GEF

Unit 3  |  Primary Sustainability Issues 57 Several sustainability issues stand out for their vital importance to humanity: energy, food, water, and pollution. A great deal of the day-to-day work of sustainability is focusing on making these areas work better for people and fit into the ecological systems of the planet. In this unit, you will learn about these issues and how they intersect with the goals of a more sustainable Earth. THE BIG IDEA UNIT 3 SELF-ASSESSMENT Before beginning this unit, consider what you already know about sustainability by completing this self-assessment. For each statement below, rate your current level of confidence with understanding sustainability concepts. NOT CONFIDENT SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT CONFIDENT I am able to explain some of the concerns about our reliance on nonrenewable energy sources. ❍ ❍ ❍ I am able to discuss the benefits and limitations of various renewable energy sources. ❍ ❍ ❍ I am able to explain the Green Revolution in agriculture and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). ❍ ❍ ❍ I am able to list at least three examples of the adverse effects of chemicals exposure on humans and wildlife. ❍ ❍ ❍ I am able to discuss why water scarcity is a major sustainability challenge. ❍ ❍ ❍