1. Where did we come from, who are we, where are we going?

2. Intro to Environmental Science
Ensci

3. Section 1: Understand our Environment
What is environmental science?
The study of the environment
The study of human impact on the environment
Where are we going? How should we live our lives?

4. Goals of environmental science
Understand and solve environmental problems
Types of environmental problems
How we use resources
How our actions alter the environment

5. “Ensci” includes many fields of study
Biology
Earth Science
Physics
Chemistry
Social Sciences

6. Citizen scientists
Often observations made by non-scientists are the first step toward recognizing and solving environmental issues

7. Humans & Their Environment Through Time
Hunter Gatherers
Agriculturalists
Agriculture revolutions
Industrialists
Industrial revolution

8. Spaceship Earth Open System Closed System
Things can enter and leave the system
Closed System
Things cannot enter or leave the system
Is Earth an open or a closed system?

9. Environmental Problems
HIPPCO—in this order!
H = Habitat destruction
I = Invasive species
P = Pollution
P = Population growth (consumption rates)
C = Climate change
O = Overexploitation

10. Section 2: The Environment & Society
Tragedy of the Commons
Conflict between short-term interests of individuals & long-term interest of the general population
What’s the solution?
Private ownership
Governmental ownership or regulation

11. Economics & the Environment
Supply & Demand
High demand = high economic value
Costs & Benefits
Negative outcomes Vs. Positive outcomes
Air pollution & power generation, transportation, industry
How do air pollution regulations affect the above enterprises?
Risk Assessment
Accurate risk assessment
Which technology is riskier: nuclear power plants or bicycles?

13. Developed & Developing Countries
Developed—high average incomes, slow population growth, diverse industrial economies, social support systems
Developing—low average incomes, high population growth, agricultural economies, no social support systems
Which countries fall into these categories?
Which type of country has a greater impact on the environment?

16. Populations and Consumption
Population x Consumption = Environmental Impact
Ecological footprint
The land required to support your lifestyle
What’s your footprint?

19. Environmental Science in Context
Environmental problems are complex
There are rarely simple solutions to these problems
Critical thinking and decision making
Gather facts
Consider values
Think through consequences
Make a decision

20. Sustainability
Current human needs are met in such a way that the human species will be able to survive indefinitely.