1
o How are the following related: Human population growth, sustainability, carrying capacity, and famine? What role do values play in deciding whether to protect the environment or increase human populations?
o What is carrying capacity? Do you think it is possible to accurately determine the carrying capacity for the Earth? Why or why not?
o Compare and contrast positive and negative aspects of the urban environment
2
o What are some social, economic, aesthetic, and ethical issues involved in a current environmental controversy? Explain.
o In your opinion, after reading Chapter 2, what role should science play in environmental decision-making? Explain.
o Support the argument that technology is not science, but science and technology interact, stimulating growth in each other
3
o How might a decline in the human population affect the natural environment? How would a doubling of world population affect the natural environment?
o What is meant by the statement, "What is good for an individual is not always good for a population?"
o Identify the factors that are most responsible for the rapid increase in human population since (a) the founding of civilizations and (b) the Industrial Revolution