Earth Systems Science Overview

Systems Theory

• A way of understanding how different parts of the world work together as interconnected networks
• Simple systems contain a limited number of parts while complex systems have many interconnected parts
• Systems can be closed, where there is no exchange with the external world, or open, where there is exchange
• Systems have inputs and outputs, which interact with the outside environment
• Systems are more than the sum of their parts

Earth Systems

• Earth is made up of 4 interconnected systems:
  • Atmosphere (air)
  • Hydrosphere (water)
  • Lithosphere (earth)
  • Biosphere (life)
• All these systems work together to create the environment we live in

Biomes and Climate

• Biomes are large ecosystems that cover a wide geographic area
• Climate is influenced by geography and in turn influences societies
• Climate change is driven by an increase in global temperature, leading to changes in weather patterns and associated risks

Sea Level Rise

• Sea level has risen by approximately 8-9 inches since 1880
• Sea level rise is caused by melting ice sheets and thermal expansion of the ocean
• Many of the world's largest cities are located near coastlines, putting them at risk from sea level rise

Social-Ecological Systems Theory

• Humans are part of nature and not separate from it
• Human actions influence the environment and the environment influences humans

Sustainability

• Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations to meet their own needs
• Sustainability comprises three main aspects: Environmental, Social, and Economic

Environmental Sustainability

• Focuses on maintaining the health and resilience of ecosystems
• Aimed at avoiding environmental tipping points and reducing negative impacts
• Prioritizes biodiversity conservation and cohabitation with ecosystems

Social Sustainability

• Promotes social justice, equity, and cultural preservation
• Ensures equitable access to resources, opportunities, and basic needs
• Prioritizes gender equality and human rights

Economic Sustainability

• Aims to create economic systems that don’t rely on endless growth
• Focuses on transitioning away from fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy
• Aims to eliminate poverty and ensure a decent standard of living for all

Sustainability Doughnut

• Represents the intersection of social needs and environmental limits
• The inner ring depicts social needs for a decent life
• The outer ring represents planetary boundaries that must not be exceeded
• The hole in the middle represents social and environmental injustices

Case Study: The Long Run (TLR) and Caimans in the Pantanal

• TLR is a sustainability organization focused on conservation and community development
• Uses a 4Cs approach: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce for sustainability
• Works to protect caimans and their ecosystem in the Pantanal wetland

Explore the interconnectedness of Earth's systems in this quiz. From systems theory to biomes and climate change, understand how the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere interact to shape our environment. Test your knowledge on the impact of climate change and sea level rise.