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Questions and Answers
What does Aldo Leopold's land ethic emphasize regarding the relationship between humans and the environment?
What does Aldo Leopold's land ethic emphasize regarding the relationship between humans and the environment?
It emphasizes that humans should view themselves as members of the same community as the land and treat it ethically.
What is environmental justice (EJ) and why is it significant in the context of pollution?
What is environmental justice (EJ) and why is it significant in the context of pollution?
Environmental justice advocates that poor and minority communities should not bear a disproportionate share of pollution and environmental hazards.
How does sustainability relate to the concept of natural capital?
How does sustainability relate to the concept of natural capital?
Sustainability involves managing natural capital responsibly to ensure that resources are available for future generations.
List some sustainable practices that contribute to long-term ecological health.
List some sustainable practices that contribute to long-term ecological health.
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What challenges does humanity face in achieving sustainable development?
What challenges does humanity face in achieving sustainable development?
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What percent of the Earth's crust accounts for the geosphere?
What percent of the Earth's crust accounts for the geosphere?
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How deep is the Mariana Trench in miles?
How deep is the Mariana Trench in miles?
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What is the atmospheric layer that contains 99% of the air and extends to what height?
What is the atmospheric layer that contains 99% of the air and extends to what height?
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What essential natural resource supports life and is becoming increasingly limited?
What essential natural resource supports life and is becoming increasingly limited?
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What are the two main types of values of nature mentioned?
What are the two main types of values of nature mentioned?
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What is the urgency behind protecting biodiversity according to the content?
What is the urgency behind protecting biodiversity according to the content?
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What types of actions are needed to protect the environment?
What types of actions are needed to protect the environment?
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Why is the development of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries important?
Why is the development of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries important?
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What is the definition of 'environment' as described in the content?
What is the definition of 'environment' as described in the content?
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How does environmental science differ from environmental studies?
How does environmental science differ from environmental studies?
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What are the two main categories that make up components of the environment?
What are the two main categories that make up components of the environment?
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Why is it important to consider humans as part of the environment?
Why is it important to consider humans as part of the environment?
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What are some of the negative impacts on natural systems mentioned in the content?
What are some of the negative impacts on natural systems mentioned in the content?
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What interdisciplinary fields contribute to environmental science?
What interdisciplinary fields contribute to environmental science?
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In what way do environmental changes affect human health?
In what way do environmental changes affect human health?
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What does environmental science primarily study?
What does environmental science primarily study?
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What is meant by the term 'built environment'?
What is meant by the term 'built environment'?
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How do renewable resources differ from non-renewable resources?
How do renewable resources differ from non-renewable resources?
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What is the 'tragedy of the commons' as described by Garret Hardin?
What is the 'tragedy of the commons' as described by Garret Hardin?
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According to Malthus, what must be controlled to prevent dire outcomes for humanity?
According to Malthus, what must be controlled to prevent dire outcomes for humanity?
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What is meant by 'ecological footprint'?
What is meant by 'ecological footprint'?
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What is the significance of the term 'environment' in environmental science?
What is the significance of the term 'environment' in environmental science?
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How does human resource consumption currently compare to the Earth's sustainable capacity?
How does human resource consumption currently compare to the Earth's sustainable capacity?
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What lesson can be learned from the history of past civilizations like Easter Island?
What lesson can be learned from the history of past civilizations like Easter Island?
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How does environmental science demonstrate its interdisciplinary nature?
How does environmental science demonstrate its interdisciplinary nature?
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What solutions are suggested for addressing the problem of resource depletion?
What solutions are suggested for addressing the problem of resource depletion?
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What is sustainable development and why is it important?
What is sustainable development and why is it important?
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List two major pressures facing the global environment today.
List two major pressures facing the global environment today.
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What role does the scientific method play in environmental science?
What role does the scientific method play in environmental science?
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How can recycling contribute to environmental sustainability?
How can recycling contribute to environmental sustainability?
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Explain the significance of biodiversity in ecosystem health.
Explain the significance of biodiversity in ecosystem health.
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What does the acronym 'E-N-V-I-R-O-N-M-E-N-T' signify in the context of environmental science?
What does the acronym 'E-N-V-I-R-O-N-M-E-N-T' signify in the context of environmental science?
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What is the significance of nature tourism in relation to human emotions and respect for nature?
What is the significance of nature tourism in relation to human emotions and respect for nature?
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How do urban green spaces contribute to the psychological well-being of city dwellers?
How do urban green spaces contribute to the psychological well-being of city dwellers?
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What is meant by the 'option value' of nature?
What is meant by the 'option value' of nature?
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Define the philosophical perspective of anthropocentrism.
Define the philosophical perspective of anthropocentrism.
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What ethical stance does biocentrism advocate regarding living things?
What ethical stance does biocentrism advocate regarding living things?
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Describe the ecocentric viewpoint on environmental value.
Describe the ecocentric viewpoint on environmental value.
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Explain the preservation ethic in environmentalism.
Explain the preservation ethic in environmentalism.
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What is the conservation ethic, and who is associated with it?
