Land use, waste management, and Human health

Forests cover one-third of Earth’s landmass. These ecosystems all provide vital ecological and economic services. Why might it be more difficult to convince the human population of the value of a forest’s ecological services as opposed to the value of its economic services?

• Ecological services cannot be monetarily estimated.

• Ecological services are not easily observed by the average human.

• Ecological services detail the cost of use on the environment.

• Ecological services are only a focus of less developed economies.

Governments and other political practices can help make a shift toward more sustainable land use and management. Which of the following best explains how this can be achieved?

• Remove subsidies and tax breaks that support deforestation

• Encourage logging in mature tropical rainforests.

• Remove most standing dead trees and large fallen trees.

• Encourage the use of tropical rainforests for economic value.

Harvesting wood from forests is one the top industries in the world. There are various ways for loggers to harvest this wood. Which of the following would provide the best sustainable use of the land?

• Strip cutting the trees because only mature trees are cut

• Clear cutting the trees because it is the most cost effective method

• Clear cutting the trees because it produces the greatest timber yield

• Strip cutting the trees because it minimizes widespread destruction

Overgrazing reduces grass cover and negatively impacts the soil health by reducing its ability to hold water. How can overgrazing be prevented and support a more sustainable use of grasslands?

• Allow developers to buy ranchlands for housing.

• Practice moving confined cattle every few days.

• Allow unlimited animals to graze in a given area to reach carrying capacity.

• Practice grazing an area of land at the same stage of plant growth each year.

How can the health of a forest play a role in maintaining human health?

• Forest can be a source of mining.

• Forest provide pulp to make paper.

• Medicines are made from forest species.

• Forest provide numerous wildlife habitats.

Button cell batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as watches, cameras, digital thermometers, calculators and toys. Though there are no federal regulations prohibiting throwing button cell batteries in the regular garbage, they should be recycled. What is the best explanation for why these batteries should be recycled?

• They contain mercury that if leaked into environment can threaten human health.

• They are no longer in use due to more advanced technology practices.

• They absorb heat that can lead to forest fires if released and damage ecosystems

• They are intended for military and medical equipment that need a long life.

Incinerating (burning) solid waste is one way in which humans manage waste on Earth. While incinerating can provide advantages, it also has disadvantages. Which of the following is a disadvantage of incinerating solid waste?

• Reduces trash volume

• Energy is produced from the process

• Greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere

• Concentrates hazardous substances into ash for burial

Landfills help to isolate trash from the surrounding environment. To prevent groundwater contamination, landfills practice which of the following waste management practices?

• They are located far from populated areas.

• They are covered with cement.

• They are lined with plastics and clay soil.

• They are located on slopes for water to run downhill.

. Integrated waste management arranges various strategies for handling municipal solid waste. While most countries rely primarily on landfills and incineration, which of the following would be a primary component of integrated waste management?

• Recycling

• Reduction

• Reuse

• Composting

Although farmers once used only organic fertilizers to replenish nutrients in the soils, some have been replaced with synthetic fertilizers. Although synthetic fertilizers keep nutrient levels high and increase crop yields, they can have an effect on the environment. Which of the following would most likely lead to a ban of synthetic fertilizers?

• Synthetic fertilizers help prevent the spread of diseases.

• Synthetic fertilizers are less expensive than organic fertilizers.

• Synthetic fertilizers increase the potential for environmental pollution

• Synthetic fertilizers provide nutrients, like nitrogen that can disrupt nutrient cycling.