The graphs below, as mentioned and shown in the video, illustrate how the post-World War 2 socio-economic boom (mainly in Europe and North America but now gathering pace elsewhere) has affected components of the Earth system.
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The first three columns on the left are the 12 Indicators of Human Activity.
The last three columns on the right are 12 Indicators of the Earth System.
Select one graph from Human Activity and One graph from Earth System and discuss how they might be correlated (how does that human activity impact that aspect of the Earth system? Think about your selected human activity from all aspects- for example if its motor vehicles: think of land use and resources required to not only drive, but build and sell… as impacts on our Natural Capitol/ the Earth’s system- how would that impact biological diversity for example?
Toward the end of the film one of the scientists says:
“We have all of the expertise on the planet to solve these problems we just don’t always have the will”
Do you agree with him that we have the knowledge right now- that we know what needs to be done? If so, then what do you think he means by “the will”? Can we not make the changes necessary? Why? Use one, some or all of the graphs to support your answer. For example: water usage- What would it take to conserve water? Do we not have the will to conserve water? Why? Hmmm.