1. Unit 2: Introduction to Environmental Science
EQ: Who is responsible for protecting the Earth and its resources?
Day 1

2. Environmental Science
The systematic study of our environment and our place in it.
Is Interdisciplinary!
Many subjects!
Day 1

3. Environment Environment: two definitions:
The circumstances or conditions that surround an organism or group of organisms
The complex of social or cultural conditions that affect an individual or community
Day 1

4. Biology: living organisms Zoology: animals Botany: plants
Major Fields: Study of
Sub Fields: Study of
Biology: living organisms
Zoology: animals
Botany: plants
Microbiology: microorganisms
Ecology: how organisms interact with their environment & each other
Earth science: the Earth’s nonliving systems & the planet as a whole
Geology: Earth’s surface, interior processes, and history
Paleontology: fossils & ancient life
Climatology: Earth’s atmosphere & climate
Hydrology: water
Physics: matter & energy
Engineering: science by which matter & energy are made useful to humans in structures, machines & products
Chemistry: the study of chemicals & reactions
Biochemistry: chemistry of living things
Geochemistry: e chemistry of rocks, soil, & water
Social Sciences: human populations
Geography: relationship between humans & Earth’s features
Anthropology: cultural, geographical, & historical aspects of mankind.
Sociology: human population dynamics & statistics
Day 2

5. Assignment: Disciplines of Environmental Science Thinking Map
The Bubble Map
The Tree Map

6. Assignment: Disciplines of Environmental Science Thinking Map
For each field of science :
Write name
Write definition (can be shortened or abbreviated)
Draw a little symbol to represent the major fields
Example: Chemistry -
Materials
Sheet of white or colored paper
Coloring utensils
Rulers

7. History of Environmental Science
Timeline of Important People
Follow along & match pictures to descriptions – then add to your notebook
Day 1

8. History of Environmental Science
George Perkins Marsh:
1864: published Man and Nature
Considered 1st modern discussion of environmental problems
His ecological insights brought awareness to humankind's impacts on the Earth.
Day 1

9. History of Environmental Science
John Muir:
1890: influenced congress to create Yosemite National Park
1st president of the Sierra Club
He has been called "The Father of our National Parks," "Wilderness Prophet," and "Citizen of the Universe.“
Day 1

10. History of Environmental Science
President Theodore Roosevelt:
1905: established U.S. Forest Service
Set up five new national parks
ore+
Day 1
Argued that forests should be saved “to provide homes and jobs for people”

11. History of Environmental Science
Aldo Leopold:
Wildlife ecologist in Wisconsin
1949: wrote A Sand County Almanac – influential book about nature
“We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.”
Day 1

12. History of Environmental Science
Rachel Carson:
1962: wrote book Silent Spring - created a demand for regulation of pesticides & pollution
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13. History of Environmental Science
Edward O. Wilson:
1967: wrote book The Theory of Island Biogeography; became a cornerstone of conservation biology
He played a key role in the development of the new field of chemical ecology, where he studied the pheromone language of ants.
Day 1

14. History of Environmental Science
Paul and Anne Ehrlich
1968: wrote The Population Bomb, warning that Earth's resources won’t last.
Day 1

15. History of Environmental Science
James Lovelock:
Scientist &
environmentalist
1975, he came up with
" The Gaia Theory”: the biosphere is a self-regulating entity with the capacity to keep our planet healthy by controlling the chemical and physical environment.
Day 1

16. History of Environmental Science
Lois Gibbs:
1978, fought for families living on hazardous waste site and against chemical company
She went on to form the Citizens’ Clearinghouse for Hazardous Waste
Day 1

17. History of Environmental Science
Amory Lovins:
1982: established the Rocky Mountain Institute, which promotes sound environmental engineering procedures and wise energy use
His research includes the "hypercar," an ultra- lightweight, hybrid-electric vehicle that would save fuel and prevent pollution
Day 1

18. History of Environmental Science
Eugene & Howard Odum
1975: developed science of ecosystem ecology
Eugene Odum wrote 1st ecology textbook: Fundamentals of Ecology.
enepodumandhowardtodum.5.32d4db7210df50fec2d html
Day 1

19. Our Relationship with the Environment Over Time
A. Hunter-Gatherer Era
Hunter- Gatherers: people who collect plants & hunt wild animals
Least impact on environment
Human Impact on Environment
Did prevent growth in grasslands, overhunted some large mammals, & spread plants to new areas
Day 4
Giant ground sloth
Bison

20. Our Relationship with the Environment Over Time
B. Agricultural Revolution: ~10,000 years ago to present
Agriculture: growing, breeding, & caring for plants & animals used for food, clothing, etc.
Human impact on Environment
Lead to exponential population growth
Grasslands, forests & wetlands destroyed for farmland  soil & water loss
Day 4

21. Our Relationship with the Environment Over Time
C. Industrial- Medical Revolution: ~1700s +
Human Impact:
1. Started using fossil fuels for energy & mass production of goods
2. Inventions: light bulb, steam engine, factory machinery, vehicles(Machines replaced human muscle and animal power)
3. Cities grew
Day 4

22. 4. Revolutions in health care (antibiotics, vaccines, water treatment)  longer lives
1900s: began using plastics & synthetic chemicals(Artificial substances replaced some animal and plant products. .
5. Amount of land and labor needed to produce food decreased.

