The Environment & Society

Surface water standards for recreation are determined by the Clean Water Act.

True

Which of the following processes requires separate plumbing?
a.
water reclamation
b.
desalination
c.
greywater use
d.
none of the above

c. greywater use

What was the greatest impact of the National Environmental Policy Act?
a.
the involvement of the president
b.
delegating environmental responsibility between local and national governments
c.
establishing water pollution control
d.
requiring governmental agencies to prepare environmental assessments and impact statements

d. requiring governmental agencies to prepare environmental assessments and impact statements

Which of the following is an area targeted by countries to reduce environmental impact?
a.
greenhouse gas emissions
b.
wetland destruction
c.
deforestation
d.
all of the above

d. all of the above

Environmental impact assessments are required by law in order for _______.
a.
states to generate needed revenue
b.
companies to receive building permits
c.
environmental damage to be mitigated
d.
none of the above

b. companies to receive building permits

New milestones in environmental policy will most likely deal with long-term issues.

true

Which of the following is a way in which water resources are consumed?
a.
drinking
b.
industry
c.
business
d.
all of the above

d. all of the above

How have approaches to environmental issues changed over the years?

Over the years, greater controversy has arisen over environmental issues as the issues addressed have become more complex and less easily identifiable.

Explain why water conservation is important

It is important to conserve water, because the amount of freshwater that is available for human consumption is limited. Only 1% of the water on Earth is viable for human use. Currently, freshwater resources are being used faster than they can be replenished, which leads to water shortages.

Compare the Safe Water Drinking Act and the Clean Water Act.

The Clean Water Act was implemented in 1972 and regulates the release of toxic materials into waterways. Its purpose was to reduce the amount of water pollution that was already present in waterways and eliminate additional pollution. The Safe Drinking Water Act was implemented in 1974 and serves to insure the quality of drinking water. It is not concerned with the release of toxic chemicals into water systems, but rather the elimination of contaminants in drinking water supplies. It makes sure that facilities that provide drinking water follow a set standard.

Explain how failing to conserve water can lead to an increase in water contamination

Crop irrigation is one way in which freshwater resources are consumed. Failure to conserve water during irrigation can lead to an increase in pollution that results from runoff. Natural filters are diminished by the overuse of water resources, which leads to an increase in water contamination that would have been filtered by these natural sources. With the increased demands placed upon sewage systems comes an increased likelihood of sewage system failures, which is another potential increase in water contamination.

How are the international efforts at reducing resource and ecological depletion similar?

International efforts to reduce resource and ecological depletion operate on a volunteer basis rather than a mandatory one. This is due to the fact that nations do not have jurisdiction over each other.

The process of _______ involves the removal of dissolved minerals from water so it can be used for drinking.
a.
desalination
b.
water reclamation
c.
greywater use
d.
irrigation

a. desalination

The _______ is the main government institution responsible for enforcing water policy.
a.
Environmental Protection Agency
b.
Federal Department of Agriculture
c.
Conservation Foundation
d.
local law enforcement agency

a. Environmental Protection Agency

Explain how the cap and dividend policy could help reduce carbon emissions over time

A cap and dividend policy involves issuing permits to industries that contribute to overall carbon emissions. These industries would have a limit to how much they could contribute to carbon emissions, and each year the number of permits would decrease. This would force industries to adapt to changes in carbon emissions and reduce the overall amount of carbon emissions over time.