Bio Notes Lecture slide 1.1.pdf

Module 1.1 We depend on Biodiversity and a functioning ecosystem for survival -Human, environmental, and wildlife health are intertwined -Deforestation is leading to more infectious diseases in humans Why does society collapse: Human impacts on the environment...

Module 1.1 We depend on Biodiversity and a functioning ecosystem for survival -Human, environmental, and wildlife health are intertwined -Deforestation is leading to more infectious diseases in humans Why does society collapse: Human impacts on the environment Climate change Relations with neighboring friendly society Relations with hostile societies political, economic, social, and cultural factors that make it less likely for society to solve its own problem Key Concepts: Environmental science draws on science and nonscience disciplines to understand the natural world Humans are part of the natural world we are dependent on a healthy planet Vikings arrived in Greenland 1,000 years ago. The population disappeared for 450 years Ex: built churches Midden= garbage pile for settlements Societal collapse Ex:eatser island 1200 CE-1877 Ex: Khmer 802-1431largest Asian society for centuries Societies collapse because: Human impacts on the environment Climate change (The Vikings disappeared due to climate change) Relations with neighboring friendly societies (consequences if these helpful collaborations disappear) Relations with hostile societies Political, economic, social and cultural factors that make it more or less likely the society will perceive and solve its own problems  Environment- the biological and physical surroundings Environmental science- we arent relying on information from others it takes a more realistic approach. Def: field of research that draws on the natural and social sciences Empirical investigation: provide information about the natural world Applied science: Research whose findings are used to help solve practical problems Ex: making a better solar cell Empirical science: a scientific approach that investigates the natural world through systematic observation and experimentation Ex: investigating light Applied Research versus Empirical Research A group of researchers are studying coastal sand dunes as a means of storm protection. -Empirical A team of students are developing a new type of solar panel that can be placed safely inside road surfaces -Applied A study is conducted to determine how responsive Indian elephants are to the sound of predatory sounds. -Empirical Research trying to identify the impacts of different farming techniques on soil. -Empirical Developing effective techniques to control an invasive species of snake in the Everglades. -Applied A group of researchers are trying to understand the effects of deforestation on the nesting behavior of an endangered bird species. -Empirical Ice Cores: During the Viking period the temperatures dropped drastically (Little Ice Age) Mud Cores: Before the Little Ice Age, soil erosion was a very big issue Wicked Problem Environmental issues are hard to solve because…. There are multiple causes and consequences Different partners prefer different solutions Potential solutions come with tradeoffs Environmental Literacy- Can help solve or prevent environmental problems Solutions to Wicked Problems -Trade-offs: Problematic responses to complex problems No response is likely to provide a solution Each potential solution could create a new problem Triple bottom line: Solutions must be -good for the environment -good for the society - affordable Key Concept: Living sustainably means Living within the means of one's environment In a way that does not diminish the environment's ability to support life in the future Sustainable Development- development that meets the needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same The Vikings in Greenland disappeared because they made unsustainable choices -The Vikings switched their diet from land mammals to sea mammals. -It proved to be a dangerous switch because many men lost their lives -Neighboring settlements tried to help them but the Vikings didn’t accept the help -Eventually, the trade with Europe declined -Anthropocene- a proposed new geologic epoch that is marked by modern human impact  Anthropogenic- caused by or related to human action Key Concept: Human Impact on Earth may be so great that we may be ushering in a new geological epoch: The Anthropocene Social traps= Decisions made by a group that seemed good at the time but ended up not being that good Anthropocentric worldview- is a people's worldview Ex: The Vikings may have had an anthropocentric worldview Biocentric worldview- believe that (mushrooms, plants, and bacteria) all deserve to exist regardless of their benefit to us Ecocentric worldview- value is centered on all of the ecosystem organisms and the non-living processes that occur within the ecosystem Instrumentals: Resources that have instrumental value that benefits humans Regulation: A law that protects a common resource Viking's diet soon was limited to seal and walrus Key Concept: Natural ecosystems are sustainable because of the way they -Acquire Energy -Use matter -Control population size -depend on local diversity Key Concept: Human societies can become more sustainable by mimicking the way natural ecosystems operate Key Concept: Impediments to solving environmental problems include short-term thinking and social traps Key Concepts: Our worldview reflects how we value the natural world and influences the ethical choices we make regarding the environment