Interconnected Planet CH6

Environmental Science Study of the impact of humans on the environment Humans are a part of the environment and can affect the resilience of the environment. Humans consume resources faster than they can be replaced Earth is an interconnected planet Pollution and habitat destruction destroy the resources we need to live, such as air, water, and food

Fresh Kill’s Landfill in NY state Approximately 135 football fields

Resources Materials to be used for a need Renewable Nonrenewable Can be replaced at the same rate at which they are consumed, within our (human) lifetime Hydro, Solar, Geothermal, Nuclear, Wind, Biofuels Nonrenewable Used at a faster rate than can be replaced Fossil Fuels are from the remains of organisms that lived long ago Oil, natural gas, coal

Environmental Issues Air Pollution Industries, power plants, vehicles burning fossil fuels Releases carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides Acid Rain Global Warming Ozone Layer Respiratory Issues

Acid Rain Precipitation that has a high concentration of sulfuric or nitric acid (increase pH) Harms forest and lakes

Ozone Layer Protects life on Earth from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays Damaged due to chloroflurocarbons (CFCs) used in refrigerators, air conditioners, spray cans Reduction in CFC use has helped the Ozone

Global Warming Gradual increase in the average global temperature Greenhouse effect Warming of the surface and lower atmosphere of the Earth Occurs when particles in the atmosphere absorb and trap heat on the planet

Greenhouse Effect Naturally occurs Keeps the Earth at comfortable temperature Becomes a problem when particles in the atmosphere build up trapping more heat on the planet Carbon Dioxide Burning of fossil fuels

Global weather Migration patterns Ice sheets (sea level)

Water Pollution Pollution Any unwanted substance that contaminates the material needed Fertilizers, pesticides, manure, industrial waste, oil runoff from roads, septic tanks, unlined landfills Water is renewable until polluted

Soil Damage Soil Erosion Soil Conservation Destroys fertile soil that we need in order to produce food Soil Conservation Terracing, cover crop, crop rotation, contour plowing Reduce soil loss and conserve fertile soil

Ecosystem Disruption Habitat Destruction Loss of Biodiversity Invasive species Introduce non native organisms to an area Competition for resources Extinction Death of every member of a species

Environmental Solutions Conservation Protecting existing natural habitats Restoration Cleaning up and restoring damaged habitats Harder to put back to normal Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Research and technology Provide cleaner energy sources Better ways to deal with waste Improve methods for cleaning up pollution Environmental Awareness Education Advocacy, showing support for the cause Planning for the Future