Environmental Awareness Challenge for Humanity

Definitions Equilibrium: State of balance between opposing forces in a system Ozone: Form of oxygen (O3) that in the upper atmosphere protects Earth from harmful radiation from space, and at ground level is a pollutant

Definitions Greenhouse gas: gas, such as carbon dioxide and methane, that affects Earth’s climate Increasing greenhouse gases to the atm. increases Earth’s temp Renewable resources: Resources that can be replaced by nature after they have been used (ex. Trees) Nonrenewable: Resource that cannot be replenished for millions of years if at all

Interdependence of Earth’s Living and Non-living Systems (DNW) Only Earth has an atmosphere that is dense enough to protect us from harmful radiation, but allows solar energy to get to the surface of the planet Our planet consists of a great variety of living and non-living systems related through the environmental changes.

Interdependence of Earth’s Living and Non-living Systems (WRITE) Changing any part of the natural environment can cause dramatic effects on other parts of the environment. Organic pollution occurs when too many nutrients are added to water. This can contribute to undesirable changes in ecosystems

Effects of Landscape Conditions on People Living in flood-prone areas put people at risk of losing their lives/possessions Living near the ocean is appealing but put inhabitants at risk of flooding, hurricanes, major winter storms, and rising sea levels Building on bedrock that is too steep or soil that are high in clay content increases the risk of mass movements

Environmental planning along with zoning limitations can reduce the risk of damage or injury If you can’t remove humans from an area, having escape procedures can help avoid injury/loss of life

Pollution Pollution is the concentration of any material or energy form that is ultimately harmful to humans. Pollution is classified as either; –Ground pollution –Air pollution –Water pollution

Land Pollution- DO NOT WRITE Solid wastesSolid wastes include garbage, refuse, sludge products from agriculture, forestry, and mining that all can pollute the land. sanitary landfillsThese wastes are disposed by burying them in sanitary landfills or burning them in incinerators Hazardous wastesHazardous wastes are those that are potentially dangerous to humans. Soil erosionSoil erosion from overgrazing, deforestation, irrigation and cultivation can disturb the balance between living things and the soil.

Water Pollution- DO NOT WRITE Water pollution is anything that makes the water unfit, harmful or undesirable for use. Types of pollutants: –O–Organic pollution – sewage –I–Inorganic pollution – biodegradable –T–Thermal pollution - heat –R–Radioactive substances – –A–Abnormal concentration of organisms – –A–Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria Eutrophication = increased phosphates and nitrates provide nutrients for increased algae growth. –C–Concentration of pollutants

Water Pollution

Air Pollution Air pollutionAir pollution is the release of harmful materials, such as carbon dioxide, sulfurous acid, nitrous acid, and hydrocarbons into the atmosphere. Problems associated with air pollution include: –Health problems –Acid rain –Ozone depletion –Global warming/Greenhouse Effect particulates –Pollutants are either gases or particulates (tiny solids suspended in the air)

Acid Rain- DNW Acid rainAcid rain (acid precipitation) is rain or snow that is more acidic than normal precipitation. Acid rainAcid rain is largely produced by burning fossil fuels (putting CO2 into the air). Acid rainAcid rain kills plants, fish, and damaged buildings.

Acid Rain-DNW Oxides of nitrogen and sulfur are released into the air when fossil fuels are burned Wind may carry these oxides over long distances Although rain is naturally acidic, these oxides have acidified rain to 40x the normal level

Growth of the Human Population The human population of the Earth has increased exponentially in the past several centuries. Technological advances, disease control and advances in food production have supported this growth.

Managing Resources Our resources, such as minerals, soil, clean water and fresh air, are limited. Recycling of materials such as aluminum and paper will help preserve virgin resources. Earth is a closed system. We must learn how to interact with natural systems to best provide for our long range needs.

Will We Run Out? As we deplete some resources, we sometimes find other ways to meet our needs. Although we have run low on many resources, our quality of life has probably increased. The replacement of wood by petroleum fuels and plastics, and the growing uses for a variety of synthetic materials illustrate the ways we have found to replace some limited resources.

The Future We need to manage our resources This is a 3-step process: 1.Scientists need to find the best ways to use and conserve resources 2.Scientists need to explore alternative ways to provide for future needs 3.We need to educate ourselves and our decision-makers about the need for conservation planning and research

Vids Cars that run on veggie oil 5 Ways to Save the Planet