Year 9 Geography: Environmental Change and Management PDF

WELCOME TO Year 9 Geography  CLASS CLIMATE CARE COMMUNICATION CONSISTENCY  ASSESSMENTS #1 #2 Online Quiz (In-Class) Yearly Examination...

WELCOME TO Year 9 Geography  CLASS CLIMATE CARE COMMUNICATION CONSISTENCY  ASSESSMENTS #1 #2 Online Quiz (In-Class) Yearly Examination 20% 30% Environmental Change and Environmental Management Change and Management & Human Wellbeing Environmental Change & Management  Environmental Change and Management Environmental change Environmental management Any alteration or modification in the The strategies and actions taken to natural environment, often caused by protect and sustain the environment. natural processes or human activities. Introduction Watch the following videos and take notes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrzbRZn5Ed4&t=7s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRLJscAlk1M What is happening to our environment? How can we help? How do we manage this change?  Worldview A collection of beliefs and values about how people view the world. Human-Centered Earth-Centered Worldview Worldview Worldviews Human-Centered Worldview Earth-Centered Worldview Emphasises the importance of humans Emphasises the importance of the above all else. Nature is viewed natural world and its ecosystems. primarily as a resource for human use Humans are seen as part of the natural and benefit. world, and the health of the environment is prioritised.  Discuss whether each statement represents a human-centered or earth-centered worldview. Categorise the statements into a table in your books. The survival of Natural We should adopt Human needs Nature’s value is every species is resources are sustainable and desires are not dependent crucial. primarily for practices that paramount. on how valuable human use. minimize our it is for human impact on the use. environment. Immediate All living Technological Environmental benefits for organisms are advancements policies should humans should interconnected, can solve focus on take precedence and harming one environmental long-term over long-term part of the problems. environmental environmental ecosystem can health rather concerns. have negative than short-term effects on the economic entire planet. benefits. Ecological Footprint A measure of how much land and resources a person or a population uses to support their lifestyle Ecological Footprint Ecological footprint is a measure of how much land and resources a person or a population uses to support their lifestyle. It calculates the amount of land needed to produce the resources they consume and absorb the waste they generate. It helps us understand how our daily choices impact the environment. A larger ecological footprint means a greater demand on Earth's resources, whereas a smaller footprint suggests more sustainable living practices. Ecological Footprint Think about your everyday activities and their environmental impact: Energy use Transportation Food consumption Waste generation Water use Consumer choices Ecological Footprint Quiz Take this quiz to find out how many planets we would need if everyone was to live like you: https://www.footprintcalculator.org/home/en  Carbon Cycle The process by which carbon is exchanged between the four spheres The Carbon Cycle Carbon is the key element that is the basis of life on Earth. It is found in all living organisms. The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, oceans, soil, rocks, and living organisms. It involves several key processes. The Carbon Cycle 1. Atmosphere contains carbon dioxide. 2. Plants absorb CO2 during photosynthesis. 3. Animals release CO2 during respiration. 4. Decomposers (i.e. bacteria) break down dead organisms. 5. Soil stores carbon from decayed organic matter. 6. Oceans absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. 7. Fossil fuels release CO2 when burned. The Carbon Cycle Watch the following video and answer the questions on the worksheet provided. The Carbon Cycle - The carbon cycle has playe... - ClickView How have humans changed the carbon cycle? Humans have changed the carbon cycle through various activities, leading to an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. This has contributed to climate change. Outline how humans have changed the carbon cycle in the following ways: Fossil fuel burning Deforestation How does excess carbon impact oceans and other marine environments? Excess carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere also has significant impacts on oceans and other marine environments through a process known as ocean acidification. Ocean Acidification: 1. Excess CO2 from the atmosphere dissolves into the surface waters of the ocean, leading to an increase in dissolved carbon dioxide levels. 