Introduction to Environmental Science Chapter One Bell Ringer

Introduction to Environmental Science (Chapter One)

Bell Ringer, 8/14 � Check the Cone of Shame for your name � Pick up Exit Slips on the back lab table � Answer the following question on your bell ringer paper: › Explain the difference between a hypothesis and a guess.

Bell Ringer, 8/15 � Get your EXIT SLIP from the back lab table � Check the CONE OF SHAME for YOUR NAME � Answer the following questions: › Explain the difference between pollution and resource depletion. USE AT LEAST THREE SENTENCES

What is environmental science? � The study of how humans interact with the environment � Major focus: Solving environmental problems � Environment: everything that surrounds us, including the natural and man-made environment

The classroom environment � List TEN things that are included in our classroom environment. � (Ex. Students)

Why study environmental science? � Past generations didn’t worry about the environment � Now, we have begun to wonder if we are paying too high of a price for our lifestyle › Water quality › Polluted air › Animal extinctions (fireflies)

Why study environmental science? � MUST have knowledge in order to help! � Environmental problems can be solved! › Lake Washington › Eagles

Environmental Problems � Resource � Pollution � Extinction depletion

Resource Depletion � Natural resources: Any natural substance that organisms can use › Includes sunlight, air, water, soil, minerals, animals, plants, fossil fuels � Non-renewable resources: Natural resources that can be depleted › Includes copper and fossil fuels � Renewable resources: Natural resources that are continually being replaced › Includes sunlight, trees, and fish

Resource Depletion � Even renewable resources can be used up if they are used faster than they can be replaced � Ex. Trees being cut down faster than they can re-grow

Pollution � Introduction of harmful levels of chemicals or waste materials into the environment � Sources of pollution › Byproducts of processes (ex. fuel combustion) › Pesticides › Can cause harm to environment and human health

Extinction � The last individual of a species has died and the species is gone forever � 1000 s of species have gone extinct � Extinction occurs more today than ever in history due to loss of natural habitat

Environmental Probs: Global Probs � Environmental problems are GLOBAL problems › Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere › Chloroflurocarbons � Biosphere: Thin layer of life around the earth (makes up. 00008% of earth’s mass) � All living things exist in a CLOSE RELATIONSHIP within the biosphere

Human Population � Many environmental problems are linked to human population increase � Most nations fit it two categories: › Developed countries: Industrialized countries with high incomes (USA, Australia, Europe) › Developing countries: Less industrialized countries with a lower income (Kenya, India)

Human Population � Populations in developing countries are rapidly increasing, despite a shortage of resources › Population crisis: Higher human population than the resources of a region can support

Human Population � Developed countries are using resources faster than they can be replenished › Consumption crisis: When people waste, use up, or pollute natural resources faster than they can be renewed, replaced, or cleaned up › Developed nations use 75% of the resources used every year, even though they only make up 20% of world population

The Goal of Environmental Science � Create a sustainable world › World in which human populations can continue to exist indefinitely with a high standard of living and health › Non-renewable resources used sparingly › Renewable resources used no faster than they can be replaced

What are the pros of living in a developed country? Cons? What are the pros of living in a developing country? Cons?

Exit Slip 8/13 � What are the main environmental issues today? � Why are environmental issues considered “global issues”?

Factors in Environmental Decisions Sound scientific research should ALWAYS BE THE FIRST STEP � Other things to consider: � › › › › Aesthetics Economic Environmental Educational Ethical Recreation Social/Culture Many, many others!

Making an Environmental Decision � Gather all available information › TV › Well-informed people › Internet � Consider values that apply to the issue � Explore consequences � Make a decision

Warbler Example Listen to the example of the warblers and use the decision-making model to decide what the best course of action would be.

Warbler Example � Gather information: local news reports, google Warblers, talk to scientists � Consider values: Make a chart of applicable values � Explore consequences: List the long and short term pros/cons of in each value � Make a decision: What would you decide?

Now you try it! A factory owner wants to start burying waste deep under his factory. He says that it will keep it out of the landfills and save his factory money, allowing him to provide more local jobs in the area. Scientists worry that the waste will leak, polluting the water supply. Make a chart to help you decide what the right decision is!

Bell Ringer, 8/19 � Turn in any work that you have left from Friday � Answer the following questions with AT LEAST THREE SENTENCES: › How could environmental concerns conflict with your desire to improve your standard of living? › Are honey bees a renewable resource? Defend your answer.

Exit Slip, 8/19 � Should we limit deforestation in the rain forest? Why or why not? � Name ONE way that you can study for your quiz using your learning style.