GEF

Unit 2  |  Humanity’s Ecological Footprint 53 CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING 1. What is an ecological footprint? How does this measurement help us quantify the current impact of humans on the Earth? 2. Why does industrial agriculture have a larger ecological footprint than subsistence agriculture? 3. What is carrying capacity? How does it help us to understand sustainability? 4. What was the Industrial Revolution? How do the developments of the Industrial Revolution continue to be the primary drivers behind our ecological footprint today? 5. What are the main causes of climate change? What are some of its effects? ASSESS YOUR UNDERSTANDING Select the best answer from the choices provided. 1. What measurement is used to assess the impact of humans on nature? a. The ecological footprint b. Number of recycling centers c. The rise in average annual temperature d. Population growth 2. By what process do greenhouse gases cause climate change? a. Creating heat in the upper atmosphere b. Blocking the Sun’s heat from reaching Earth c. Preventing heat from escaping Earth’s atmosphere d. Being absorbed by trees and the ocean 3. Which term refers to the Earth’s ability to regenerate natural resources and absorb waste? a. Biocapacity b. Biochemical c. Biorhythm d. Biodegradable