Question

A small city in a forested region invests in the arts and outdoor recreational opportunities. These investments improve quality of life and draw new businesses into the city. These businesses also hire new employees, causing the population of the city to increase.

Describe one way a population increase in this small city could negatively affect adjacent forest ecosystems.

EE

Part A

(1 point)

บ

B

I

What are two ways that this small city could protect forest ecosystems near the city while increasing housing for a growing population?

Part B

(2 points)

Part C

Electricity in the city is provided by a coal plant. As businesses increase and population grows in the city, more electricity is needed. The city discusses the idea of constructing a second coal-burning plant. Suggest two meet its expanding electricity needs in a more sustainable way. ways the city could

(2 points)

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

Part A: One way a population increase in this small city could negatively affect adjacent forest ecosystems is through habitat fragmentation. As the city grows, more land may be cleared for housing, infrastructure, and commercial development, which can fragment and isolate forest habitats. This fragmentation can disrupt wildlife migration patterns, reduce biodiversity, and increase the likelihood of human-wildlife conflicts.

Part B: Two ways that this small city could protect forest ecosystems while increasing housing for a growing population include:
1. Implementing smart growth and sustainable urban planning practices: The city can focus on compact, mixed-use development to minimize land use and protect forested areas. Zoning regulations and green building standards can also be implemented to promote sustainable development practices.
2. Creating green buffer zones and wildlife corridors: The city can designate and protect green spaces, buffer zones, and wildlife corridors between developed areas and forest ecosystems. This can help conserve biodiversity, protect wildlife habitats, and maintain ecological connectivity.

Part C: Two ways the city could meet its expanding electricity needs in a more sustainable way include:
1. Investing in renewable energy sources: The city can prioritize the development of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power. By transitioning to clean energy sources, the city can reduce its carbon footprint and minimize environmental impacts.
2. Improving energy efficiency and conservation measures: The city can implement energy efficiency programs, upgrade infrastructure, and promote energy conservation practices among residents and businesses. This can help reduce overall energy consumption and lower the demand for additional electricity from coal-burning plants.