The Environmental Movement Rachel Carson Silent Spring Effect

The Environmental Movement • Rachel Carson: Silent Spring • Effect of DDT in the food chain

Point-Source Pollution • Early problems were obvious – – point-source pollution. . . the “bad guys” were someone “else”. . . but the battles were tough. . . progress has a price • High costs of changing/regulating industry – litigation – retooling

Government Action • Early Progress – Earth Day 1970 – EPA 1970 – Clean Air Act 1970 – Clean Water Act 1972 – Marine Mammals Protection Act 1972 – Endangered Species Act 1973 – Safe Drinking Water Act 1974

What is the Science in Environmental Science?

Science Systematized knowledge derived from observation, study and experimentation carried on in order to determine the nature or principles of what is being studied

Assumptions of the Process of Science • We perceive reality with our five basic senses • Objective reality functions according to certain basic principles and laws

Assumptions of the Process of Science • Causes and effects are explainable • We have tools and capabilities to understand basic principles and natural laws

The Scientific Method • Voted greatest scientific advancement of the last Millennium • Based on observation and fact • Subject to verification by other researchers

Scientific Method Observation Question Further questions Hypothesis Test (e. g. experiment) Supports hypothesis Contradicts hypothesis

Which of the following are TESTABLE hypotheses? Try suggesting an experiment to test it. Exotic species are bad The addition of phosphorus fertilizer increases algae growth in fresh water habitats The oil industry hurts the environment The herbicide atrazine causes deformities in frogs

Tools for Science observation correlation experimentation

Observation the first step in the process of science provides the ideas to generate hypotheses Hypothesis: provides tentative explanations, must be testable benefits • can be simple & cheap (or high tech) • can be done in the real world draw backs • needs to be followed with hypothesis testing

Correlation (fabricated data for explanation purposes only) Number fish species 16 12 8 4 0 1. 5 3. 5 Lake area (m 2) 5. 5

Correlation can be done across space e. g. survey a large number of lakes can be done across time, e. g. sample one lake for many years (special statistical considerations) benefits • can be predictive • can establish association, (e. g. low cancer associated with high fiber diet) • can be done in real ecosystems draw backs • does not establish causation

Experimentation manipulate one or few variables and measure response variable (or dependent variable) must have control and replication benefits • establishes probable causation draw backs • usually on small scale (or very expensive) • can be artificial situation

Theories • Consistent with all observations • Has been supported by repeated testing

The scientific method is carried out by people who may be: Influenced by cultural beliefs Advocating a position Dishonest http: //www. drscience. com/

Junk Science • Selective presentation (data omitted) • Politically motivated distortion of scientifically sound papers • Attribution of false information to a respected researcher or organization – Wall street journal reports CDC finds organic foods can kill you

Environmental Sciences: Towards a Sustainable Future Chapter 21 The Atmosphere: Climate and Climate Change

Weather: day to day variation in temperature, wind, humidity, and precipitation Climate: average temperature and precipitation expected throughout a typical year in a given region "climate is what you expect, weather is what you get. "

The Atmosphere Where weather takes place

Global warming and the greenhouse effect

Some gasses and water vapor in the atmosphere absorb and reemit solar energy, making earth warmer than it otherwise would be.

Atmospheric CO 2 concentrations are increasing

Photosynthesis by plants and algae, more with light & in summer C 02 6 CO 2 + 12 H 20 carbon dioxide water 02 C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 H 20 + 6 02 carbohydrate water oxygen

Respiration, emission of CO 2 by all life, all the time C 02 C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 H 20 carbohydrate water 6 CO 2 + 12 H 20 + ATP carbon dioxide water energy

Carbon cycle: numerous exchanges of C http: //www. physicalgeography. net/fundamentals/9 r. html

Other Greenhouse Gases And Sources • • Water vapor Methane Nitrous oxide CFC’s and other halocarbons • • Hydrological cycle Animal husbandry Chemical fertilizers Refrigerants

Atmospheric CO 2 is rising Will this cause increased temperatures? What are some of the consequences of increased temperature?

Global Surface Temperatures

Ice core data shows strong correlation between greenhouse gasses and temperature.

Hurricanes and Climate Change For hurricanes to occur, surface ocean temperatures must exceed 80 F. The warmer the ocean, the greater the potential for stronger storms. Rising sea levels, also caused in part by rising global temperatures, intensify storm damage along coasts. red indicates area of temp > 84 F

Predictions for Ohio Water Supply and Pollution • Lake levels expected to decline, more evaporation • Reduced summer water levels; small streams & wetlands may dry up • Pressure to increase water extraction from the Great Lakes • Development and climate change will degrade the floodabsorbing capacities of wetlands and floodplains, resulting in increased erosion, flooding, and runoff polluted with nutrients, pesticides, and other toxins.

Predictions for Ohio Agriculture • Increased atmospheric CO 2 and longer growing season could boost yields of soybeans, corn, and wheat • Severe rainstorms during planting and harvest seasons will likely depress productivity • Higher ozone concentrations can damage soybeans and horticultural crops, countering positive impacts of a warmer climate. • Several climate changes will likely combine to create more favorable conditions for a number of pests and pathogens.

Predictions for Ohio Human Health. • Winter cold-related deaths will decrease, while summer heat-related death is likely to increase. • Some waterborne infectious diseases such as cryptosporidiosis or or giardiasis may become more frequent or widespread if extreme rainstorms occur more often.

Predictions for Ohio Water Supply and Pollution • Lake levels expected to decline, more evaporation • Reduced summer water levels; small streams & wetlands may dry up • Pressure to increase water extraction from the Great Lakes • Development and climate change will degrade the floodabsorbing capacities of wetlands and floodplains, resulting in increased erosion, flooding, and runoff polluted with nutrients, pesticides, and other toxins. Agriculture

It is very difficult to prove that increased CO 2 emissions cause increased temperature on Earth List some of the risks involved in waiting for 100% proof of causation. How much risk are you comfortable with?

Precautionary Principle Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, the absence of scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing costeffective measures to prevent environmental degradation.

A closer look at anthropogenic (human) sources of greenhouse gasses

Most emissions come from developed nations

Coal use emits disproportional amount of CO 2 Transportation results in a lot of CO 2 emissions http: //www. eia. doe. gov/oiaf/1605/ggccebro/chapter 1. html

Tragedy of the Commons, Garrett Hardin, 1968 Benefit of new sheep Cost of new sheep 10$ (sale price for adult) . 01$ loss of productivity due to overgrazing