GEO411 Midterm Study Guide

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Toronto Metropolitan University *

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411

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Electrical Engineering

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Apr 3, 2024

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GEO411 Midterm Study Guide Important readings and video materials: - Know the major reasons for including these readings and videos, ie. how do they each complement and support the course lectures and discussions??? - Videos - 'Borealis'; the "Earth3 Model' and '10 years to transform the future of humanity'; Wade Davis's lecture; 'Whose Land is it Anyway?'; and 'Ghosts of Futures Past' - Readings - McKibbon's (2023) "(Re-)Envisioning Natural Resource Management Involving First Nations..."; the Seventh Fire Prophecy and the Seven Generations Prophecy; Clapp's (1998) "Resource Cycle in Forestry and Fishing"; Berkes, et al., 2001 and Noble's (2009), both regarding Canada's environmental planning models; CBC News, 2011, "Mackenzie Valley pipeline: 37 years of negotiation"; and Lee's (2012) "Canada's woodland caribou...' Some definitions - Know the following terms: renewable and non-renewable environmental resources; ecosystems; carrying capacity; ecological integrity; common property resources; efficient property rights; ecological footprints; crown lands; major Canadian Federal, provincial and territorial responsibilities. o Renewable environmental resources are natural resources that can be replenished or regenerated over time through natural processes. Examples include sunlight, wind, water, and forests. o Non-renewable environmental resources are natural resources that cannot be easily replenished or regenerated within a human timescale. These resources are finite and include fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. o Ecosystems refer to communities of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) interacting with each other and their physical environment (including air, water, and soil) within a specific area or habitat. o Carrying capacity is the maximum population size of a species that the environment can sustain indefinitely, given the available resources and environmental conditions. It represents the balance between population size and available resources within an ecosystem. o Ecological integrity refers to the ability of an ecosystem to support and maintain ecological processes, functions, and biodiversity while sustaining resilience to disturbances or changes over time. o Common property resources are natural or human-made resources that are owned or accessible to a group of people or a community rather than individuals. These resources are managed collectively and include things like fisheries, grazing lands, and forests.

o Efficient property rights refer to the legal rights and arrangements governing the use, control, and transfer of resources in a way that maximizes societal welfare and promotes sustainable resource management. Clear and well-defined property rights can help prevent overexploitation and encourage responsible resource stewardship. o Ecological footprints measure the environmental impact of human activities by calculating the amount of biologically productive land and water required to support a population's resource consumption and absorb its waste output. It is a tool used to assess human ecological sustainability and environmental impact. o Crown lands are lands owned by the government, typically at the federal or provincial level, and managed for various purposes such as conservation, resource extraction, recreation, and public use. In Canada, these lands are often referred to as Crown lands, reflecting the authority of the reigning monarch. o Major Canadian Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Responsibilities are responsibilities refer to the areas of governance and authority assigned to the federal government, provincial governments, and territorial governments within Canada's political framework. Responsibilities include matters such as national defense, foreign affairs, healthcare, education, natural resource management, infrastructure, and environmental protection, among others. The distribution of responsibilities may vary between federal, provincial, and territorial levels of government. - Know the significance of the following dates - 1867, 1876, 1982 and 1999 o 1867 , marks the date of Confederation, when the British North America Act (now known as the Constitution Act, 1867) united three colonies - Canada (comprising Ontario and Quebec), Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick - into a single Dominion within the British Empire. This event led to the formation of the modern state of Canada and the establishment of a federal system of government. o The Indian Act of 1876 is a significant piece of Canadian legislation that consolidated various colonial laws affecting Indigenous peoples in Canada. It defined how Indigenous peoples were governed and managed their reserve lands, among other matters. o 1982 , Canada achieved full legislative independence from the United Kingdom through the patriation of its constitution. The Constitution Act, 1982, was enacted, which included the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Charter gave some power to Indigenous peoples despite being under historical treaties. o 1999 , marked the creation of the territory of Nunavut, carving out from the eastern part of the Northwest Territories. Its creation represented a significant milestone in Indigenous self-governance and land claims settlement, as well as a recognition of Inuit cultural and political rights. Planetary Boundaries, the EARTH3 Model and global carrying capacity

