Download Notes#1 Introduction to Environmental Science power point

Bellringer
• What do you think the study of Environmental
Science is about – what is studied and for
what purpose?
Test your Environmental IQ
• 30 pts Magnificent – Your blood runs green!
You can teach the class!
• 24 – 27 pts You are a Good Steward with High
levels of Awareness!
• 18 – 21 pts You are a Young Sapling with a
growing level of Awareness!
• 12 – 15 pts You need to get out more and
•
raise your Awareness!
• 0 – 5 pts
Are you living in a landfill?
Learning Targets:
*Describe the purpose, methods and
goals of Env. Science
*Compare and Contrast Env. Science
and Environmentalism
*Define the 4 principles behind
Environmental Sustainability
The Study of
Environmental Science
What Is Environmental Science?
• The study of our planet’s
natural systems and how
humans and the environment
affect one another
• Understanding the interactions
between humans and the
environment is the first step to
solving environmental
problems.
National Marine Fisheries Service scientists
studying whether commercial boats are
harming endangered killer whales
Environmental Science studies how
• the natural world
works
• our environment
affects us
• we affect our
environment
Interactions between humans and
the environment can take many forms
Interactions between humans and
the environment can take many forms
Humans have a significant impact on
the Earth and its resources
Env. Science is an Applied Science
• Information is
used to identify
and solve/manage
problems that
arise from the
interactions of
humans and the
environment
Env. Science uses an interdisciplinary
approach to problem solving

Addresses
complex
problems
requires input
from multiple
fields of study.
Fields that contribute to Env. Science
• Ecology – the study of interactions of
living organisms with one another and
with their environment. Foundation of
Env. Science
• Economics – study of market economies
• Sociology – the manner in which people
behave, their cultural values and beliefs
• Ethics – study of what is right and wrong
• Politics – making and enforcing laws
Science doesn’t operate in a vacuum
Addressing complex problems requires drawing on many
different disciplines and, often, conflicting viewpoints
Politics
ECONOMICS
environmental science
Poverty
Unfair trade
lack of education
Soil Science
climatology
– A community decides to use local coal for
electricity, as it is the cheapest source
available and provides local folk with jobs.
(Economics)
– The coal must be mined from under the
soil. (Geology)
– The coal must be transported to the
population center by road or rail.
(Engineering)
– When it is burned at a power plant, air
pollution is released. Some of that
pollution is converted to acid in the
atmosphere. (Chemistry)
– This falls as acid rain somewhere
downwind. (Meteorology)
– The acid stresses plants by affecting their
nutrient absorption. (Ecology)
– Laws are passed requiring the plant to
install pollution scrubbers. (Politics)
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Sustainability is the Goal of E.S.
• Sustainability – condition in which human
needs are met in such a way that the human
population can survive indefinitely.
•
Healthy ecosystems and environments are
necessary to the physical, economic and
emotional well being of humans and other
organisms.
Sustainability
• To achieve sustainability there must
be sustainable development within the four
interconnected areas:
• Ecology,
• Economics,
• Politics and
• Culture.
Studying Nature Reveals Four Scientific
Principles of Sustainability
• Reliance on solar energy
• Maintaining high levels of Biodiversity
• Population control
• Nutrient cycling
Four Ecological Principles of Sustainability
Solutions For Environmental Sustainability
Sustainability Stewardship
Achieved through building
Awareness Appreciation Activism
Achieving Sustainability
• Requires the coordinated efforts of many
stakeholders which hold different values and
perspectives on the environment, economics,
politics and societal wants and needs (places to live,
recreate)
• http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-colorado-riverruns-dry-61427169/?no-ist
Steps Involved in Making an
Environmental Decision
Environmental Science field developed in
response to the Environmental Movement
Events of the mid- 1950’s raised the public’s awareness of
environmental problems that threatened humans and other specie
Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring
1962
Cuyahoga River Fire
1952
Environmental Science vs. Environmentalism
• Scientific field of study
• based on sound science
principles
• Relies on unbiased,
objective perspective.
Dr. Bryan Brook www.baylor.edu
Environmental Science vs. Environmentalism
• Social movement
• May or may not be
based on sound
science
• Sometimes based
more on ignorance
(lack of knowledge),
misinformation and
pure emotionalism.
Chipko movement 1970’s
• tree – hugger
• An environmentalist or one
who believes trees and all
living things should not be cut
down or harmed. Someone
who works to protect the
environment from destruction
or pollution. Often used
derogatively - someone who
is regarded as foolish or
annoying because of their
concern about protecting
trees, animals, and other
parts of the natural world from
pollution and other threats
Chipko movement in 1970’s India
The Fate of Easter Island
Can what happened on one South
Pacific island serve as a cautionary tale
for the planet as a whole?