12 Questions
What are the main components of the environment as described in the text?
Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Cryosphere, Lithosphere, and Biosphere
Which discipline does environmental science draw on to understand the natural world, as mentioned in the text?
Science and nonscience disciplines
In environmental science, what is the purpose of studying the environment?
To understand the natural world and our relationship to it
What is one main aspect of environmental stewardship highlighted in the text?
Protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices
Why are environmental problems difficult to solve?
Due to multiple causes and consequences
Which view of a resource values it solely based on its usefulness to humans?
Anthropocentric
Which of the following is NOT a cause of wicked problems like climate change?
Using alternative energy sources
What distinguishes a wicked dilemma according to the text?
Complex nature with no definitive solution
What is an example of a consequence of wicked problems?
Loss of species and habitats
Why do potential environmental solutions come with trade-offs?
They may have negative impacts in other areas
Which stakeholder group is NOT mentioned as being affected by environmental problems?
Hospitality industry professionals
How do cutting down trees contribute to wicked problems like climate change?
By releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere
Study Notes
Environmental Problems
- Environmental problems are difficult to solve due to multiple causes and consequences, differing stakeholder preferences, and potential solutions with trade-offs.
Environmental Literacy
- Environmental literacy is crucial for solving or preventing environmental problems by understanding how ecosystems function and the impact of human choices on the environment.
Wicked Problems: Climate Change
- Causes of climate change: burning fossil fuels, deforestation, methane from agriculture, and overconsumption by modern society.
- Consequences of climate change: sea level rise, habitat loss and species endangerment, and spread of tropical diseases.
Stakeholder Differences
- Different stakeholders have varying priorities: island dwellers, farmers, fossil fuel industry, and wildlife conservation groups.
Solutions with Trade-Offs
- Alternative energy sources: less pollution but costly.
- Irrigation: increases crop yields but can cause water shortages and soil problems.
- Reforestation projects: lessen CO2 in the atmosphere and increase habitats but may take land away from agriculture.
Environmental Science
- Draws on science and non-science disciplines to understand the natural world and our relationship to it.
- Includes the study of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.
Components of the Environment
- Atmospheric layer of gases, hydrosphere (water), cryosphere (ice and snow), lithosphere (upper mantle), and biosphere (region where life exists).
- Non-animate phenomena: weather patterns, pH of the soil.
Resources
- Components of the environment that we need or want, obtained from the environment.
- Anthropocentric view: values resources based on human interests, wants, and needs.
- Ecocentric/Biocentric view: values aspects of the environment simply because they exist.
Environmentalism and Stewardship
- Environmentalism: a social movement aiming to protect the natural world from human-caused changes.
- Environmental stewardship: protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices.
- Education is a crucial factor in promoting environmental stewardship.
Learn about the purpose of environmental science and what the environment encompasses, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. Explore the relationship between humans, living species, and non-animate phenomena.
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