- Essentially, what does the Planetary Boundary (PB) research describe? o Planetary Boundary (PB) research describes the concept of identifying and quantifying the Earth's environmental thresholds or boundaries within which humanity can operate safely. These boundaries represent critical environmental processes and systems that, if crossed, could lead to abrupt or irreversible environmental changes with significant consequences for human well-being. - What two major measures of sustainability are combined to produce the EARTH3 Model? o The EARTH3 Model combines two major measures of sustainability: the Planetary Boundaries framework and the Social Foundations framework. The Planetary Boundaries framework identifies and quantifies the Earth's environmental limits, while the Social Foundations framework addresses social and economic dimensions of sustainability, such as equity, justice, and human well-being. - According to Johan Rockstrom, what are the five transformative policies described in his EARTH3 Model presentation and why are they necessary to adopt world-wide?  Carbon pricing and phasing out fossil fuel subsidies.  Shifting to 100% renewable energy sources.  Reforestation and afforestation efforts.  Sustainable agriculture and dietary shifts.  Circular economy and resource efficiency. o These policies are necessary to adopt worldwide because they address key drivers of global environmental change and social inequality, and they offer pathways toward sustainable development and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. - When was the Earth in an environmentally safe operating space? o The Earth was in an environmentally safe operating space before the advent of significant human impacts on the environment, which can be considered as occurring before the Industrial Revolution. It's important to note that defining a precise time frame is challenging, but generally, it refers to a period before widespread industrialization, large-scale deforestation, and pollution became pervasive. - Facing Climate Change and the inevitable need for the world to transition to renewable and non-carbon-based sources of energy, why should we be concerned about the delivery systems we have been using for over 100 years to transport oil and gas throughout North America? o Environmental risks: Pipelines and other delivery systems can pose significant environmental risks, including leaks, spills, and contamination of waterways and ecosystems.

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o Climate impact: The extraction, transportation, and combustion of fossil fuels contribute to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions. o Indigenous and community rights: Oil and gas infrastructure often intersects with Indigenous lands and communities, raising concerns about sovereignty, land rights, and environmental justice. o Transition to renewable energy: As the world transitions to renewable and non- carbon-based sources of energy, continued investment in fossil fuel infrastructure may delay the necessary shift to cleaner energy systems and hinder progress toward climate goals. On the documentary Borealis - Review the ecological services associated with the Boreal Forest ecozone. o Carbon storage: Boreal forests act as significant carbon sinks, helping to mitigate climate change by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. o Biodiversity support: The Boreal Forest is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, many of which are adapted to its unique environmental conditions. o Water regulation: Boreal forests play a crucial role in regulating water flow, helping to maintain water quality and mitigate flooding and erosion. o Habitat provision: The vast expanse of the Boreal Forest provides habitat for numerous wildlife species, including migratory birds, mammals, and fish. o Cultural significance: The Boreal Forest holds cultural significance for Indigenous peoples, providing resources for traditional practices, cultural identity, and livelihoods. - What is the benefit of fire in the Boreal? o Forest regeneration: Fire promotes the regeneration of certain tree species and helps maintain forest health by clearing out older vegetation and creating open, nutrient-rich spaces for new growth. o Biodiversity maintenance: Fire creates a mosaic of different habitat types within the forest, which supports a diverse range of plant and animal species adapted to different fire regimes. o Nutrient cycling: Fire releases nutrients stored in vegetation and soil back into the ecosystem, enhancing soil fertility and promoting new plant growth. o Disease and pest control: Fire can help control disease and pest outbreaks by reducing the abundance of host species and disrupting pest life cycles. - What is exceptional about the fire season of 2023 in Canada's North? o The fire season of 2023 in Canada's North was exceptional due to several factors, including:

