KC 6.1: SCIENCE & THE ENVIRONMENT Period 6: 1900- Present

Researchers made rapid advances in science that spread throughout the world, assisted by the development of new technology

New modes of communication & transportation virtually eliminated the problem of geographic distance

New scientific paradigms transformed human understanding of the world Theory of Relativity Quantum Mechanics Psychology

New scientific paradigms transformed human understanding of the world Big Bang Theory

New scientific paradigms transformed human understanding of the world Theory of Realtivity

The GREEN REVOLUTION produced food for the Earth’s growing population as it spread chemically & genetically enhanced forms of agriculture

Medical innovations increased the ability of humans to survive Polio Vaccine Antibiotics The artificial heart

Energy technologies, including the use of oil & nuclear power, raised productivity & increased the production of material goods

As the global population expanded at an unprecedented rate, humans fundamentally changed their relationship with the environment

Humans exploited & competed over the Earth’s finite resources more intensely than ever before in human history

Global warming (climate change) was a major consequence of the release of greenhouse gasses & other pollutants into the atmosphere

Pollution threatened the world’s supply of water & clean air Deforestation & desertification were continuing consequences of the human impact on the environment Rates of extinction of other species accelerated sharply

Disease, scientific innovations, & conflict led to demographic shifts

Diseases associated with poverty persisted (Malaria, Cholera, Tuberculosis) Other diseases emerged as new epidemics & threats to human survival (1918 Flu, HIV/AIDS, Ebola) Changing lifestyles & increased longevity led to higher incidence of certain diseases (Diabetes, Heart Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease)

More effective forms of birth control gave women greater control over fertility & transformed sexual practices

Improved military technology (Tanks, Airplanes, Atomic bombs) & new tactics (Trench Warfare, Firebombing) led to increased levels of wartime casualties (Nanjing, Dresden, Hiroshima)