Download Unit 2 * Protecting and Preserving our Environment

Unit 2 – Protecting and
Preserving our Environment
A look at how we as humans directly and indirectly impact the
environment and things we can or already do to protect it.
Intro
• Now that we have learned the basics of our environment and its
structure, we can now take a look at how human interact and impact
the environment
• We will also look at specific Government plans and organizations that
are in charge of maintaining our environment and the commons
Surviving in Ecosystems
• Within each ecosystem there are factors that contribute to the
survival of each and all species
Genetic Factors of Survival
• Survival in the world can be very difficult
• In the animal kingdom, there is a saying, “eat or be eaten”
• Those who eat survive, those who are eaten…. Wellllll… yea.
Charles Darwin
• Charles Darwin (1809-1882)
• Best known for his work as a naturalist, developing
a theory of evolution to explain biological change
• His studies of specimens around the globe led him
to formulate his theory of evolution and his views
on the process of natural selection. In 1859, he
published On the Origin of Species
Theory of Evolution
• Darwin's exposure to specimens all over the globe raised important
questions.
• Many naturalists believed that all species either came into being at
the start of the world, or were created over the course of natural
history
• In either case, the species were believed to remain much the same
throughout time.
• Darwin, however, noticed similarities among species all over the
globe, along with variations based on specific locations, leading him
to believe that they had gradually evolved from common ancestors
• Basically, yes animals appeared to be the same but there were slight
variations of the animals that could be seen
• These differences he found, were even regional. Meaning, within
different regions he found different variations
• This led him to believe that these animals all came from a common
ancestor and then developed their adaptations over time based on
their living environment
• He came to believe that species survived through a process called
"natural selection," where species that successfully adapted to meet
the changing requirements of their natural habitat thrived, while
those that failed to evolve and reproduce died off
• His work to this day is a main argument to the question of life and
“where did we come from?”
• His work challenges the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and
is the basis of the “Creationism vs Evolution Debate”
Evolution
• The idea of evolution is explained in physical traits of plants and
animals
Animals are born with a set of genes (DNA) that makes them what they
are
Sometimes, these DNA strands have a “glitch”. This glitch is called a
mutation
• These mutations can be good or bad
• A mutation that shortens a giraffes neck would be bad
• A mutation that changes the colour of an animal to help it blend into
its surroundings to avoid being eaten would be good
• Bad mutations usually mean the animal will not survive
• Good mutations will actually help an animal survive
• As a result, the idea is that the animals who have bad genes die off, while those
who have traits that allow them to survive, live on and reproduce and share
their successful traits with their babies
• Over time, all the positive changes leads to an animal that is fit
to survive and can be more resilient to changes in the
environment
• This is why certain animals can only survive in certain climates and
regions
• Changes to these environments can cause a significant change in the
survival rates of a species.
• Plants have adapted too…
Environmental Factors
• Another thing that affects the survival of plants and animals are
population sizes and the availability of habitat
• Understandably, the population size is related to the survival of a
species
• Larger populations makes it easier to find a partner to mate
• More mating = more babies = higher populations
• There is also the size of the habitat that affects a species survival
• Larger spaces allows for more species to live in an area
• A we just learned more population = more babies = higher population
Questions….
• With this in mind,
• In what regions of the world do you think plant and animal species
are most at risk?
• Why?
• Why might some species be more at risk than others?
• How do we know if animals are nearing extinction?
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1drkFgHbcWY
• What do you notice about these two maps? What is the pattern or
trend that you see?
• The developed and developing nations (those with large populations
and technology) are experiencing the most damage to species around
the world
• Humans are to blame for the loss of animals and diversity
How are humans doing it?
• By modifying or changing the natural environment
Habitat Fragmentation
• Dividing the natural habitats into
smaller pieces
• Usually done through construction of
roads, towns, etc.
• By dividing the habitat, you affect the
strength of the habitat and you lower its
overall size
• Is green energy really ecofriendly?
