1. Introduction & the process of science
Chapter 1

2. During this quarter, we will discuss:
What environmental science is,
what constitutes natural function,
the process of science,
some of today’s key environmental issues,
and our current paradigm with regards to the environment, & what type of shift is required for sustainability & long term solutions.

3. What does the term “environment” mean to you
What does the term “environment” mean to you? and What does the term “science” mean to you?

4. Sooo, the environment is:
our planet and everything on it
the biotic
the abiotic

5. “Studying the environment” is environmental science
“Studying the environment” is environmental science. What does that mean?
Science is:
Science also:

6. Science has limitations
Science does not:

7. How science works
The scientific method

8. This diagram is better represents the non- linear dynamics of scientific work

9. How evidence is gathered
Discovery science
Hypothesis-based science

10. What is a hypothesis anyway?

11. Experiment should be controlled
experimental group
control group
Should have a good sample size;

12. Controlled experiments contain:
Independent variable
Dependent variable
Standardized/controlled variable

13. How to evaluate science in the media
Consider the source
Consider the expert
Consider the funding
Is the report free of bias? Is it balanced?

14. So, environmental science then, is. . .
The interdisciplinary study of
so that

15. At the end of the day, what does this scientific process give us?
Outcome 1: New/altered theories
Outcome 2: A paradigm shift
Outcome 3: More questions & problems
Outcome 4:

16. What does the environment provide for us?
1. Natural resources

17. Renewable natural resources

18. Renewable natural resources

19. Non-renewable resources

20. What does the environment provide for us?
1. Natural resources
renewable & non-renewable
2. Ecosystem services

21. The Key Environmental Issue
What threatens our natural environmental function & ecosystem services that it provides?

22. The Key Environmental Issue
Human Population Growth…
Future Projections from UN Pop. Div.
Year

23. The Key Environmental Issue

24. The Key Environmental Issue
ecological footprint

25. The Key Environmental Issue
What happens when overpopulation, exploitation and overconsumption of natural resources occurs?

26. The Key Environmental Issue
Overshoot!
Resource use? 50% faster than they are replenished!

27. Sustainable Development

28. Sustainable Development
Has three main areas 1.