 Unusually high temperatures and prolonged drought conditions, which increased the frequency and severity of wildfires.  Rapid spread of wildfires, exacerbated by dry vegetation and strong winds.  The large-scale impact of wildfires on communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure, leading to widespread evacuations, property damage, and loss of habitat. o The recognition of climate change as a contributing factor to the intensification of wildfire activity in the region, highlighting the need for adaptive management strategies and climate resilience measures. - Identify at least two keystone species of wildlife in Canada's Boreal region. o Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou): Woodland caribou are an iconic species of the Boreal Forest and play a crucial role in shaping the structure and function of their habitat. They are indicators of ecosystem health and integrity. o Beavers (Castor canadensis): Beavers are ecosystem engineers that play a significant role in shaping wetland habitats within the Boreal Forest. Their dam- building activities create complex aquatic ecosystems that benefit numerous other species and help regulate water flow and quality. Canadian environmental decision-making - Identify THREE major differences between the Canadian Environmental Assessment (EA) Act (2012) and the newer Impact Assessment Act (IA) (2019)? o The IA Act broadens the scope of assessments to consider not only environmental impacts but also health, social, and economic impacts. o The IA Act introduces a more robust public participation process, including early engagement with Indigenous peoples and the public throughout the assessment process. o The IA Act establishes the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) to conduct assessments, replacing the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) under the EA Act. - What is significant about the replacement of the older National Energy Board (NEB) with the new Canadian Energy Regulator (CER) of all things oil and gas in Canada? o The replacement signifies a shift towards a more modern regulatory framework that includes greater emphasis on environmental protection, Indigenous consultation, and public engagement. o The CER has a broader mandate beyond energy regulation, encompassing environmental and socio-economic considerations in its decision-making processes. o The creation of the CER aims to restore public trust in energy regulation and ensure that energy projects are developed and operated in a sustainable and responsible manner.

- How is the CLI the precursor to modern GIS and land inventory systems? o The CLI (Canada Land Inventory) was one of the earliest large-scale land inventory projects in Canada, providing detailed information on land capability and land use suitability. o The CLI laid the foundation for modern Geographic Information Systems (GIS) by collecting and organizing spatial data in a systematic manner. o It pioneered methodologies for land classification and mapping that are still used in contemporary land management and planning processes. - What are the five categories of land uses mapped by the CLI? o Agriculture o Forestry o Recreation o Wildlife o Waterfowl - Why was the CLI mapping exercise undertaken in the first place? o The CLI mapping exercise was undertaken to provide comprehensive information on Canada's land resources to support land use planning, resource management, and environmental decision-making at various levels of government. - How much of Canada's land base was mapped and WHY? o Approximately 95% of Canada's land base was mapped by the CLI to provide a comprehensive understanding of land capability and suitability for various uses, including agriculture, forestry, and conservation. - Review the rationales for the Ontario Conservation Authorities and Citizen Science o Ontario Conservation Authorities were established to manage and protect watersheds, conserve natural resources, and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. o Citizen science engages the public in scientific research and monitoring activities, enhancing data collection and environmental stewardship efforts. - Why and how has the process of Modern Land Claims strengthened the ability of Canadian Aboriginal Peoples to be involved in environmental decision-making? o Modern land claims provide Indigenous communities with greater control over their traditional territories and resources, empowering them to participate in environmental management and decision-making processes. o Land claims settlements often include provisions for co-management arrangements, Indigenous-led conservation initiatives, and increased involvement in land use planning and regulatory processes. - Know the essential characteristics of the jurisdictional and land use management responsibilities associated with First Nations (FN) and Inuit Modern Land Claims; the FN who negotiated Historical Treaties across Canada; those FN entering into Ontario Settlement Agreements; and Canada's Metis Nations.

