What is Environmental Science 1 Environmental science 1

What is Environmental Science? 1

Environmental science: § (1) helps learn how the earth works § (2) educates us to how we are affecting the earth’s life support systems, and § (3) helps propose and evaluate solutions to the environmental problems we face. 2

Major Players in Environmental Science § a) Environmental Scientists – see previous slide § b) ecologists – biological scientists who study the relationships between living organisms and their environment. § c) conservation biologists – investigate human impact on the diversity of life found on earth (called biodiversity), and develop practical plans for preserving the earth’s biodiversity. 3

Major Players in Environmental Science (continued) § d) environmentalists – are a broad group of people who voice their concerns about the environment when opportunities arise. § e) preservationists - are primarily concerned with setting aside or protecting undisturbed natural areas from harmful human activities. 4

Major Players in Environmental Science (continued) § f) conservationists – are concerned with using natural resources in ways that will sustain them for current and future generations of humans and other forms of life. § g) restorationists – devoted to the partial of complete restoration of natural areas that have been degraded by human activity. 5

Assignment(s) § Write all these terms on a separate piece of paper in your notebook as vocabulary terms § In one paragraph (5 -10 sentences) describe how you identify with one of these types of scientists. § Find one current article (newspaper, internet, etc. ) about any current environmental topic and bring it in. 6 § Due: Tomorrow Aug. 11