1. Global Issues Unit Lesson 3

2. Objectives Consider the impact of people on physical systems and vice versa. Examine causes and effects of major environmental problems. Explore relationship between economic development and the environment.

3. Warm Up What are some areas of concern for the earth’s environment? Climate change Ozone depletion Water pollution Air pollution Deforestation Desertification Loss Biodiversity Population Growth Consumption

4. Activity 1: Environmental Issues In your group, find the following info about your issue: Definition Causes Impact on Environment Impact on Humans *You may use your phone Climate Change Ozone Depletion Acid Rain Water Pollution Deforestation Desertification Decline of Biodiversity

5. Environmental Issues Issue Climate Change Fossil fuel consumption increases C02 emissions, which contribute to greenhouse gas buildup, which traps heat in atmosphere, which causes temperature to rise (and lots of other things to happen) Ozone Depletion CFC’s damage ozone layer, allowing more UV radiation to reach surface of earth (heats water, harms plants, animals, humans) Acid Rain Burning fossil fuels releases nitrogen & sulfur into atmosphere, converted to acids that return to earth in rain, snow & fog

6. Environmental Issues Issue Water Pollution Pollutants released into air (pesticides, chemicals) runoff into water supply; contaminated or unsanitary (sewage) Environmental Degradation Deforestation – clearing trees for agricultural & industrial growth, poor farming practices or irrigation techniques, overgrazing, climate change Desertification – clearing forests & expanding agriculture in areas where rain is scarce leads to formation of deserts Decline Biodiversity Decreased range of life on the planet (deforestation, damage wetlands & coral reefs, overfishing) = major disruption food chain & ecosystems

7. Click on map for more info!

8. T-P-S Which three fuels account for roughly 86% of the world’s energy usage? Coal Oil Natural Gas

9. Energy Resources Why is it important to reduce dependency on fossil fuels? Greenhouse gas emission Carbon pollution Non-renewable (limited) What are some alternatives? Nuclear Hydroelectric Wind & Solar Geothermal Hydrogen

10. T-P-S How are population, consumption, and technological advances related to environmental impact?

11. Development & The Environment Population Growth Rapid increase due to better maternal/infant health & agriculture (food production), declining death rates Click for AWESOME Video! Click

12. Development & The Environment Consumption How does consumption affect the environment? ~18 % of pop. consumes over 50% worlds resources Resource scarcity = conflict What is sustainable development? Meet present needs w/out depleting for future

13. Development & The Environment What do you think is meant by the term “environmental equity”? Fair access to clean air, water, and soil regardless of economic or social status.

14. Closure How can climate change affect human communities?

15. Homework Reading & Graphic Organizer “Environmental Issues on the International Agenda”