1. Environmental Science
Why would we need to study the Earth?

2. Neuse River Fish Killer
A few days in1991
1 x 109 fish died
Researchers developed skin sores, nausea, vomiting, memory impairment and confusion
Pfiesteria was the cause
Toxin emitted by Pfiesteria killed the fish
24 life stages herbivore to carnivore

3. Terms to Understand
Environment – the sum of all conditions surrounding us that impact life.
System – any set of interacting components that influence one another by exchanging energy or materials.
Ecosystem – a specific natural system on the planet that has biotic and abiotic components.

4. Environmental Studies

5. Humans alter Natural Systems
What difference does this make?

6. Human Activities
We have manipulated the environment more than anything else in the last years
Air, water, and soil are all changed intentionally and unintentionally
Come up with 4 examples, 2 positive and 2 negative -

7. What state of health is the Earth in?
How can we determine how healthy the Earth actually is?
Talk about this at your table.

8. 5 Global Scale Indicators
Biological Diversity
Food Production
Average Surface Temperature and CO2 Concentrations
Human Population
Resource Depletion