An Intro to Environmental Science

Summary

This lesson introduces environmental science, focusing on our relationship with the natural world, the importance of natural resources, and the challenges we face, such as pollution and resource depletion. It emphasizes that environmental science is interdisciplinary, using the scientific method to understand how the environment affects humans and vice versa. The lesson also touches on sustainability, encouraging the conservation of resources and ethical responsibility. Students are invited to reflect on critical questions regarding resource use, species extinction, and pollution while considering the ecological footprint of developed and developing nations.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Environmental science studies how the natural world works and how it affects humans, and vice versa.
• 🌿 Humans depend on natural resources for survival, including both renewable (e.g., sunlight, wind) and non-renewable (e.g., oil, coal) resources.
• 🔄 Environmental science is interdisciplinary, combining natural and social sciences to address environmental issues.
• 🌎 Human activities have degraded natural systems, leading to problems like pollution, erosion, and species extinction.
• 👩‍🔬 Science uses a systematic process (scientific method) to learn about the world through observation, hypothesis testing, and experimentation.
• 📊 In scientific experiments, independent variables are manipulated, and dependent variables are measured, with controlled experiments ensuring consistency.
• 🌱 Sustainability is a key principle in environmental science, focusing on living within the planet's limits to ensure future generations can thrive.
• 📈 Rising human population and consumption increase the strain on Earth's resources, exacerbating environmental challenges.
• 🦠 Environmental ethics address the moral relationship between humans and the non-human world, raising questions about resource conservation and species protection.
• 👣 Ecological footprints vary greatly between countries, with developed nations like the U.S. having a much larger impact than developing countries.

Q & A

What is the main focus of environmental science?

The main focus of environmental science is the study of how the natural world works, how the environment affects humans, and how humans impact the environment. Its goal is to develop solutions to environmental problems.

What are natural resources, and how are they categorized?

Natural resources are substances and energy sources needed for human survival. They are categorized into two types: renewable resources, which are replenished over short periods (e.g., sunlight, wind), and non-renewable resources, which can be depleted (e.g., oil, coal).

Why is environmental science considered interdisciplinary?

Environmental science is interdisciplinary because it includes both natural sciences, which study the natural world, and social sciences, which study human interactions and behaviors. It draws on multiple fields to address environmental issues.

What are some pressures facing the global environment?

Some pressures facing the global environment include pollution, erosion, species extinction, and the degradation of natural systems. These issues threaten long-term human health and survival.

What is sustainability, and why is it important?

Sustainability refers to living within the planet's limits so that Earth can support humans and other organisms for the future. It involves developing long-term solutions that ensure ecological systems remain functional.

How does population growth affect the environment?

Population growth increases the demand for natural resources and amplifies environmental problems, such as resource depletion and pollution. The rise in affluence also adds pressure on the environment due to higher consumption rates.

What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources?

Renewable resources are perpetually available or can renew themselves over short periods, such as sunlight and wind. Non-renewable resources, like oil and coal, are finite and can be depleted if overused.

What is the significance of the Easter Island example?

The example of Easter Island illustrates how civilizations can collapse after depleting their natural resources. It serves as a warning about the consequences of unsustainable resource use.

What role does the scientific method play in environmental science?

The scientific method is a systematic process used to understand the natural world. It involves making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing results to test ideas and solve environmental problems.

What is an ecological footprint, and how does it vary between countries?

An ecological footprint measures the environmental impact of individuals or nations. Developed countries like the U.S. tend to have larger footprints due to higher consumption, while developing countries generally have smaller footprints.