What is Environmental Science? Chapter 1

What is Environmental science? Environmental Science: the study of the impact of humans on the environment Goal: to understand and solve environmental problems Two areas of study: 1. How we use natural resources 2. how are actions alter our environment

Major fields of study that contribute to environmental science definition subfields Biology Study of living organisms Zoology, Botany, Microbiology, Ecology Earth Science Study of the Earth’s nonliving systems and the planet as a whole Geology, Paleontology, Climatology, Hydrology Physics Study of matter and energy Engineering Chemistry Study of chemicals and their reactions Biochemistry, geochemistry Social Sciences Study of human populations Geography, anthropology, sociology

Our Environment through time Hunter-gathers : hunted species to extinction Agricultural Revolution : allowed human populations to grow at an unprecedented rate

Our Environment through time Industrial Revolution increased use of fossil fuel and machines improved quality of life Introduced new environmental problems

What are the main environmental problems? Resource depletion Natural resource: any natural mineral that is used by humans Renewable resource: can be replaced relatively quickly by natural processes Nonrenewable resource: replaced a rate much slower than they are consumed

What are the main environmental problems? Pollution Is an undesired change in air, water, or soil that adversely affects the health, survival, or activities of humans or other organisms. Biodegradeable pollutants: can be broken down by natural processes (ex. Food waste) Nondegradeable pollutants: cannot be broken down by natural processes (ex. Lead, certain plastics)

What are the main environmental problems? Loss of biodiversity Biodiversity: the number and variety of species that live in an area https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqtdaIkxnQo

Economics and the Environment Developed Countries Higher average incomes slower population growth diverse industrial economies strong social support systems Undeveloped Countries Lower average incomes Simple – agricultural based economies Rapid growth populations

Ecological Footprint An ecological footprint shows the productive area of Earth needed to support one person in a particular country. Sustainability – conditions in which human needs are met in such a way that the population can survive indefinitely Are we living in a sustainable world? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fACkb2u1ULY

Ecological Footprint Poster Create an eye-catching poster to inform your peers about their Ecological Footprint and how to decrease it. Informational Colorful Tips to decrease footprint