Understanding Our Understanding Our EnvironmentEnvironment
DefinitionsDefinitions
• Environmental science – the study of how humans interact with the environment
• Environment – everything that surrounds us – the natural world along with human products
What’s the Problem???What’s the Problem???
Environmental Problems
ResourceDepletion
Pollution Extinction
Resource DepletionResource Depletion
• Natural resource – any natural substance that living things can use
• Here are some examples……..
SunlightSunlight
AirAir
WaterWater
SoilSoil
MineralsMinerals
PlantsPlants
AnimalsAnimals
ForestsForests
Fossil FuelsFossil Fuels
Resource DepletionResource Depletion
• Depletion occurs when large part of a resource is used up
Nonrenewable ResourcesNonrenewable Resources
• Natural resources which cannot be replaced
• EX: copper ore
• EX: natural gas
• EX: gold
Renewable ResourcesRenewable Resources
• Natural resources which are continually replaced, even as being used
• EX: solar energy
• EX: trees
• EX: rain
PollutionPollution
• Intro of harmful levels of chemicals or waste material into the environment.
EX: By-products of processes EX: By-products of processes such as fuel combustionsuch as fuel combustion
EX: Pesticides EX: Pesticides - created to get - created to get rid of pests, but rid of pests, but harm envir. when harm envir. when they enter air, they enter air, water, and soil.water, and soil.
EX: HEX: Humanuman health issues health issues
ExtinctionExtinction
• Last individual member of a species has died and is gone forever.
• Dying out because natural homes (habitats) are destroyed
• Rate is higher now than at any other time in history.
A Global PerspectiveA Global Perspective
• Biosphere is very thin layer of life around the Earth
• About 8 km high and 8 km deep
• See Figure 1-10 on p. 10
Developed & Developing CountriesDeveloped & Developing Countries
• Developed Countries–Highly industrialized
–High average incomes
–Examples include •United States•Canada•Japan•Australia, New Zealand•Countries of western Europe
Developing CountriesDeveloping Countries
• Less industrialized
• Much lower average income
–Examples include•India•Kenya•Malaysia•Mexico•Thailand
Population & ConsumptionPopulation & Consumption• Human populations growing too quick-
ly for some regions of world to support
• Causes population crisis
• When people use up, waste, or pollute natural resources faster than they can be renewed, replaced, or cleaned up……
• Result is consumption crisis
Population CrisisPopulation Crisis
• Most severe in developing countries
• Not enough resources for everyone, but population continues to skyrocket anyway
• Result is severe damage to environment
• Malnutrition, starvation, and disease occur nearly constantly
Consumption CrisisConsumption Crisis
• Most severe in developed countries• Populations are stabilized or growing
slowly• But average citizen uses
disproportionately large share of Earth’s resources.
• Up to 75% of resources used every year consumed by about 20% of population
In a sustainable world….In a sustainable world….
• High standards of living and health• Habitats preserved• Garbage transformed into harmless
stuff• Nonrenewables used sparingly/
efficiently• Renewables used no faster than they
are replaced
Is sustainableIs sustainable development development
possible?possible?
Let’s tackle consumerism…Let’s tackle consumerism…
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