2. When CO2 dissolves in seawater, it lowers the pH of seawater, making it more acidic. Research: How does ocean acidification impact marine organisms? Environmental Issues Problems arising from human activities that negatively impact the natural environment  Environmental Issues Draw the following table in your book and fill it out as you go through the graphs on the following slides. Environmental issue Causes Effects Possible solutions Climate change Pollution Exploitation of wildlife Deforestation Water scarcity Plastic waste Climate Change  Environmental Causes Effects Possible solutions Issue Climate change Greenhouse gas emissions from Rising global temperature which Transition to renewable burning fossil leads to more frequent energy sources such as Deforestation causing an increase heatwaves. solar, wind, hydro). Extreme weather events leading in co2 levels. Improving energy to increased frequency of Agriculture as livestock produce hurricanes, floods, droughts and efficiency, and promote methane. wildfires. electric vehicles. Melting polar ice caps and Plant trees and protect glaciers causing ocean levels to existing forests to absorb rise and threatening coastal CO₂. communities. Pollution  Environmental Causes Effects Possible solutions Issue Pollution Emissions from vehicles Health problems like respiratory Enforce stricter pollution contribute to air and water issues diseases from air and controls on factories and pollution. water pollution. power plants. Agricultural runoff from Pollution can harm wildlife, Encourage the use of pesticides, fertilizers entering plants and aquatic ecosystems. public transport, cycling, water bodies. Soil contamination reduces soil walking, and electric Improper waste disposal from fertility and harm agriculture. vehicles. dumping solid waste. Improving water collection and recycling. Exploitation of Wildlife Environmental Causes Effects Possible solutions Issue Exploitation of Illegal trafficking of animals for Endangering species and Establish and maintain wildlife their parts such as fur. disrupting ecosystems. protected areas and Deforestation, urbanisation and Disappearance of key species wildlife reserves. agriculture reducing habitas. affects food chains and Encourage sustainable Overfishing. ecosystem services. fishing, hunting, and Extinction. tourism. Raising awareness by educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation. Deforestation  Environmental Causes Effects Possible solutions Issue Deforestation Clearing land for crops and Loss of biodiversity Implement sustainable livestock Destruction of habitats for many logging practices Growing urbanisation, explaining species Use alternative materials cities for infrastructure. Reduced capacity to absorb co2 to wood and encourage recycling of paper products. Water Scarcity  Environmental Causes Effects Possible solutions Issue Water scarcity Excess use of water for Lack of access to clean drinking Develop efficient water agriculture, industry and domestic water leads to diseases. distribution and irrigation purposes. Reduced water for irrigation systems. Contaminated water sources affecting food production Invest in desalination reducing the availability of clean plants and water recycling water. systems Plastic Waste Plastic Waste  Environmental Causes Effects Possible solutions Issue Plastic waste High demands for plastic products Plastic ends up in oceans Encourage the use of and packaging harming marine life and Inadequate recycling and waste ecosystems. reusable and management systems Littering and cleanup costs biodegradable alternatives effects tourism and local to single-use plastics. economies Recycling Activity As a class, you must place the following items into the appropriate bins (red or yellow). Some items can be recycled and some must go into landfill. Solutions to Environmental Issues Brainstorm possible solutions to environmental issues that can be done by individuals and the government.  Indigenous People and the Environment How do you think Indigenous people treated the land? Indigenous Environmental Management Strategies Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia have a deep connection to the land. Using traditional practices, Aboriginal people were able to create a system that was sustainable and supplied them with food when they needed it. When Europeans arrived, they brought farming practices suited to an environment very different to Australia, that in the long-term caused erosion. To preserve the Australian ecosystem , the communities used many environmental strategies. Examples: Firestick farming Bush tucker harvesting Water resource management  Indigenous Environmental Management Strategies Firestick farming Bush tucker harvesting Water resource management Using controlled fires to clear and Selectively gathering food and edible Using water resources responsibly. regenerate land. resources from the native plants and animals. Aboriginal people knew the land well, This is used to facilitate hunting, reduce allowing them to find and use natural hazards and increase biodiversity. The food is selectively harvested so plants water sources. They understood how and animals have the opportunity to these sources changed with the seasons https://clickv.ie/w/R9Gv regenerate and thrive. which allowed them to reduce the strain on these water sources, giving them time https://clickv.ie/w/-9Gv to refill naturally. They also conserved water by making sure the sources were not overused or polluted. Examples of water