Chapters 1 & 2 Environmental Science

What is Environmental Science? “Environment” “Environment” –Plants –Animals –Climate –Earth Definition Definition –The study of how humans interact with the environment

Environmental Science includes…. Biology Biology –Study of animals, plants, microorganisms and how they react with the environment  Ecology – the study of how living things interact with each other and their nonliving environment Earth Science Earth Science –Study of Earth’s surface, fossils, atmosphere, climate, water Physics Physics –How matter and energy are useful to humans through machines, etc. Chemistry Chemistry –Study of the make-up of living things and rocks, soil and water Social Sciences Social Sciences –Study of relationships between humans and Earth, human populations, and various aspects of humankind

Environmental History Environment has changed drastically over time. Environment has changed drastically over time. –Example, New York City and the Native Americans 1. Hunter-Gatherers -Collected plants -Hunted wild animals -Scavenged for animal remains -Migrated from place to place to find food -Burned prairies to hunt for bison -Overhunting caused animals to disappear

Environmental History, cont. 2. The Agricultural Revolution -Hunter-Gatherers began collecting seeds -Agriculture Revolution was born -Introduced new food to the people -Could grow so much more food -Forests were being cut down for farmland

Environmental History, cont. 3. Industrial Revolution -Before tools were humans and animals -After fossil fuels (oil, coal) were used -Fewer people were needed -More factories were started 4. Improving Quality of Life - Light bulb - Light bulb - Improvements in sanitation, nutrition, medical care medical care - Artificial substances replaced natural ones

Main Environmental Problems Resource Depletion Resource Depletion –Natural Resource  A natural material used by humans  Renewable resource  Nonrenewable resource  When is a natural resource depleted? –Example, copper – nonrenewable –Example, tree harvesting faster than growth – renewable Complete Quick Lab Complete Quick Lab

Main Environmental Problems, cont. Pollution Pollution –Industrial Revolution caused this –Definition  Undesirable change in air, water or soil that negatively affects humans, animals, etc. –Pollutants  Biodegradable pollutants –Human sewage –Newspapers  Nondegradable pollutants –Mercury –Lead –Plastics

Main Environmental Problems, cont. Loss of Biodiversity Loss of Biodiversity –What is biodiversity?  Number and variety of species that live in an area –Extinction is affecting the biodiversity Homework Assignment Homework Assignment –Page 8 #2-5 –Page 15 #1-6

Economics and the Environment Things to consider when determining environmental solutions Things to consider when determining environmental solutions 1. Supply and Demand -The greater the demand for a product, the more it is worth -Example, oil and gas demand affecting the price of gasoline for vehicles

Economics and the Environment, cont. 2. Costs and Benefits -Cost-Benefit analysis can be done by scientists 3. Risk Assessment -What is considered to have more risk according to scientists – nuclear power or riding a bike? -Riding a bike

Economics and the Environment, cont. 4. A Country’s Economic Status -Developed Countries -Higher average incomes -Slower population growth -Examples – USA, Canada, Japan -Developing Countries -Lower average incomes -Rapid population growth -Simple agriculture economics -Examples – African & Central American countries

Why Environmental Problems Occur 1. Human population is growing too quickly for the local environment to support. 2. People are wasting, using up, etc. natural resources faster than they can be renewed, replaced or cleaned up.

Tools Used in Environmental Science Ecological Footprints Ecological Footprints –Definition  How much land is needed to support one person in a particular country.  Figure 18 on page 19

The Scientific Method Scientists use this to identify and answer questions in science. Scientists use this to identify and answer questions in science.

1. Observation -Information is gathered using our senses -Observations can be in the form of… -Descriptions -Drawings -Photos -Measurements Observations lead to a question or problem Observations lead to a question or problem

2. Hypothesis –A testable explanation for an observation Must make logical sense Must make logical sense Usually a sentence in the form of an IF/THEN statement Usually a sentence in the form of an IF/THEN statement

3. Experiment Procedure done to test a hypothesis Procedure done to test a hypothesis Designed to determine cause and effect Designed to determine cause and effect Need two groups Need two groups –Control group  does not receive the experimental treatment –Experimental group (variables)  does receive the experimental treatment –One single variable is tested

4. Organization & Analysis Data Data –Very important to keep accurate records during an experiment Scientists organize the data Scientists organize the data –Tables or graphs are used –Shows relationships or trends

5. Conclusions Scientists compare the analysis of the data to their prediction Scientists compare the analysis of the data to their prediction This helps them determine a conclusion This helps them determine a conclusion If the conclusion is not obvious, the experiments may be done again. If the conclusion is not obvious, the experiments may be done again.

6. Repeat Experiment Scientists need a large amount of supporting evidence to prove a hypothesis Scientists need a large amount of supporting evidence to prove a hypothesis Many times the experiment will be repeated to provide more data Many times the experiment will be repeated to provide more data

7. Communicating Results Scientists will publish their findings for other scientists to read Scientists will publish their findings for other scientists to read –Scientific articles  Question explored  Reasons  How the experiment was done  Data collected  Conclusions from the data

The Correlation Method When a question can’t be tested by an experiment, scientists use correlations. When a question can’t be tested by an experiment, scientists use correlations. –Reliable associations between two or more events This method doesn’t always prove cause and effect. This method doesn’t always prove cause and effect.

Models Representations of objects or systems Representations of objects or systems Types of models Types of models –Physical models  3-D models you can touch –Graphical models  Maps and charts –Conceptual models  Verbal explanations, diagrams, drawings –Mathematical models  Equations that represent how something works

A Sustainable World The key goal of environmental science is… The key goal of environmental science is… –Sustainability  When human needs can be met so that all humans can survive indefinitely We are far from sustainability today. We are far from sustainability today. Environmental issues need to be taken seriously. Environmental issues need to be taken seriously.

Assignment Page 21 #1-4 Page 21 #1-4 Page 37 #1, 3-5 Page 37 #1, 3-5

Review Questions Pages Pages –#6-13, 15-17, –#29 –#32-33 Pages Pages –#21 –#23 –#35-36