Habitat Loss
• Entire Ecosystems and habitats could be
lost to developing countries expanding
their urban centers and through
harvesting natural resources
Pollution
• Human development and urbanization introduces a large amount of
pollution to the environment
• Nutrients from fertiliser and from sanitation systems are carried directly
into aquatic ecosystems (see nutrient cycle), and also pesticides,
industrial pollutants, or medical substances eventually end up in water.
• Hence, freshwater resources are further reduced by pollution. Some 2
million tons of waste per day are disposed into our water including
industrial wastes and chemicals, human waste and agricultural wastes
• Rio de Janiero Olympic Water Quality Concerns
• http://www.cnbc.com/2015/07/30/water-in-brazil-olympic-venuesdangerously-contaminated.html
• Deer Habitat Ruined by Windsor’s new Parkway
• http://windsorstar.com/news/deer-falling-to-their-death-on-parkwayoverpass
• Do humans have the right to alter and change the environment to suit
our their needs?
• What are the benefits of these modifications?
• How might genetics and species evolution contribute to or help their
resilience and survival in these ecosystems that have been modified?
Cultural Views
• In many regions of the world, development and expanding
urbanization is a normal daily activity
• Thoughts of habitat loss and species destruction are after thoughts
• However, this is not the norm for all cultures
• Examples, Aboriginal Canadians, the Masai of Kenya and Maori of
New Zealand
• Aboriginal Canadians
• Aboriginal people define their relationship as belonging to the land
• "we, as Native people, are part of the ecosystem. We are not observers, not
managers; our role is to participate as a part of the ecosystem". (Johnson,
1997: 3) As such, humans co-exist with fauna and flora, with equal rights to
life.
• Maasai – this North African Tribe lives harmoniously with the land.
They survive by natural farming and through the natural hunting of
nearby predators that threaten their livestock
• They believe their place in the world was given to them by a God and
that it is their duty to protect and uphold the integrity of the land and
animals they live with
• Maori - Traditionally, Māori believe there is a deep kinship between humans
and the natural world. All life is connected. People are not superior to the
natural order; they are part of it. Like some other indigenous cultures
• Māori see humans as part of the web or fabric of life. To understand the
world, one must understand the relationships between different parts of
the web.
• They believe in Kaitiakitanga
• It means guardianship, protection, preservation or sheltering.
• It is a way of managing the environment, based on the traditional
Māori world view
• Why should we care about different cultural views on the
environment?
• Why might opening a new mine in Northern Canada create a
problem?
Invasive Species
Invasive Species
• In this class we took a look at immigrant species and we learned
about how they can negatively impact the ecosystem
• Now I want to show you a few a few more examples of this and show
you the real environmental impact this is having on the local
ecosystems
Rabbits! (in Australia)
• http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2
009/04/08/2538860.htm
Zebra Mussels
• http://www.invadingspecies.com/in
vaders/invertebrates/zebra-andquagga-mussels/
Emerald Ash Borer
• http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/
forests/fire-insectsdisturbances/topinsects/13377
How is this Happening?
• Knowledge of these species is important
• Knowledge of their effects on the environment also is majorly
important
Activity…
• Research and be prepared to share with the class!
• Discover and explain 2 ways that immigrant species are introduced to
a new environment
Protection of Species
Who is in charge?
• In different areas of the world, different organizations are in charge of
the preservation and conservation of the areas parks and wildlife
Locally
• Ontario Parks
• The Ontario Parks system is often used as the model for other parks systems
in North America. This can be attributed to its delicate balance of recreation,
preservation, and conservation
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liycMQIrybM
• The guiding legislation for Ontario Parks, the Provincial Parks and
Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 (PPRCA) defines ecological integrity as
“a condition in which biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems and
the composition and abundance of native species and biological
communities are characteristic of their natural regions and rates of
change and ecosystem processes are unimpeded. 2006, c. 12, s. 5 (2).”
The heart of ecological integrity is the ‘naturalness’ of an area.
