1. The Environment and Society

2. Essential Question
What factors influence environmental decision making?

3. The Tragedy of the Commons
Ecologist Garrett Hardin
1968

4. The Tragedy of the Commons
If resources are available to everyone, people take as much as they can
When individuals are allotted a certain amount of resources, they take care of them.
Long term good of society vs. short term benefit of individuals
Are we selfish?
Can we legislate temperance and conscience?

5. Economics All things boil down to $$
Supply and Demand – The greater the demand of more limited the supply, the higher the value.
Peak Oil: Three Choices
Pay More
Use Less
Find Alternatives

6. Economics
Cost Benefit – A comparison between how much something will cost vs. what benefits will be gained from it.
Risk Assessment:
What are the risks of taking action?
What are the risks of doing nothing?

7. Wealth and resources are not evenly distributed
Developed countries :
Higher incomes
Slower population growth
Strong economies (industry)
Social programs
Developing countries:
Lower incomes
Faster population growth
Weak economies (agriculture)
No social support

8. Developed vs. Developing
Gross Domestic Product
Liechtenstein: $118,000
United States (10): $47,000
Zimbabwe: $200
Source: CIA World Fact Book

9. Developed vs. Developing
Life Expectancy
Macau: 84
United States (50): 78
Swaziland: 31
Source: CIA World Fact Book

10. Developed vs. Developing
Literacy
Cuba: 99.8%
United States (17): 99%
Burkina Faso: 23%
Source: CIA World Fact Book

11. Consumption
Developed countries use 75% of resources with 20% of population

12. Sustainability
The condition in which human needs are met in such a way that a human population can survive indefinitely.
Humans adapt to changes
Things are different from past generations
Technology
Society
The next century is crucial