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o Modern land claims grant Indigenous communities:  Ownership or co-management rights over land and natural resources.  Authority to participate in land use planning and decision-making processes.  Jurisdictional powers over environmental management and regulatory enforcement within their territories. - Regarding anthropologist Wade Davis's talk , during which he describes the Sacred Headwaters region in northern British Columbia (BC), what did he observe about Canada's approach to developing our natural area? o Wade Davis observed that Canada's approach to developing the Sacred Headwaters region lacked consideration for the ecological and cultural significance of the area. o He criticized the government's prioritization of resource extraction over conservation and Indigenous rights, highlighting the need for more sustainable and inclusive development practices. - Did the Red Chris mine pass BC's environmental assessment process? o Yes, the Red Chris mine passed BC's environmental assessment process, despite concerns raised by environmentalists and Indigenous groups about its potential impacts on the environment and local communities. - Where does the Tahltan Nation stand presently on the issue of the mine's expansion? o The Tahltan Nation has expressed opposition to the expansion of the Red Chris mine due to concerns about its environmental impacts, infringement on Indigenous rights, and lack of meaningful consultation and consent. Approaches to Environmental decision-making - Identify and briefly explain the four components of the Ecosystem Approach to Resource Management and Planning. o Integration of ecological, social, economic, and institutional factors. o Emphasis on adaptive management and decision-making. o Recognition of the interconnectedness and interdependence of ecosystems and human activities. o Promotion of stakeholder participation and collaboration in decision-making processes. - What is the significance of the four conflicts and uncertainties associated with environmental decision-making; why do all of these need to be considered? o Conflicts and uncertainties highlight the complexity of environmental issues and the diverse interests and values at stake. o Considering these factors is crucial for developing inclusive and effective solutions that balance environmental protection, social equity, and economic development.

- What is the Precautionary Principle and why should it always be applied in any decision-making model??? o The Precautionary Principle states that when there are threats of serious or irreversible harm to the environment, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation. o It should be applied in decision-making models to prioritize prevention and precautionary actions in the face of uncertain or incomplete information about potential environmental risks. - What is the difference between top-down and bottom-up environmental planning? o Top-down planning is centralized and typically initiated by higher levels of government or authorities, with decisions imposed downward to lower levels. o Bottom-up planning involves local stakeholders and communities taking the lead in identifying needs, setting goals, and developing solutions, which are then integrated into higher-level planning processes - Describe at least two examples of top-down planning. o National parks designation and management by federal governments. o Large-scale infrastructure projects authorized by central government authorities. - What is the difference between an EA or IA and an Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) or Regional Assessment (RA)? o Environmental Assessment (EA) and Impact Assessment (IA) focus on evaluating the potential environmental impacts of specific projects or actions. o Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Regional Assessment (RA) evaluate broader policies, plans, or programs to identify and mitigate potential cumulative and strategic environmental impacts. - Describe at least two examples of bottom-up planning (ie. adaptive and participatory). o Community-based natural resource management initiatives. o Participatory land-use planning processes involving local communities and Indigenous groups. - What are some pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses, of each set of the above planning approaches? o Top-down planning may lead to more efficient decision-making but can neglect local perspectives and values. o Bottom-up planning promotes community engagement and ownership but may face challenges in scaling up and integrating into higher-level planning processes. - What is the purpose of Strategic or Regional Environmental Assessment? o The purpose is to evaluate the environmental implications of policies, plans, or programs at a strategic or regional scale, considering cumulative effects and long- term sustainability. - What does Noble (2009) conclude about the successes and failures of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in Canada?

