By Jasmin Sutkovic 17th Oct.2016 BIO410- Ecology and Environmental Engineering FALL 2016 By Jasmin Sutkovic 17th Oct.2016 Lecture 1: Ecology, Ethics, Civil Engineering: Environmental Engineering

Outline Civil Engineering Public health Ecology Ethics Profession: Environmental Engineering

The descriptive title of “environmental engineer” was not used until the 1960s, when academic programs in engineering and public health schools broadened their scope and required a more accurate title to describe their curricula and their graduates. The roots of this profession, however, go back as far as recorded history. These roots reach into several major disciplines including civil engineering, public health, ecology, chemistry, and meteorology.

CIVIL ENGINEERING Through the human history farmers planted and harvested their crops, facing and resolving their obstacles within their work. As farming efficiency increased, a division of labor became possible, and communities began to build public and private structures that engineered solutions to specific public problems, not only to for farming purposes but unfortunately as well for war conquest. Driven by these needs, civil engineering arises .

Water supply and wastewater drainage were among the public facilities designed by civil engineers to control environmental pollution and protect public health. Water pumps Drainage systems Cleaning (disinfection) possibilities etc …

PUBLIC HEALTH Life in cites during the middle ages, and through the industrial revolution, was difficult, sad, and usually short. Pollution became visible…Water pollution a major problem During the middle of the 19th century, public health measures were inadequate and often counterproductive Some measures were taken but not really affective

Today the concerns of public health encompass not only water but all aspects of civilized life, including food, air, toxic materials, noise, and other environmental insults. Environmental engineer needs to understand all the threats to human health, related to the environment, and the most effective way to alleviate the threats.

Ecology and Ecosystem We defined ecosystem in lecture 1. The challenge of an Env. Engineer is too protect the ecosystem but not to harm the human health Some ecosystems are fragile, easily damaged, and slow to recover; some are resistant to change and are able to withstand even serious stress impacts; and others are remarkably resilient and able to recover from stress if given the chance.

Example Engineers must consider that threats to ecosystems may differ markedly from threats to public health; for example, acid rain poses a considerable hazard to some lake ecosystems and agricultural products, but virtually no direct hazard to human health. But the carcinogens in the atmosphere may cause problems to humans. The engineer’s job is made even harder when he or she must balance ecosystem damage against potential human health damage.  our environment contains many carcinogens. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the power lines that supply us with energy may pose threats to your health. It is important for you to understand what the dangers are so that you can work to modify them. As with many carcinogens, the time be-tween exposure to the carcinogen and actual development of cancer may be quite long. 

ETHICS/Environmental ethics Through the history rarely the ethical issued were considered during the decision making for particular engineering problems Today, however, the engineer is no longer free from concern for ethical questions. However, In some cases all the alternatives to a particular engineering solution include “unethical” elements.

What are Environmental Ethics? Environmental ethics is a branch of ethics that studies the relation of human beings and the environment and how ethics play a role in this. Environmental ethics believe that humans are a part of society as well as other living creatures, which includes plants and animals. Thus, it is essential that every human being respect and honor this and use morals and ethics when dealing with these creatures. http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/environmental-ethics.php

Solution to ethical concerns in regards to eco problems??? Environmental engineers? Maybe… But before ask one question, while implementing some changes to a particular ecosystem: Is this change good and moral ? With such questions (environmental ethics), you can ensure that you are doing your part to keep the environment safe and protected. 

Example Both oil and coal are bad, but not only for the environment, but for all living creatures, including plants and animals. Both are highly toxic in their natural raw state. They pollute the air and ground and water, and whether or not they are helping to create several natural disasters should be irrelevant. Most of the worlds ills are derived from both of these, with oil spills, mining accidents, fires, and now climate change and global warming.