Lecture 1 - Introduction to Environmental Studies PDF

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES Introduction Portland  Environmental Studies Lecturer/Tutor E-mail Address Adonna Jardine-Comrie [email protected] Raymond Martin [email protected] Damian Nesbeth [email protected] Mrs. Nadia Sp...

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES Introduction Portland  Environmental Studies Lecturer/Tutor E-mail Address Adonna Jardine-Comrie [email protected] Raymond Martin [email protected] Damian Nesbeth [email protected] Mrs. Nadia Spence [email protected] Mrs. Andrea Fender- [email protected] Longman Mrs. Nichole Sang- [email protected] Prescott Ms. Natalie McLean [email protected]  General Objectives 1. Understand the way natural ecosystems function 2. Appreciate the ways in which human populations disrupt the functioning of the natural ecosystem and thus cause environmental problems 3. Propose and evaluate https://www.unep.org/nowpap/ru/node/75 solutions to current environmental dilemmas  What is the Environment? All living & non-living external factors that affect an organism St. Mary Dominican Republic What is Environmental Science? Study of humanity’s relationship with other organisms and the non-living environment which integrates knowledge from many disciplines, e.g. Ecology Economics Engineering Forestry Geography Political Science Physics https://sigmaearth.com/environmental-science-all-you-need- to-know/  Environmental Scientists Monitor the quality of the environment Interpret the impact of human activity on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems Develop strategies for restoring ecosystems Help planners develop and construct buildings, transportation Counting seals in Scotland corridors and utilities Natural Capital/Natural Resources Goods and services provided by the Earth through natural processes are known as natural capital or natural resources. These support all economies https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Illustration-of-some-of-the- and life. ways-that-natural-capital-biodiversity-and- ecosystems_fig1_321304662 Categories of Natural Resources The 2 main categories of natural resources are: Renewable–theoretically lasts forever Non-renewable– exhaustible, finite https://beodom.com/en/education/entries/what-is-a-low-energy-construction-and- how-is-it-defined.html  Pollution An undesirable change that can adversely affect humans or other living organisms Persistence - how long a pollutant stays in air, water, soil or an https://shipbright.wordpress.com/ organism  Categories of Pollutants The 2 main categories of pollutants are: Degradable Non-degradable https://www.coastalwiki.org/wiki/Plastic_in_the_Ocean Environmental Sustainability Ability of the environment to function indefinitely https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/materials-construction/a2900-15-sustainable-and- environment-friendly-construction-methods/  Why is Environmental Sustainability Important? We depend on natural resources for our survival. If we deplete resources and pollute the environment we endanger our welfare and that of future generations. The Earth functions as one https://engagepodcast.blogspot.com/2006/08/is-sustainable- global ecosystem therefore development-death.html everyone has a role to play in ensuring a sustainable future.  Current Unsustainable Human Behaviours Include: Human population growth Urbanisation Unchecked use of non-renewable resources https://www.educba.com/essay-on-environmental- degradation/ Renewable resources being used faster than nature can replenish them Pollution of the environment These are all linked but human population growth is the root cause of the others.  Environmental Issues The following are some environmental issues facing Earth that have stemmed from unsustainable human activities: Species Endangerment and Land Degradation Extinction Global Warming Water Shortage and Pollution Acid Deposition Ozone Depletion Natural Resource Depletion Improper Solid Waste Disposal https://www.techinasia.com/choking-pollution-china-buy-fresh-air-online https://www.businessinsider.com/about-the-bp-deepwater-gulf-oil-spill-2010-4 https://safety4sea.com/transocean-probe-blames-bp-decisions-for-gulf-of-mexico-oil-spill/ ps://www.lifeonthinice.org/images/polar-bears-2 https://garsidej.wordpress.com/gcse-aqa-new/the-living-world/tropical-rainforests/ Rae Town fishing beach http://jamaica-star.com/article/commentary/20160805/we-need-recycle https://sg.news.yahoo.com/japan-resume-whaling-hunt-despite-iwc-warning-115354504.html  Environmental Ethics A discipline that studies moral convictions about, or commitment to, one type of behaviour over another as it relates to http://iseethics.