sources: rock holes, tree roots, water-holding frogs, moss clumps. Questions Explain how strategies used by Indigenous Australian can be used to help manage the environment. (5 marks) Using an example of a management strategy, demonstrate the worldview of Indigenous Australians. (5 marks) Using an example of a management strategy, demonstrate the worldview of Indigenous Australians. (5 marks) Demonstrate: Show by example World view: Earth worldview Aboriginal spirituality is centered on a deep connection to the land. Nature exists for all species on earth, not just humans. Humans are equal to other species, not superior. Management strategy: Firestick farming Involves using controlled fires to clear and regenerate land. Reduces hazards - Reduces the risk of destructive bushfires by clearing vegetation that could have served as fuel. Increases biodiversity - transforming dry forests by disrupting the reproductive rate of slowly growing species. For example, increasing the populations of certain grass – eating species likes kangaroos. Marine Environments What are they? What flora and fauna live there? Why are they important? Marine Environments What are marine environments? Aquatic environments with high levels of salt Examples: oceans, coral reefs and estuaries What type of plants and animals are found in marine environments? Plants: seagrasses, phytoplankton, algae Animals: fish, crustaceans, mammals (whales, dolphins, seals, dugongs), corals, sea anemones Why are marine environments important? Food source Feed for livestock Raw materials for medicine Building materials from rock and sand Natural defenses against hazards (e.g. coastal erosion and floods) What human activities have negatively impacted marine environments? Human impacts on marine environments Overfishing Reduces fish population By-catch Habitat destruction Pollution: Plastic waste Industrial and agricultural runoff Oil-spills Climate change Rising sea temperatures Coral bleaching Ocean acidification Coral Bleaching Video: https://clickv.ie/w/kMJv Read the article, ‘Everything You Need to Know about Coral Bleaching’, and take notes in your books under the following headings: What is coral bleaching? What triggers coral bleaching? How does coral bleaching impact wildlife and humans? The Great Barrier Reef Crown of Thorns Starfish Watch the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW3OSwTss5c https://clickv.ie/w/G9Lv Answer the questions: 1. Why are the Crown of Thorns Starfish a threat to the GBR? 2. How do humans lead to the outbreak of Crown of Thorns Starfish? 3. What is the management strategy put in place to manage the outbreak of Crown of Thorns Starfish? Questions Using an example, explain how human Explain how coral bleaching can impact activities have impacted coral reefs. humans and wildlife. (4 marks) (4 marks)  Trophic Cascades The process by which changes in the population of one species can indirectly affect multiple other species within the ecosystem Modification of the environment For thousands of years, humans have modified the physical environment by clearing land for agriculture or creating dams to store water. While these modifications directly impact the local environment, they also impact environments further away due to the interconnectivity of Earth’s systems. This leads to trophic cascades. Trophic Cascades Trophic cascades is the process by which changes in the population of one species can indirectly affect multiple other species within the ecosystem. For example, when a predator is introduced or removed from an ecosystem, it can cause a trophic cascade. TROPHIC LEVELS Main predator (omnivore or carnivore) ^ Herbivore ^ Primary producer Yellowstone National Park Features: Located in the USA Features canyons, alpine rivers, forests and hot springs Home to hundreds of animal species including elk, bears, wolves and antelopes Watch the following video and write notes in your book on what happened when humans removed the wolves then put them back into Yellowstone National Park. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa5OBhXz-Q&t=2s  When the top predator is removed, the population of the deer is able to grow. This causes the primary producer to be over consumed. How to draw the Yellowstone National Park Food Web 1. Title the food web. What to include in your food web? 2. Put all your plants at the bottom of the page. 3. Who would eat the plants? Put them next. Plants in Yellowstone National Park These animals are known as your primary include grass, grain and fruits. consumers. 4. Who would eat the primary consumers? Put Elks and small rodents eat the plants. them next. These animals are known as your Coyotes eat the plants, elks and small secondary consumers. rodents. 5. Put the main consumer at the top of the page. Gray wolves eat the coyotes, elks and 6. Draw arrows between the organisms. The small rodents. arrow should start with the animal/plant that is eaten and move to the animal that does the eating. Each animal/plant can have multiple arrows beginning or ending from it. How to draw the Yellowstone National Park Food Web What to include in your food web? Plants in Yellowstone National Park include grass, grain and fruits. Elks and small rodents eat the plants. Coyotes eat the plants, elks and small rodents. Gray wolves eat the coyotes, elks and small rodents. Trophic Cascades How would the removal of the wolves impact the food web? Write at least 3 points!  