Chapter 1: Introduction PDF

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Nancy Jenina D. Coraler Reminder: This material is exclusive to this class. Sharing, copying, or reproducing any part of it is strictly forbidden OBJECTIVES At the end of the chapter, the students sh...

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Nancy Jenina D. Coraler Reminder: This material is exclusive to this class. Sharing, copying, or reproducing any part of it is strictly forbidden OBJECTIVES At the end of the chapter, the students should be able to: 1. Define environmental science and ecology; 2. Explain the relationship of environmental science with ecology and other fields of discipline; 3. Apply the concept of systems approach in solving environmental problems; and 4. Apply critical thinking skills in the analysis of environmental issues and problems.  WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE? ENVIRONMENT Environment describes living (biotic) and nonliving (abiotic) surroundings relevant to organisms It incorporates physical, chemical and biological factors and processes that determine the growth and survival of organisms, populations, and communities. (Zehnder et al., 2018) ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE A group of sciences that attempt to explain how life on the Earth is sustained, what leads to environmental problems, and how these problems can be solved Interdisciplinary in nature which integrates many disciplines RELATIONSHIP OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOLOGY  ENVIRONMENTALISM Environmentalism refers to concern about and action to protect the environment (Davis, 2020) It encompasses ethical, political, and scientific questions about the nature of the environment, the purpose of protection, and the establishment of harm. (International Encyclopedia of Human Geography, 2009)  ENVIRONMENTAL WORLDVIEWS An environmental worldview refers to an individual's beliefs and values regarding their relationship with the environment. (Noblet et al., 2013) This concept encompasses how people perceive their role in the natural world, the importance they place on environmental issues, and their understanding of ecological systems. (Boeve-de Pauw et al., 2011) ENVIRONMENTAL WORLDVIEWS ANTHROPOCENTRISM Places humans at the center of importance, viewing nature primarily in terms of its utility to human beings Leads to the belief that human needs and interests should take precedence over those of other species. EVELYN BOLTON/THE VARSITY Pleasants, K., & Gough, N. (2021). ENVIRONMENTAL WORLDVIEWS BIOCENTRISM Extends intrinsic value to all living beings, arguing that all forms of life have a right to exist and that humans are just one part of a larger ecological community It emphasizes the interconnectedness of life and the importance of preserving biodiversity Pleasants, K., & Gough, N. (2021); Botar (2017) ENVIRONMENTAL WORLDVIEWS ECOCENTRISM Goes further by valuing ecosystems as a whole, including both living and non-living components It advocates for the health of the entire ecological system rather than focusing solely on individual species or human interests. Pleasants, K., & Gough, N. (2021)  Approaches of Solving Environmental Problems SYSTEM APPROACH A system is a set of components, or parts, that function together as a whole. In its relation to the rest of the environment, a system can be open or closed https://opensystemsperspective.weebly.com/comparison.html  Approaches of Solving Environmental Problems SYSTEM APPROACH A systems approach is a holistic way of understanding and analyzing complex entities by viewing them as interconnected and interdependent components rather than as isolated parts. image from https://earth.esa.int/web/guest/sciamachy-handbook-version- 2;jsessionid=C1073669E91C3E35D034E935DECF14A1.jvm2?  Approaches of Solving Environmental Problems SCIENTIFIC METHOD A systematic process through which researchers and scientists discover the truth about the natural world Researchers observe the world and ask questions They generate testable and falsifiable hypotheses to answer these questions They design and perform experiments They analyze experimental results and determine whether their hypotheses were supported and whether experimental designs require modification Finally, conclusions are drawn and are shared with the scientific community. CRITICAL THINKING To analyze and evaluate information, reasoning and situations, according to appropriate standards, for the purpose of constructing sound and insightful new knowledge, understandings, hypotheses and beliefs (Heard et al., 2020) CRITICAL THINKING DISPOSITIONS Inquisitiveness Concern to become and remained well-informed Truth-seeking Willingness to face one’s own biases and reconsider views Self-confidence Trust in one’s ability to reason (Hofreiter et al., 2007) CRITICAL THINKING DISPOSITIONS Open-mindedness Flexibility in considering alternative viewpoints Systematicity Systematic thinking that follows a linear process. (Hofreiter et al., 2007) CRITICAL THINKING DISPOSITIONS Analyticity The willingness to pick apart your own and others’ logic Cognitive Maturity Being persistent in seeking the truth (Hofreiter et al., 2007) IMPORTANCE OF CRITICAL THINKING ❖ Analyzing Complex Issues Critical thinking enables problem decomposition, causal analysis, and interdependence identification of complex environmental problems (Monroy-Licht et al., 2016) IMPORTANCE OF CRITICAL THINKING ❖ Evaluating Evidence Conducting a rigorous assessment of data source credibility, comprehending the nuances of scientific inquiry, and adeptly interpreting statistical data to facilitate the formulation of well-informed judgments (Monroy-Licht et al., 2016) IMPORTANCE OF CRITICAL THINKING ❖ Generating Solutions Critical thinking catalyzes the generation of creative and innovative solutions to environmental challenges, fostering a paradigm shift towards sustainable practices, conservation initiatives, and technological advancements (Monroy-Licht et al., 2016) IMPORTANCE OF CRITICAL THINKING ❖ Making Informed Decisions Critical thinkers can better evaluate options, assess consequences, and balance sustainability with economic and social needs, crucial for addressing environmental challenges. (Monroy-Licht et al., 2016) IMPORTANCE OF CRITICAL THINKING ❖ Promoting Engagement and Advocacy Critical thinking promotes active environmental engagement, empowering individuals to challenge practices, advocate for change, and participate in community sustainability initiatives, fostering informed, proactive citizens (Monroy-Licht et al., 2016) THANK YOU