o Noble identifies successes in enhancing environmental considerations in policy and planning processes.  However, he also notes failures in implementation, including limited integration of SEA into decision-making, inadequate consideration of alternatives, and insufficient attention to monitoring and follow-up. Some serious flaws in Canada's plan to manage our resources sustainably - How does Harold Innis' Heartland and Hinterland Interaction theory apply to Canada's economic development? o Innis' theory suggests that economic development is shaped by the interaction between a dominant economic core (the "heartland") and its resource-producing periphery (the "hinterland"). o In Canada, this theory explains how the exploitation of natural resources in the resource-rich hinterland (such as forestry, mining, and agriculture) has historically driven economic growth and development, with the benefits flowing towards the central regions. - How does Clapp's resource cycle relate to Innis' theories of Heartland/Hinterland and the Staples Trap? o Clapp's resource cycle complements Innis' theories by describing the cyclical nature of resource exploitation and economic development. o Innis' concept of the Staples Trap suggests that dependence on a single staple export (e.g., fur, timber, minerals) can lead to economic vulnerability and stagnation. o Clapp's resource cycle illustrates how economies may go through periods of boom and bust as they exploit and deplete natural resources, mirroring Innis' concerns about the sustainability of resource-dependent economies. - What are the three stages of Clapp's resource cycle? o Expansion : In this stage, resource extraction and production expand rapidly, driven by high demand and favorable economic conditions. o Maturity : As resources become increasingly exploited and depleted, growth rates stabilize, and economic diversification becomes more urgent. o Decline or Reconfiguration: Resources become scarcer, extraction becomes more costly, and the economy may face decline unless new industries or resource bases are developed. - Why is there a discussion here about Canada's energy economy? o Canada's energy economy is relevant to discussions about resource exploitation, economic development, and sustainability. o The country's vast reserves of oil, gas, hydroelectricity, and renewable energy sources play a significant role in its economic prosperity and global energy markets.

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o Debates surrounding energy extraction, environmental impacts, climate change, and energy transitions are central to understanding Canada's economic and environmental policies. - How do Wade Davis' observations resonate with Clapp's Resource Cycle? o Wade Davis' observations about environmental degradation, cultural loss, and resource depletion resonate with Clapp's resource cycle. o Davis highlights the ecological and social costs of resource extraction, particularly in Indigenous territories and sensitive ecosystems. o His observations underscore the finite nature of natural resources and the need for sustainable resource management practices to avoid the pitfalls of the resource cycle, such as environmental degradation and economic decline. On The Ghosts of Future's Past - What was the purpose of and exceptional approach to investigating the pos and cons of building a gas pipeline from the mouth of the Mackenzie River all the way down into Northern Alberta? o The purpose of investigating the pros and cons of building a gas pipeline from the mouth of the Mackenzie River to Northern Alberta was primarily to evaluate the potential economic, social, and environmental impacts of such a project. The proposed gas pipeline, known as the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline, aimed to transport natural gas from the Mackenzie Delta region in Canada's Northwest Territories to markets in Alberta and beyond. o The exceptional approach to investigating the pros and cons of the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline project involved a comprehensive environmental assessment process, extensive consultations with Indigenous communities and stakeholders, and the involvement of various levels of government and industry representatives. The key aspects of this approach included:  Environmental Assessment: The project underwent a rigorous environmental assessment process to evaluate its potential impacts on ecosystems, wildlife, waterways, and traditional Indigenous territories. This assessment aimed to identify potential risks and develop mitigation measures to minimize adverse effects on the environment.  Indigenous Consultations: Given the significant impact of the pipeline on Indigenous lands, cultures, and rights, extensive consultations were conducted with Indigenous communities along the proposed pipeline route. Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and concerns were integral to the decision-making process, emphasizing the importance of meaningful engagement and consent.  Social and Economic Considerations: The project's potential social and economic benefits, such as job creation, economic development, and

infrastructure improvements, were carefully evaluated alongside potential negative impacts, including land disturbance, cultural disruption, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.  Technological and Engineering Feasibility: The project also underwent assessments of its technological and engineering feasibility, considering factors such as pipeline design, construction methods, safety standards, and regulatory requirements to ensure the project's viability and integrity. o Overall, the exceptional approach to investigating the pros and cons of the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline project aimed to balance the interests of various stakeholders while ensuring sustainable development, environmental protection, and respect for Indigenous rights and territories. Despite extensive studies and consultations, the project faced numerous challenges and controversies, ultimately leading to its eventual cancellation in 2017 due to changing market conditions and regulatory uncertainties.

GEO411 Midterm Study Guide

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