For Questions 1-2

The Global Race for Natural Resources 

      Dwindling freshwater, fossil fuels, and rare earth metals threaten global stability by 2050. Climate change, deforestation, and overuse strain ecosystems, risking food and energy security. Rising sea levels and droughts worsen agriculture, while competition for key materials disrupts industries. Poor resource management accelerates depletion, forcing nations to adopt sustainable strategies. Without action, water shortages and economic instability could lead to humanitarian crises.

Reference: https://books.google.com.ph/books/about/The_Race_for_What_s_Left.html?id=NkBE6cFdin8C&redir_esc=y

Question 1. In the sentence: “Poor resource management accelerates depletion, forcing nations to adopt sustainable strategies. What does the word “depletion” most likely mean?

What is one possible problem caused by a lack of natural resources?

For questions 3-4

Direct Solar Energy

    Direct solar energy refers to technologies that capture and utilize the Sun’s energy without intermediary conversions. Unlike indirect sources such as wind or ocean thermal energy, which rely on solar radiation after it has influenced natural systems, direct solar technologies harness sunlight in its purest form. Key methods include photovoltaic (PV) systems, which generate electricity by converting sunlight into electrical energy using semiconductor materials, and concentrating solar power (CSP), which uses mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight, producing thermal energy for electricity generation or heating. Solar energy is also used for direct applications such as lighting, water heating, and fuel production for transportation and industry.

    Studies show that the amount of solar radiation reaching Earth each year far exceeds global energy demands. Estimates indicate that the Sun delivers thousands of times more energy than the world consumes annually, highlighting its immense potential as a renewable energy source. Expanding the use of solar technology could significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.

Reference: http://nuhep.northwestern.edu/~mvelasco/freshman_2017/DirectSolarEnergy.pdf

Which technology directly converts sunlight into electricity?

What does the word "harness" mean in the context of solar energy?

For Question 5

The Challenge of Population Growth in a Global Context

     The global population is projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, creating both opportunities and significant challenges. While some countries may experience economic growth due to a larger workforce, others face issues like overcrowding, strained resources, and high unemployment. At the same time, nations with aging populations struggle with labor shortages. Finding solutions that balance economic development, social well-being, and environmental sustainability is crucial. At the United Nations Global Summit on Population, experts discuss various strategies, ranging from population control policies to improving education, healthcare, and urban planning. Each solution comes with its own set of benefits and ethical considerations.

      Addressing population growth will require innovative technologies and careful urban planning. Technological advancements could help manage resources more efficiently, enhance healthcare systems, and create new jobs, but these innovations need to be deployed thoughtfully to avoid deepening inequalities or damaging the environment. As cities grow, sustainable urban development becomes essential, focusing on energy-efficient infrastructure, clean water, and green spaces. Governments must make informed decisions that not only foster economic growth but also protect the planet for future generations. The complexity of these issues demands global cooperation and forward-thinking policies. 

Reference: https://www.voanews.com/a/continued-global-population-growth-creates-challenges-opportunities-/6657759.html

A government wants to reduce the negative effects of overpopulation. Which of these policies would be the most effective?

For Questions 6-7

Title: "Projected Global Population Growth and Its Challenges (2024-2050)"

Year          Global Population         Over-crowding Index     Resource Strain Index        Growth Index

                          (Billions)                             (0-100)                                      (0-100)                                         (0-100)

2024             8.0                                              20                                                25                                                  30

2030              8.5                                             40                                                50                                                   50

2040              9.2                                             65                                                 75                                                   70

2050              9.8                                             85                                                 90                                                   85

Based on the data, what would be the most logical first step for governments to address increasing overcrowding by 2040?

The Economic Growth Index is projected to increase from 30 in 2024 to 85 in 2050. What is the most effective procedural approach to ensure balanced growth?

  Biodiversity and Its Global Significance

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life across terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems, categorized into genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. While approximately 1.9 million species have been identified, the actual number is estimated to be between 8–30 million. Rainforests harbor 50–80% of global biodiversity, while oceans, with 1.5 million recorded species, remain largely unexplored. Biodiversity is essential for food security, with 80,000 edible plant species, and medicine, as 75% of the world’s population relies on plant-based treatments like quinine and penicillin. It also fuels industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture while playing a crucial role in ecosystem stability, including climate regulation, nutrient cycling, and water purification.

   Beyond its economic and ecological importance, biodiversity holds cultural, ethical, and scientific value. Sacred plants like Tulsi, peepal, and mango are significant in religious traditions, while past extinctions, such as the Passenger Pigeon and Dodo, highlight the need for conservation. Advances in DNA barcoding, AI-driven monitoring, and climate modeling are improving efforts to protect species, supported by policies like CITES. Preserving biodiversity is vital for ecological balance, economic sustainability, and potential scientific discoveries, requiring global collaboration and technological innovation.

Reference: https://byjus.com/biology/biodiversity/

Scientists claim that the extinction of species like the Passenger Pigeon and Dodo disrupted ecosystems. What is the most scientific way to support this claim?

A news article claims biodiversity protection has no economic benefit. How can you best assess its credibility?

Marine biologists argue that protecting ocean biodiversity is important for medicine. What best supports their argument?