Nationally…
• Parks Canada
• On behalf of the people of Canada, we protect
and present nationally significant examples of
Canada's natural and cultural heritage and foster
public understanding, appreciation and
enjoyment in ways that ensure their ecological
and commemorative integrity for present and
future generations.
• http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/index.aspx
Roles of Parks Canada
• We are guardians of the national parks, the national historic sites and
the national marine conservation areas of Canada.
• We are guides to visitors from around the world, opening doors to
places of discovery and learning, reflection and recreation.
• We are partners building on the rich traditions of our Aboriginal
people, the strength of our diverse cultures and our commitments to
the international community.
• We are storytellers recounting the history of our land and our people
- the stories of Canada.
Commitments of Parks Canada
• To protect , as a first priority, the natural and cultural heritage of our
special places and ensure that they remain healthy and whole.
• To present the beauty and significance of our natural world and to
chronicle the human determination and ingenuity which have shaped
our nation.
• To celebrate the legacy of visionary Canadians whose passion and
knowledge have inspired the character and values of our country.
• To serve Canadians, working together to achieve excellence guided by
values of competence, respect and fairness.
Globally…
• UNESCO
• United Nations Educational, Scientific, and
Cultural Organization
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtPQtdeKCfg
About UNESCO
• In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of
nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that
political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting
peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral
and intellectual solidarity
• UNESCO strives to build networks among nations that enable this kind
of solidarity, by:
• Mobilizing for education: so that every child, boy or girl, has access to
quality education as a fundamental human right and as a prerequisite
for human development.
• Building intercultural understanding: through protection of heritage
and support for cultural diversity. UNESCO created the idea of World
Heritage to protect sites of outstanding universal value.
• Pursuing scientific cooperation: such as early warning systems for
tsunamis or trans-boundary water management agreements, to
strengthen ties between nations and societies.
• Protecting freedom of expression: an essential condition for
democracy, development and human dignity.
• Today:
• UNESCO's message has never been more important. They must create
holistic policies that are capable of addressing the social,
environmental and economic dimensions of sustainable
development. This new thinking on sustainable development
reaffirms the founding principles of the Organization and enhances its
role
• Some roles include:
• In a globalized world with interconnected societies, intercultural
dialogue is vital if we are to live together while acknowledging our
diversity.
• In an uncertain world, the future of nations depends not only on their
economic capital or natural resources, but on their collective ability to
understand and anticipate changes in the environment - through
education, scientific research and the sharing of knowledge.
• In an unstable world - marked by fledgling democratic movements, the
emergence of new economic powers and societies weakened by multiple
stress factors – the educational, scientific and cultural fabric of societies –
along with respect for fundamental rights - guarantees their resilience and
stability.
• In a connected world - with the emergence of the creative economy and
knowledge societies, along with the dominance of the Internet, the full
participation of everyone in the new global public space is a prerequisite
for peace and development.
UNESCO Heritage Sites
• In Canada:
• Jasper National Park (home to the
Rocky Mountains
• Kootenay National Park in
British Columbia
• Banff National Park
• EVEN THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
IS A UNESCO HERITAGE SITE!
National Parks/Provincial Parks
• National Parks and Provincial Parks are a country-wide system of
representative natural areas of Canadian significance.
• By law, they are protected for public understanding, appreciation and
enjoyment, while being maintained in an unimpaired state for future
generations. National Parks have existed in Canada for well over a
century
Research Assignment…
• What is the MNR of Ontario?
• List and/or outline the things they are in charge of.
• How do they regulate and enforce the rules?
• What happens to those who violate the rules?
Questions:
• Should mining and or logging be allowed in national or provincial
parks?
• Who funds/pays for the regulatory organizations here in Canada?
• What is the difference between conserving and preserving?
How effective is Canada’s Operation?
• Research another countries efforts for land and species
conservation/preservation and compare the two
• Which plan is working better or perhaps is more successful? Why?
Testttttt!