Environmental Science Chapter 1 Notes #2

Definitions Environmental Science Applied Science How humans interact with their environment Environment Everything that surrounds us Natural and created

Main Environmental Problems Resource Depletion Pollution Extinction

Resource Depletion Natural Resource Any substance that living things use can be considered a resource Depleted When a large amt of a resource has been used up Nonrenewable Resource – Resources that are being used faster than they can be replaced Ex. Fossil Fuels Renewable Resource Continually being replaced Ex. Sunlight

Pollution Introduction of harmful levels of chemicals or waste materials into the environment Ex. Byproducts of heat processes Ex. Pesticides Ex. Road Salt?

Extinction Last individual of a species has died and is now gone forever 1000’s of species become extinct each year (some without having ever been studied) Many die because their natural homes are being destroyed

Overview All environmental problems are global problems Minnesota fires…. Biosphere – thin layer of life around earth Extends for 5 mi above and below Earth’s surface All living things exist within the biosphere Developed Countries Developing Countries Sustainable World – indefinite living for human populations with a high standard of living and health

Overview Environmental Science Applied science Observe Experiment Environmental Problems Resource depletion pollutionExtinction Global Perspective Developed countries Developing Countries