Environmental Interrelationships Chapter 1 Environmental Interrelationships

Outline 1.1 The Nature of Environmental Science 1.2 Emerging Global Issues 1.3 Human Well-Being and the Environment

1.1 The Nature of Environmental Science Environmental science includes scientific and social aspects of human impact on the world. It is a mixture of traditional science, individual and societal values, and political awareness.

1.1 The Nature of Environmental Science Environment is everything that affects an organism during its lifetime.

Interrelatedness Is a Core Concept The study of environmental science is so interesting, frustrating, and challenging because of the interrelatedness among seeming unrelated factors. Tug on anything at all and you’ll find it connected to everything else in the universe. John Muir

1.2 Emerging Global Issues Some of the most pressing global issues are environmental change and sustainable development Environmental change threatens people’s health, physical security, material needs, and social cohesion. The World Commission on Environment and Development concluded 25 years ago that “humanity has the ability to make development sustainable.”

1.2 Emerging Global Issues Most social and political decisions are made with respect to political jurisdictions. Environmental problems do not necessarily coincide with these artificial boundaries. Air pollution generated in China affects air quality in western coastal states in the United States and in British Columbia, Canada.

Environmental Governance Eight U.S. states, two Canadian provinces, and hundreds of local jurisdictions impact environmental decisions in the Great Lakes on pollution, exotic species, fishing, and land use.

1.3 Human Well-Being and the Environment The goal of development is human well-being. Human well-being and the quality of the environment are strongly interrelated. Environmental changes have impacts on human wellbeing.

Defining Human Well-Being Resources people have, such as money and other assets. The environment is seen only as a means to promote economic growth. How people feel about their lives Includes the cultural importance that environment has for life satisfaction. What people are able to be and to do. This focuses on what the environment allows individuals to be and to do.

Defining Human Well-Being Ecosystem services include Provisioning services: food, water Regulating services: flood control, disease control Cultural services: spiritual, recreational, and cultural benefits Supporting services: nutrient cycling The world’s poorest people depend primarily on environmental goods and services for their livelihoods.

Environment and Health The World Health Organization estimates that 13 million deaths worldwide could be prevented every year by environmental improvement. Cancer Malaria Coronary Heart Disease Diarrhea

Environment and Security Security means having stable and reliable access to resources and the ability to be secure from natural and human disasters. Scarcity of water or other resources can lead to armed conflicts.

Environment and Globalization In 1997, representatives from 125 nations met in Kyoto, Japan for the Third Conference of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Kyoto Protocol is viewed as one of the most important steps to date in environmental protection and international diplomacy.

10 Things You Can Do to Protect Your Environment 1. Reduce driving 2. Save electricity 3. Recycle 4. Conserve water 5. Safely dispose of hazardous waste

10 Things You Can Do to Protect Your Environment 6. Eat locally 7. Donate reusable items 8. Buy in bulk 9. Learn how to avoid the use of insect repellants 10. Be an informed and active citizen