What is the conservation ethic, and who is associated with it?
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Study Notes
Lecture Information
- Course number: DSMHT 103
- Course title: Introduction to environment and ecosystem
- Course subtitle: Introduction to Environmental Sciences
- Instructor: Dr. Subrota K Saha
- Instructor title: Professor
- Instructor contact: 01711482872/[email protected]
- Department: Department of Geology
- University: University of Dhaka
Chapter Goals
- Understand the meaning of "environment"
- Recognize the importance of natural resources
- Appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science
- Understand the scientific method and how science operates
- Identify pressures facing the global environment
- Comprehend sustainability and sustainable development
Current Challenges
- A shift in human thinking is needed to prevent further harm to the planet's life-support systems
- 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Winner Wangari Maathai highlighted this need
What is Environmental Science?
- The systematic study of our environment and our place within it
- The complexity of environmental problems necessitates drawing on many different fields of knowledge
What is Environment?
- Definition: The complex set of physical, geographical, biological, social, cultural, and political conditions surrounding an individual or organism, ultimately determining its survival.
- Includes all living and non-living factors affecting an organism or population throughout its life cycle.
- Refers to everything around us.
Environment: Components
- Living things: animals, plants, forests, fungi, etc.
- Non-living things: continents, oceans, clouds, soil, rocks
- Built environment: buildings, human-created living centers
- Social relationships/institutions
Environmental Science: Nature of the Field
- An interdisciplinary branch of science, investigating human population, resources, and pollution/disturbance-related impacts.
- Incorporates multiple disciplines: biology, chemistry, politics, sociology, geology, agriculture, economics
How Does the Natural World Work?
- Environmental science seeks to understand the intricate workings of the natural world.
- The goal is to develop solutions to problems.
- Environmental science is a highly interdisciplinary field drawing on natural and social sciences to understand the world.
Natural Resources
- Renewable resources: sunlight, wind energy, wave energy, geothermal energy, fresh water, forest products, agricultural crops, soils
- Non-renewable resources: crude oil, natural gas, coal, copper, aluminum, and other metals
Global Human Population Growth
- Current human population exceeds 6.7 billion.
- Population growth has been significantly influenced by agricultural and industrial revolutions.
Thomas Malthus and Population Growth
- Malthus predicted population growth would outpace food production, leading to starvation, war, and disease.
- Neo-Malthusians, like Paul and Anne Ehrlich, emphasize the disastrous effects of uncontrolled growth.
Resource Depletion
- Unregulated exploitation leads to resource depletion.
- Resource scarcity and lack of responsibility result from lack of individual incentives for resource preservation.
Ecological Footprint
- Measures the environmental impact of a person or population.
- Considers the biologically productive land and water required to support a given lifestyle.
- Humans have exceeded the planet's capacity to support their current lifestyle (overshoot).
Environmental History
- Civilizations have fallen after depleting resources.
- The environment influences human survival/behavior.
- The Easter Island model serves as a cautionary tale regarding unsustainable practices.
Planet Earth: Components
- Geosphere (inner Earth): crust (thin layer), mantle, and core.
- Hydrosphere (water): oceans
- Atmosphere (air): major component of our life support
- Biosphere (living things/interconnected): life and organisms
Natural Capital Importance and Limits
- Natural capital is vital for human survival.
- Natural resources are limited and are constantly shrinking.
- Human consumption impacts the Earth's natural capital.
Values of Nature
- Productive value: Provides resources for biotechnology and industrial use
- Aesthetic and recreational value: Beauty and enjoyment from natural environments (e.g., parks or wildlife viewing)
- Option value: The value of options for use/enjoyment of nature in the future
Ethical Perspectives
- Anthropocentrism: views humans as the central focus of ethical consideration
- Biocentrism: considers all living things to have inherent worth, independent of human needs
- Ecocentrism: values the entire ecosystem, stressing interconnectedness
Ethical Values in Environmental Conservation
- Preservation ethic: nature should be preserved in its current state for its inherent value.
- Conservation ethic: using natural resources efficiently and sustainably for the most benefit to humans.
- Land ethic: humans are part of a larger community, including the land, and should strive to maintain ecological integrity.
Environmental Justice
- Disparities in exposure to environmental hazards between the poor and marginalized groups.
- Significant environmental injustices persist despite progress.
- The US frequently exports/disposes waste in poorer countries.
Sustainability
- The ability of Earth to support human and other organisms sustainably into the future.
- Includes maintaining natural resources for future generations.
- Addressing current human impact on the environment.
Sustainable Solutions
- Sustainable solutions are needed to address current environmental challenges.
- Solutions, like renewable energy, can simultaneously meet human needs and protect environmental integrity.
Future Challenges
- Factors affecting the future: population growth, increased living standards, growing consumerism, international cooperation, economic factors
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Description
Test your knowledge on key concepts of environmental ethics, sustainability, and natural capital. Explore the importance of protecting biodiversity, environmental justice, and sustainable practices. This quiz covers various aspects of humans' relationship with the environment and the challenges in achieving sustainability.