, Natura pioneered the refill concept for its products,
which use less plastic and generate less waste. In addition, the use of spare parts also promotes
responsible consumption and represents a significant savings.

Natura has social responsibility................. In 2009, Natura brought its "Believing is Seeing" program to
Peru, which is fully invested in educational projects in Peru, such as the Learning Communities.

Banco de crédito del Perú BCP is a company that focuses its efforts on being a bank with a unique
economic, social and environmental management in the country. According to its 2017 sustainability
report, BCP achieved an 85% approval rating in that year's Work Climate Survey; 99% of its employees
were trained in customer service and environmental commitment from within the company; more than 8
million customers were served; and 58% were very or totally satisfied with the service provided; 65
scholarships and 55 educational credits were granted by the BCP Talent Seedbed program. Obtained
awards and recognition as one of the 10 Most Admired Companies in Peru in 2017 granted by Price
Waterhouse Coopers and Revista G de Gestión.
BCP has an Ethics and Conduct Program, whose guidelines are included in the Credicorp Code of Ethics.
In addition, it has designed and maintains the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Program based on
an occupational risk prevention approach. As part of its commitment to environmental care, in January
2010, BCP subscribed to the CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project), with a per capita Carbon Footprint of
2.76 tCO2 equivalent (compared to that of a Peruvian 5.64 t CO2 equivalent , according to Minam, 2012). As for
solid waste management, the bank launched a virtual course to raise employees' awareness of its
environmental impact and to teach them how to use the segregation stations. Recycling garbage cans
were placed in all its offices. In addition, almost all offices have water sensors and timers in the sinks,
which prevent water waste. Paper consumption was 1 226.82 tons and accounted for about 9% of BCP's
total carbon footprint in 2017. Currently, an awareness and communication campaign continues to
promote the efficient consumption of this resource and encourage its correct recycling. Also, all printers
and photocopiers in the building are programmed to print double-sided.
[Extracted from BCP Sustainability Report, 2017. http://www.responsabilidadsocialbcp.com/files/reporte-sostenibilidad-bcp-2017.pdf]

Is Banco de Crédito del Perú an eco-efficient company?

Does Banco de Crédito del Perú have corporate social responsibility?

Sodimac is a chain of stores selling construction materials, tools and home improvement items. This
chain is ISO 26000 certified and declares that its corporate governance and business ethics are based on
values. They maintain that their management is directed along five lines: labor relations, environment,
responsible sourcing, community involvement, and responsible trade and marketing. Employee surveys
show that job satisfaction rates are very high and Great place to work considers Sodimac to be one of the
best places to work. Environmentally, the company recycles paper, cardboard, plastic and iron; uses
biodegradable plastic bags; has reduced water consumption and its carbon footprint. It has established
social participation programs, such as the "Haciendo escuela" program. Participates in the reconstruction
of schools in young villages. Maintains a close alliance with the TECHO Program (a roof for my
country), building 170 emergency houses and training programs for construction workers. It has
identified its stakeholders and reports with triple bottom line, according to Empresas sumando valor
(2014).
[Extracted from Empresas sumando valor. (2014). Sustainability report.
https://sumandovalor.cl/files/content/empresa_reporte/60/Sodimac.pdf]

Is Sodimac a socially responsible company?

Is Sodimac an eco-efficient company?

In the cement business, Argos is the leader in Colombia. Its products are cements and concretes, which
have quality certificates and strict production processes that ensure compliance with the respective
regulations. As part of its environmental management practices, its plants recirculate more than 78,000
m3 of industrial water from the product manufacturing process, and capture rainwater in nearly 37,000
m3 to reduce water consumption by 31.84%. Alternative cementitious agents such as ashes are
implemented, achieving reductions in cement consumption (about 38,000 tons of cement replaced by
ashes), reducing cement consumption and emissions associated with the production process (reduction of
24.3 million kg of CO2). Through the reuse and recycling of debris, waste generation is reduced by
approximately 19,000 tons/year. There is an implementation of the use of low energy consumption light
bulbs in the processing plants and the use of solar panels.
In the social dimension, referring to its occupational health and safety program, which aims to establish a
culture of self-care in which safe and healthy conditions are promoted for all employees. This program
has contributed significantly to the reduction of incidents because it has also been extended to other
stakeholders such as contractors and suppliers and, in general, to the entire value chain. Currently, 100%
of the incidents are investigated and action and follow-up plans are established. At the close of 2015, a
47.5% reduction in the accident frequency rate was achieved. Argos also contributes to the development
of the communities where it is present by designing and participating in community investment, social
housing and education projects. In this way, it gives a green light to dreams, helps to improve the living
conditions of its inhabitants and establishes good neighborly relations.
(Taken from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzk67mgc_va)

Is the Argos company in Colombia eco-efficient?

Does Argos in Colombia have social responsibility