Understanding Our Environment

What is Environmental Science? Environmental Science is the study of the air, water, and land surrounding an organism or a community

Goals of Environmental Science Understand and solve environmental problems To do this scientist must study How our actions alter our environment The use of natural resources

Many Fields of Study Environmental science is an interdisciplinary science, which means it involves many fields of study Ecology, the study of interactions of living organisms with one another and their environment, is important to the foundation of environmental science

Hunter-Gatherers Humans have changed the environment by hunting, growing food, and settling Hunter gathers are people that obtain food by collecting plants and hunting wild animals or scavenging the remains. Hunter gathers have affected their environment by: Native American tribes hunted bison Native Americans set fires to burn the prairies and prevent growth of trees

Agricultural Revolution Agriculture is the raising of crops and livestock for food or other products. Started in many areas over 10,000 years ago Allowed populations to grow at unprecedented rate Changed the food we eat Many habitats were destroyed as grasslands, forest, and wetlands were replaced with farmland Caused soil loss, floods, and water shortages

Industrial Revolution Involved a shift from energy sources such as animals and running water to fossil fuels such as coal and oil Increased efficiency of agriculture, industry, and transportation Quality of life was improved Increased sanitation, nutrition, and medical care Introduced new environmental problems Pollution and habitat loss 1900s, societies began using artificial substances We now have plastics, artificial pesticides, and fertilizers Many of these made life easier, but caused environmental problems

Population Growth The industrial revolution, modern medicine, and sanitation all allowed the human population to grow faster than it ever had before Producing enough food for large populations has environmental consequences Habitat destruction Pesticide pollution Scientist think the population will double in the 21st century

What are the Main Environmental Problems? Resource Depletion Pollution Loss of Biodiversity

Supply and Demand The Law of Supply and Demand is a law of economics that states as the demand for a good or service increases, the value of the food or service also increases.

Ecological Footprints Ecological footprints are calculations that show the productive area of Earth needed to support one person in a particular country. Estimates: Land used for crops, grazing, forest products, and housing Ocean area used to harvest seafood Forest area needed to absorb the air pollution by fossil fuels

Ecological Footprint