Environmental Issues Main Menu Site Map EXIT

Identifying the Problem We take for granted the environment in which we live and often do not stop to think about the negative consequences of our actions. In order to seek a solution to a problem, the problem must first be identified and acknowledged. Once Identified, possible solutions can be generated, supporting evidence can be gathered, the data can be analyzed, and a solution can be formulated. EXIT Main Menu

Click on each of the pictures to learn more about that specific environmental problem. After you have gained more knowledge, use that information by clicking on the “Solve the Problem” button at the bottom of the page. Global Warming Chemical Use Energy Use Restart Solve the Problem EXIT Recycling

Global Warming Main Menu What is Global Warming? Global warming Global warming is the gradual increase in global temperatures caused by the emission of gases that trap the sun's heat in the Earth's atmosphere. Gases that contribute to global warming include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and halocarbons (the replacements for CFCs). The carbon dioxide emissions are primarily caused by the use of fossil fuels for energy. In addition, all these gases can be harmful to both the environment and humans. EXIT

Global Warming Main Menu What are Fossil Fuels? Fuels formed in the ground from the remains of dead plants and animals. It takes millions of years to form fossil fuels. Oil, natural gas, and coal are fossil fuels. The burning of fossil fuels by humans is the largest source of emissions of carbon dioxide, which is one of the greenhouse gases that contributes to global warming. The atmospheric concentration of CO 2, a greenhouse gas, is increasing, raising concerns that solar heat will be trapped and the average surface temperature of the Earth will rise in response. EXIT

Energy Use Main Menu One of the most highly used energy sources in our country is oil. Oil is derived from fossil fuels which occur naturally. Many believe that there is a limited supply of fossil fuels and eventually we will run out. What happens when we run out? There are other sources of energy. Click on the links to the right to learn more about alternative energy sources. Solar Geothermal Wind EXIT

Energy Use Main Menu What is Solar Energy? Energy derived from the sun in the form of solar radiation that is used to produce electricity. The panels that are used to gather solar radiation are known as Solar Panels. EXIT

Energy Use Main Menu What is Geothermal Energy? Energy that is generated by converting hot water or steam from deep beneath the Earth’s surface into electricity. EXIT

Energy Use Main Menu What is Wind Energy? Energy obtained from turbine engines powered by wind. EXIT

Chemical Use Main Menu Pesticides A group of human-made or natural chemical compounds that are used to kill unwanted pests and other living things (insects, microbes, fungi, and weeds) and can be dangerous to humans when they breathe or touch the chemicals. EXIT Click picture to learn more

Chemical Use Main Menu Effects of pesticides to the Environment Organisms not targeted by the pesticide can be severely impacted. In some cases, where a pest insect has some controls from a beneficial predator or parasite, an insecticide application can kill both pest and beneficial populations. The beneficial organism almost always takes longer to recover than the pest. Is there a balance between the risks and benefits of pesticides? Risks: Pesticides can cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment because they are designed to kill or otherwise adversely affect living organisms. Benefits: Pesticides are useful because the can kill potential disease- causing organisms and control insects, weeds, and other pests. EXIT Click here to learn more

Recycling Main Menu What is Recycling? Recycling Recycling is the reprocessing of materials into new products. Recycling prevents useful material resources being wasted, reduces the consumption of raw materials and reduces energy usage, and hence greenhouse gas emissions, compared to virgin production. Recycling is a key concept of modern waste management and is the third component of the waste hierarchy. What can be recycled? Recyclable materials, also called "recyclables" or "recyclates“ include glass, paper, aluminum, asphalt, iron, textiles and plastics. Biodegradable waste, such as food waste or garden waste, is also recyclable with the assistance of micro-organisms through composting or anaerobic digestion.anaerobic digestion EXIT

Solve the Problem Main Menu A small company in Florida that sells the popular drink “Veggiade” (made from 100% vegetable juice) is being sued because the consumers of the drink were getting sick due to the presence of an unknown toxin. What could be a possible cause as to why the consumers are getting sick? After you’ve formulated an idea click the next button. EXIT

Solve the Problem Main Menu It was later found that this toxin was only present in vegetables that were not subjected to pesticides, but were grown in an area that was experiencing higher than normal temperatures. What could be a possible cause for the high temperatures? Click the next button after you have your ideas. If the toxin wasn’t the result of pesticides, what could be a possible source of the toxin? EXIT

Solve the Problem Main Menu As a result the company may have to shut down because they are loosing too much money. It was suggested to build an indoor facility to grow the vegetables at the appropriate temperatures. After being sued, there is not enough money in the budget to cover the electricity because it would take too much oil to keep a cooling unit that large in operation, and due to an increase in oil consumption by the country, oil use has been restricted. Does the company have to close or is there a way that they can stay in business selling “Veggiade”? Click the next button after you have your ideas. If part of the problem was due to high temperatures what could be done by the people to slow down the increase in atmospheric temperature? EXIT

Solve the Problem Main Menu Were you able to come up with a solution to the problem? Will the company go out of business? Restart When solving problems there may be more than one possible solution. Also, as you gather data your initial ideas to a solution might change, but that is all part of the critical thinking process that is required to solve a problem. EXIT

References Main Menu EXIT U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.(2006). About Pesticides. Retrieved, June 8, From Google search “Define: anaerobic digestion.” (n.d.). Retrieved, June 18, 2007 From Google search “Define: Global Warming.” (n.d.). Retrieved, June 8, 2007 From Google search “Define: Fossil Fuels.” (n.d.). Retrieved, June 8, 2007 From Google search “Define: Solar Energy.” (n.d.). Retrieved, June 8, 2007 from Google search “Define: Geothermal Energy.” (n.d.). Retrieved, June 8, 2007 from Google search “Define: Wind Energy.” (n.d.). Retrieved, June 8, 2007 From Google search “Define: Pesticides.” (n.d.). Retrieved, June 8, 2007 From Restart

Site Map Main Menu Back Title Identifying Problem Main MenuEnergy Chemicals Problem Global Warming Geothermal Wind Solar Effects Problem Solution All pages have a link to the Main Menu. Restart links are locate on the Main Menu page, the solution page, and the reference page. EXIT Exit links are located on all pages Fossil Fuels