1. ENVS 112 – Introduction to Environmental Studies http://biology.kenyon.edu/courses/ENVS%20112/ENVSHome.html Section 02 Ray Heithaus Higley 202, 5393

2. What is “environmental studies”? “The scientific study of the dynamic relationships and processes that occur among the biological and physical components of nature and their impact on economic and social systems at multiple spatial and temporal scales.” (text) “The scientific study of the dynamic relationships and processes that occur among the biological and physical components of nature and their impact on economic and social systems at multiple spatial and temporal scales.” (text)

3. W hat is an Environmental Problem? Mean surface temperature of the oceans will rise 1-3.5 degrees (C) by year 2100 Mean surface temperature of the oceans will rise 1-3.5 degrees (C) by year 2100 Hummer 2 gets 9-16 mpg Hummer 2 gets 9-16 mpg Marked decline in amphibians worldwide Marked decline in amphibians worldwide 80% of European forests damaged by acid rain 80% of European forests damaged by acid rain Wild California condors are almost gone Wild California condors are almost gone 200 million hectares of forest lost in last 20 years (in developing countries) 200 million hectares of forest lost in last 20 years (in developing countries) Oil reserves will only last 40-50 years(est.) Oil reserves will only last 40-50 years(est.) Porterhouse steak at Kroger comes wrapped in plastic Porterhouse steak at Kroger comes wrapped in plastic

4. Blackjack Wetlands

5. seasonal shifts in water level

6. Marsh marigolds – specialized & local

7. long-tailed salamander

8. flower of skunk cabbage

9. green frog

10. painted turtle

11. Utility corridor

12. BJW Aerial view 1

13. BJW hydric soils

14. BJW Aerial view 2

15. BJW Aerial view 3

16. Is there an “environmental problem” at BJW?

17. What do we need to know? Components Components –What “stuff” can we measure? e.g., water, biomass, pesticide, numbers of marigolds or salamanders, student visitors (education) –Where is that “stuff”? = compartments Exchanges Exchanges –How does “stuff” move among compartments? Influences Influences –What controls rate of movement of “stuff”?

18. BJW System Diagram Outline the major components of this system Outline the major components of this system –What is the system? BJW? What does that mean? –ID Stocks, Flows, Influences Where do your questions fit into this system? Where do your questions fit into this system? –Which component is the focus of your question? –What other components will influence the answer? Do other questions arise as you build the system? Do other questions arise as you build the system? –The answer to your question depends on answers to others?

19. Sustainability “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.”  from Our Common Future  Brundtland Commission, W.H.O. 1987