What is Environmental Science?

Environmental science: (1) helps learn how the earth works (2) educates us to how we are affecting the earth’s life support systems, and (3) helps propose and evaluate solutions to the environmental problems we face.

Major Players in Environmental Science a) Environmental Scientists – see previous slide b) ecologists – biological scientists who study the relationships between living organisms and their environment. c) conservation biologists – investigate human impact on the diversity of life found on earth (called biodiversity), and develop practical plans for preserving the earth’s biodiversity.

Major Players in Environmental Science (continued) d) environmentalists – are a broad group of people who voice their concerns about the environment when opportunities arise. e) preservationists - are primarily concerned with setting aside or protecting undisturbed natural areas from harmful human activities.

Major Players in Environmental Science (continued) f) conservationists – are concerned with using natural resources in ways that will sustain them for current and future generations of humans and other forms of life. g) restorationists – devoted to the partial of complete restoration of natural areas that have been degraded by human activity.

Assignment(s) Write all these terms on a separate piece of paper in your notebook as vocabulary terms In one paragraph (5-10 sentences) describe how you identify with one of these types of scientists. Find one current article (newspaper, internet, etc.) about any current environmental topic and bring it in. Due: Tomorrow Aug. 11