23. Our Relationship with the Environment Over Time
D. Globalization (Information & Technology) Revolution: 20th century – present
Technology helps us understand env. Problems
Human impacts:
Rapid exchange of data & idea
Disposal of electronics
BUT can homogenize Earth’s surface (make all the same)
Same language
Same food
Same organisms – loss of diversity

25. Environmental Problems Today
Overusing Resources:
-Two Main Types of Resources:
Renewable: sunlight, forests, air, soil, wind, water, fisheries and animals.
Nonrenewable: minerals, gems, & fossil fuels(Coal, oil, natural gas.)
Right now, we over use both types, but esp. nonrenewable resources
Day 2

26. Environmental Problems Today
2. Energy Consumption From Fossil Fuels:
Oil, coal, & natural gas provide 80% of energy used in industrialized countries
NONRENEWABLE & causes pollution
Day 2

27. Environmental Problems Today
3. Pollution:
= any physical, chemical, or biological change that negatively affects organisms or negatively alters the environment
Includes air, water, & soil pollution
At least 1.1 billion people lack an adequate supply of safe drinking water
More than twice that don’t have modern sanitation
Day 2

28. Biodegradable: Substance that can be broken down by biological processes.

29. Water pollution much bigger issue in impoverished rural communities
Clean Drinking
water can be
Provided by
Building a
Play Pump:

30. Environmental Problems Today
4. Global climate change:
Human activities release carbon dioxide (CO2) & other greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere
Over the past 200 years, atmospheric CO2 has increased by 35%
By 2100… global temps will probably warm 1.5 to 6C (2.7-11 F)
Day 2

31. Environmental Problems Today
5. Overpopulation
More people = increased use of resources = destruction of environment
Day 2

32. Environmental Problems Today
6. Loss of Biodiversity:
Biodiversity: diversity of organisms (different species) in an area
Over the past century, more than 800 species have gone extinct & at least 10,000 species are now threatened
Day 2
Tasmanian tiger- extinct 1936
Great
Auk
- extinct 1844
tree kangaroo- endangered
cheetah- endangered

33. Biodiversity Number species on Earth known & described is ~1.7 million
Estimated to actually be ~ 10 million
INTERESTING FACT: Insects constitute the greatest number of species (nearly 1,000), followed by plants, arachnids, fungi, mollusks, and vertebrates
Day 5

34. Why Biodiversity is Important:
1. We depend on healthy ecosystems and many organisms for balanced nutrient cycles & energy flow.
Every species is dependent on or depended upon by at least one other species.
2. We use organisms for food, clothing, shelter, & medicine.
About 25% of drugs prescribed in the US are derived from plants. Almost all antibiotics are derived from chemicals found in fungi.
Day 5

35. 3.Tropical rain forests, coral reefs, coasts, & islands have high biodiversity
~50% world’s species live in tropical rain forests
25 spots on Earth are “Biodiversity hotspots” = have high #s of endemic species & are threatened
Endemic = found in a limited area; risk extinction
The hotspots include places like Madagascar, the Caribbean, and tropical forests in South America, China, the Philippines, etc.
Day 5

36. 4. It is the morally right thing to do!

37. Examples of Endemic Species
Rock macaque of Taiwan
Lemurs of Madagascar
Galapagos Tortoises
Philippine Crocodile

38. Biodiversity Threats:
Endangered species = likely to go extinct in near future
~10,000 animals worldwide are “endangered”
Threatened species = populations are declining
Threats to Biodiversity:
1. Habitat fragmentation & destruction
(Ex: Florida panther almost went extinct)
2. Pollution
3. Overharvesting & Poaching (illegal hunting)
(Ex: fishing industries)
4. Invasive species
(not native to a particular region; Ex: Fire ants, kudzu)
Day 5

39. Preventing Biodiversity Loss:
1.Captive breeding: zoos, conservation groups
2. Endangered Species Act (1973) – law against hurting, trading, or destroying habitat of endangered species
3. IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) – founded 1948; works to protect species & habitats worldwide
4.CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered species) – treaty pass in 1973 by 170 countries; controls trade of wildlife
5. National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries
Day 5