Pollution Air, Water, Soil, Visual, Noise and Light Define the types of pollutions below in your own words: Air Pollution Water Pollution Soil Pollution Visual Pollution Noise Pollution Light Pollution  Causes How it impacts How it impacts Identify ONE country that humans wildlife experiences high levels of the pollution. Describe the rates of pollution in this country. Air Noise Light Visual Water Soil Air Pollution Watch the following video and answer the questions below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6rglsLy1 Ys 1. What causes air pollution? 2. What are the types of human made air pollution? 3. What are some solutions to air pollution? 4. How does air pollution impact humans? This shows the difference in air pollution in China one year apart. Discuss why there are these changes. Air pollution map Explore the following website: https://aqicn.org/map/world/ Compare the air pollution levels of Australia and China. Choose one other country in the world and state what levels of air pollution they have. Research why this country you have chosen has these levels of air pollution. Air pollution graph Using the link below, draw a grouped column graph on the levels of air pollution in different countries for 2018 - 2022. Choose one country from each continent to make your graph. https://www.iqair.com/au/world-most- polluted-countries Light Pollution Watch the following video and answer the questions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_A78zDB wYE 1. What is light pollution? 2. What causes light pollution? 3. What are the types of light pollution? 4. What are the impacts of light pollution? 5. Why does light pollution increase each year? Choose your own! We have already studied air pollution and light pollution. Choose a type of pollution from the ones we haven’t studied and create a presentation that includes the following things: What is your chosen pollution type? What are its causes? How does it impact humans, animals and the world? What is being done to combat this type of pollution? What do you think should be done? Colour, images, design and graphs/diagrams/maps!  Skills Topographic Maps Area and Grid Reference Topographic Map A topographic map represents geographical features of a region including hills and valleys Shows elevation/altitude of landscape Shows 3D features on a 2D map Uses contour lines to represent different heights on Earth’s surface The closer together the contour lines are, the steeper the slope of the land The further apart the contour lines are, the flatter the slope of the land The distance between each contour line is called contour interval Area and Grid Reference An area reference is a four-figure reference. A grid reference is a more detailed six-figure reference point. We use area reference to find a general area on a topographic map and describe or observe what's in the area. We use six-figure grid references to pinpoint an exact location and state what is located there. Area and grid references rely on a grid of horizontal and vertical lines drawn over an area. The vertical lines are called eastings. The horizontal lines are called northings. To locate an area on a map you read the easting number first then the northing. Area and Grid Reference Watch the following video and take down notes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pOv-_0e55Y Topographic Map Worksheet  AR/GR Practice https://www.liveworksheets.com/rx1375 145mj https://www.liveworksheets.com/iq1478 957cu  War on Waste Watch the following episodes of War on Waste. For each episode, select 2 environmental issues and fill in the table below in your books: Issue Human Impact Suggested Management Strategies  Episodes Episode 1, Season 1 Episode 1, Season 3 Episode 2, Season 3 Episode 3, Season 3 Ecological Footprint Quiz - Scoring Points Ecological Footprint Interpretation 7-14 Minimal You are highly conscious of your environmental impact and 1 Earth practice sustainable living. 15-21 Low You are mindful of your impact and make several environmentally 1-2 Earths friendly choices. 22-28 Moderate You have some sustainable practices, but there is room for 2-3 Earths improvement. 29-35 High Your lifestyle has a significant impact on the environment; 3-4 Earths consider adopting more sustainable practices. Revision Questions 1. Distinguish between human-centred and earth-centred worldviews. 2. Demonstrate the importance of an earth-centred worldview to manage environmental change. 3. What is an ecological footprint, and what does it measure? 4. What is Australia’s ecological footprint? 5. How does Australia’s ecological footprint compare to the world’s ecological footprint? 6. What does the world’s ecological footprint say about humans use of earth’s resources? 7. How does overconsumption of Earth’s resources in one part of the world affect the ecological footprint globally?