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Flip to reveal answersWhat is an environmental movement?
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All 25 Flashcards — Environmental movements
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Question
What is an environmental movement?
Answer
People and organisations working to protect nature, reduce pollution, and use resources sustainably.
💡 Hint
One clear sentence.
Question
Why do environmental movements develop?
Answer
Because people become aware that human activities damage the environment and believe action is needed to protect ecosystems and future generations.
💡 Hint
Think: damage + need for action.
Question
What 3-step pattern shows how environmental movements grow?
Answer
Problem identified → awareness spreads → action or policy change follows.
💡 Hint
Memorise the arrow chain.
Question
In IB exam answers, what matters more than memorising a specific example?
Answer
Understanding — using any relevant example and clearly explaining cause → awareness → action.
💡 Hint
Don’t just name; explain the link.
Question
How can literature influence environmental movements?
Answer
It exposes hidden environmental damage, raises public concern, and can lead to new laws.
💡 Hint
Literature → awareness → policy change.
Question
How can individuals influence environmental movements?
Answer
They raise awareness, mobilise public support (e.g., protests/campaigns), and increase political pressure on decision-makers.
💡 Hint
Individuals → awareness → action.
Question
What is the role of scientific discoveries in environmental movements?
Answer
They provide evidence of environmental damage, which supports environmental laws and policies.
💡 Hint
Science → evidence → laws/policies.
Question
Why do environmental disasters often accelerate environmental movements?
Answer
They make damage visible quickly, shifting public opinion and increasing demand for regulation.
💡 Hint
Public shock → pressure → regulation.
Question
How can technological developments help environmental movements?
Answer
They offer solutions that reduce environmental impacts (e.g., renewable energy and cleaner technology).
💡 Hint
Technology → solutions → reduced impact.
Question
Why are international agreements important for environmental movements?
Answer
They help countries cooperate on global environmental problems and encourage shared action.
💡 Hint
Global problems → cooperation → shared action.
Question
What is the role of media in environmental movements?
Answer
Media spreads information widely, increasing awareness, influencing public opinion, and encouraging behaviour change.
💡 Hint
Media → information → behaviour change.
Question
Who was Rachel Carson (Silent Spring)?
Answer
A scientist and writer who exposed the harmful effects of pesticides like DDT in her book Silent Spring, helping start the modern environmental movement.
💡 Hint
Think: scientist + writer + exposed DDT harm.
Question
Why was DDT used?
Answer
It was used as a pesticide to kill mosquitoes, helping reduce diseases such as malaria.
💡 Hint
Mosquito control + malaria.
Question
What did Silent Spring show about DDT?
Answer
DDT does not break down easily, can enter soil and water, and builds up in food chains (biomagnification).
💡 Hint
Key words: persistent + enters ecosystems + biomagnifies.
Question
How did DDT affect birds (impact on wildlife)?
Answer
Birds received the highest DDT concentrations; eggshells became thin and broke, causing bird populations to decline.
💡 Hint
Highest concentration → thin shells → fewer chicks.
Question
What was the result of Silent Spring for society/policy?
Answer
Public awareness increased, pressure on governments grew, and DDT was banned in many countries.
💡 Hint
Awareness → pressure → bans.
Question
Exam-ready link for Silent Spring (one sentence)
Answer
Silent Spring exposed the harmful effects of DDT, increasing public awareness and leading to bans.
💡 Hint
Use: exposure → awareness → policy.
Question
Who is Greta Thunberg (in this topic)?
Answer
A climate activist known for school strikes and speaking to world leaders, increasing pressure on governments to act on climate change.
💡 Hint
Activism + pressure on governments.
Question
What issue did Greta Thunberg focus on?
Answer
Climate change and government inaction on emissions.
💡 Hint
Issue = climate + inaction.
Question
What actions did Greta Thunberg take?
Answer
She organised school strikes, joined public protests, and gave international speeches.
💡 Hint
Strikes + protests + speeches.
Question
Exam-ready link for Greta Thunberg (one sentence)
Answer
Greta Thunberg raised awareness of climate change and increased political pressure through protest.
💡 Hint
Individual → awareness → action.
Question
Who was Wangari Maathai (in this topic)?
Answer
A Kenyan scientist and activist who founded the Green Belt Movement, using tree planting to protect ecosystems and support local communities.
💡 Hint
Green Belt Movement + tree planting.
Question
What did Wangari Maathai do?
Answer
She founded the Green Belt Movement and promoted tree planting.
💡 Hint
Two key actions.
Question
Why did Wangari Maathai’s work matter?
Answer
It reduced deforestation and soil erosion, protected water supplies, and empowered local communities.
💡 Hint
Environmental + social benefits.
Question
Exam-ready link for Wangari Maathai (one sentence)
Answer
Wangari Maathai protected ecosystems through tree planting and community action.
💡 Hint
Individual → awareness → local action.
Read the notes
Full study notes for Environmental movements
Topic 1.1 hub
Environmental systems
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