40. Invasive Alert Activity!
MUST show:
Common name & Scientific name
Where it came from & Where it is now
How introduced to new area
Why it’s bad. How it upset the natural equilibrium of an ecosystem
How we are trying to control it
Picture(s) (Either hand drawn or printed)
Extra: Other interesting facts
Work with group AT TABLE
Group will be given name & background info of an invasive organism that has negatively affected the environment.
As a group, you are responsible for creating one of the following:
“Wanted” poster
Facebook-like page
Wikipedia-like page
Comic strip
Or something similar

41. Economics & The Environment
More than 1.4 billion people (1/5 of world’s population) live in extreme poverty
Income of less than $1 (U.S.) per day.
Lack access to adequate diet, housing, sanitation, clean water, medical care
Poorest people are forced to meet survival needs at cost to the environment
Eliminating poverty & protecting the environment are linked…

42. Ex: as nonrenewable resources are depleted, prices will go up!
Supply and Demand – The greater the demand for a limited resource, the higher the price.
Ex: as nonrenewable resources are depleted, prices will go up!
Cost/Benefit Analysis – Is the benefit of development/progress worth the cost of damage to the environment?

43. Supply and demand is the relationship between availability and worth of resources.
Story of Stuff video

44. Developed vs. Developing Countries
B. Developing:
1.Lower income
2. Simple agricultural
economies
3. Rapid population growth
4. Weak, nonexistent social support systems
4. Ex: China, India, African countries, Haiti
Use 88% of world’s resources
Create 75% of world’s pollution
Developed:
Higher income
Industrial economies
Slow population growth
Stronger social support systems
Ex: US, Canada, Japan, Australia & countries of western Europe
Developing: per capita income is less than $600 U.S. per year.
Use fewer resources
& have smaller
ecological footprint

45. Color and Glue in Map Color the developed countries first!us
Japan
Mexico
Indonesia
Developed Countries
Developing Countries
Color the developed countries first!
Everything that is left will be developing.

46. Quality of Life Indicators
Pick one developed country (U.S. or Japan) and one developing country (Mexico or Indonesia). Copy 4 of the 6 measurements from the table into your notebook.
Quality of Life Indicators
Least-developed Countries
Most-developed Countries
Annual Gross domestic product per person
$39 (U.S.)
$30, 589 (U.S.)
Percent living on less than $2/day (U.S.)
78.1%
~0%
Life expectancy
43.6 years
76.5 years
Average births / woman
5.0
1.7
Infant mortality (per 1000 births) 97 5
Sanitation
23%
100%
Clean water
61%
Metric tons of CO2 / year/ person
0.2 tons
13 tons

47. Ever wondered how much “nature” your lifestyle requires?
Ecological Footprint
Ever wondered how much “nature” your lifestyle requires?
Ecological Footprint = amount of land & ocean required to sustain one’s lifestyle (consumption & waste)
Day 3

48. Ecological Footprint Different Footprints Area needed to … Carbon
Absorb carbon emissions from driving & power use
Housing
supply resources to construct & maintain your home
Goods & Services
manufacture, transport, and then dispose of your goods
Food
support your diet
Day 3
plant-based diet requires less land and energy than a meat-based diet (animals need much more room). Meat production drives deforestation and requires high inputs of energy for processing and transportation.

49. So….What can we do to reduce our ecological footprint?
Solar windows
Eat food grown locally
Eat food in season
Walk for ride a bike instead of a car
Increase the temperature on thermostat
Eat less red meat

50. Classifying Resources
Things we use can be made from renewable resources, nonrenewable resources, or both:
Renewable resources: resources normally replaced/ replenished by natural processes
Examples:
Wood or paper from trees
Cloth from cotton
Real leather from cows
Day 2

51. Classifying Resources
Nonrenewable resources: minerals, fossil fuels & other materials present in fixed amounts in our environment
Examples:
Metals – iron, aluminum, copper, etc.
Anything plastic - made from oil
Fake leather & rubber - made from oil
To reduce your ecological footprint  use less resources overall
& Use more renewable resources!
Day 2

52. Tragedy of the Commons
1968 Essay by Garrett Hardin
Areas that are common to all tend to be, over-used, exploited, and destroyed
Each user of a shared common resource (air, water, soil) thinks:
“If I do not use this resource, someone else will. The little bit that I use or pollute is not enough to matter, and it’s renewable anyway”
If too many think this way  shared resource is degraded &/or exhausted

53. To clarify:
The Tragedy of the commons essay refers
To protecting shared resources.

55. Sustainability
= Meeting needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
Examples:
Eating organic & local food
Reuse items, recycle & lower waste
Drive less & use less electricity
Use renewable energy – solar, wind, water

56. Non-sustainability Pesticides Cutting down rain forest
Producing Too much CO2
Having more than 2 children per household.
Overusing Non-renewable energy sources