COLLEGE DEPARTMENT

Second Semester, School Year 2021-2022 /80

ECOSYSTEM 101 – WORKSHEET #1

NAME: Johnny Alangcas DATE: 08-31-2022

YEAR & SECTION: BSRT 1-A INSTRUCTOR: PROF. JENNY CHUA, M.SC.

Answer the given questions concisely. Provide supporting information and indicate your references.
(15 points each) To be submitted at the end of the session, via google drive.

1-15. What is an environmentally sustainable society?

A sustainable society is one in which that encompasses the prevention of the depletion of our natural
resources and their preservation. Taking care of the environment, especially natural resources, is
what sustainability is all about. Thus, sustainable development refers to meeting present-day
requirements within a framework that does not limit prospects for future generations. A sustainable
society must prioritize environmental protection, social responsibility, and the dynamic equilibrium
between human and natural systems.

16-30. Why do we have environmental problems?

Environmental problems are considered to be unfavorable changes in the natural environment

brought on by humans. Environmental issues have numerous root causes. The growth of the
population, the economy, and our understanding of the environment are the main contributors to
environmental issues. Numerous environmental issues are linked to human economic activity. The
use of fossil fuels resulted in a sharp rise in carbon emissions during the Industrial Revolution. Since
then, carbon that had been locked up in the earth for millions of years has been released into the
atmosphere at an increasing rate. However, the new raw materials were employed for more than
just fuel. Faster and faster advancements in science and technology led to ground-breaking
innovations in the automotive, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. The outcome was a steady
increase in both global pollution and population. Our current economic model follows that of a flow
economy: First, raw materials and energy are expended to produce products. Pollutants are
produced. The environment is impacted by how people live and how we generate commodities.
Environmental effects of traffic and people's massive energy usage are also present. Our health is
subsequently impacted by these results.

31-45. How can the four principles of sustainability affect human lives?

The four principles of sustainability can affect human lives by first using the energy from the sun.
Solar energy is produced using the sun's power. Contrary to coal or gas, which must first be burned
to produce energy and release significant volumes of CO2, no fossil fuel is necessary in this
situation. Once installed, the solar power system produces electricity without emitting any emissions.
Even entirely climate-neutral production and hence energy output is feasible and can preserve the
environment. Second is biodiversity. It concerns the genetic diversity of animal and plant species as
well as the biological diversity of habitats including forests, lakes, and meadows, also referred to as
ecosystems. The advantages of biodiversity are very obvious to humans. It is very evident that
biodiversity is a huge service provider if we look closely. Species supply raw materials, food, and
medicines. Ecosystems provide good soil, pure water, and a safe haven from erosion and flooding.
They provide us with options for leisure and comfort as living spaces. A high level of biodiversity is
crucial from an ecological perspective for the stability of ecosystems and their capacity to respond to
environmental changes. Third is nutrient cycle. The term "nutrient cycle" refers to the cycle in which
a nutritive element travels from a starting location through consecutive intermediate stations before
returning to the starting place. The cycle is complete when no substances are permanently
eliminated from the system, at which point the system is in a stable state. One example of a nutrient
cycle in agricultural use systems is the return of nutrients through farm-produced manure. This will
enable us to grow crops much more sustainably and organically. And lastly is population can help us
be sustainable because if we have fewer population to support, we can minimize the usage of
resources.

46-60. Do we have an obligation to see that our activities do not cause the premature extinction of
other species? Should we try to protect all species or only some? How do we decide which species
to protect?

Yes, we have an obligation to prevent the extinction of other species. Not only do species have a natural
right to exist, they also make a major contribution to human survival. Just think of the bees and their
pollination work. Without them there would be no seed formation, which in turn is the basis for the continued
existence of the plants. The little helpers are indispensable for nature and producers. There must be
concrete measures to prevent further loss of biological diversity. Protecting and restoring habitats is one
side, stopping poaching and wildlife trafficking is the other. All this should be done in cooperation with the
local people, so that the conservation of wild animals is also in their social and economic interest. We must
first decide which species is on the verge of extinction and try to protect and preserve them.