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/environmental-ethics- the environment logo.gif?w=254&h=60  Worldviews There are two major environmental worldviews. These are: Human-centred (Anthropocentric) Earth-centred (Ecocentric) https://medium.com/@rnb96/anthro-vs-eco-the-battle-of-the-prefixes-20d257111013  Worldviews Comparison of anthropocentrism and ecocentrism Anthropocentrism Ecocentrism Earth’s resources are Earth’s resources are infinite. finite. Our success on Earth The earth does not depends on how well need us managing it. we can understand, Human economies are control and manage subsystems of the earth’s life-supporting biosphere. We need the systems. earth to survive.  Worldviews Comparison of anthropocentrism and ecocentrism Anthropocentrism Ecocentrism We are the planet’s All species have an most important and equal right to exist. dominant species. Other species and The environment has parts of nature are intrinsic value apart valued based on how from its value to human useful they are to us. ends.  Environmentalism A response to the threat to the natural environment Ecocentric (We have an ethical responsibility to avoid causing premature extinction of species through our activities) Addresses environmental problems and methods that http://rlv.zcache.com/environmentalism_defined_pinback_ can be employed to solve them button-p145122877963442533bhvjy_400.jpg  COVID 19 and the Environment The COVID 19 lockdown showed human impact on the world and the need for change. It resulted in: Improved water quality Reduced noise pollution Improved air quality Wildlife reclaiming habitats https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu-FQEyQvb4 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S004896972034095X  Sustainable Development Balances environmental, social and economic needs of current and future generations. Encourages economic growth in a way that meets the needs of current and future generations https://www.saiindustrial.com/sustainability-more-than-a- Discourages environmentally business-buzzword/ harmful practices that affects health, access to resources and quality of life  United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Adopted by the 193 member states of the United Nations on September 25, 2015 Part of the sustainable development agenda with specific targets to be achieved over 15 years http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainabl e-development-goals/#prettyPhoto[gallery4884]/0/ 17 goals to transform our world United Nations Sustainable Development Goals http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/#prettyPhoto[gallery4884]/0/ United Nations Sustainable Development Goals http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/#prettyPhoto[gallery4884]/0/  Green Economy The green economy is being promoted by the United Nations Environment Programme as a strategy for achieving sustainable development https://engagepodcast.blogspot.com/2006/08/is- sustainable-development-death.html  Green Economy The green economy is one that results in improved human well being and social equity while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities https://engagepodcast.blogspot.com/2006/08/is- sustainable-development-death.html  Principles of a Green Economy Creates economically well paying jobs under conditions with minimal negative environmental impacts Is resource and energy efficient Protects biodiversity and ecosystems https://engagepodcast.blogspot.com/2006/08/is- sustainable-development-death.html  Principles of a Green Economy Improves governance and the rule of law Is inclusive, democratic, participatory, accountable, transparent and stable https://engagepodcast.blogspot.com/2006/08/is- sustainable-development-death.html Vision 2030 and the Environment Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business Strategic Goal 4: A healthy natural environment Outcomes Sustainable management and use of environmental and natural resources Hazard risk reduction and adaptation to climate change Sustainable urban and rural development  Environmental Law Enactments that ensure that the environment is protected Provides legal basis for protecting endangered species, critical habitat, other natural resources and humans http://www.whitemoose.ca/pics/CompanyLogos/ELSA %20Logo.jpg National Environment & Planning Agency - Established as a legal entity in 2001 - Operates under the following acts: - The Town and Country Planning Act (1958) - The Land Development and Utilization Act (1966) - NRCA Act (1991) - Beach Control Act (1956) - Watersheds Protection Act (1963) - Wildlife Protection Act (1945) - Endangered Species Act (2000) - Provides policy framework for environmental management. National Environment & Planning Agency Some NEPA activities are: Environmental education Environmental monitoring Project planning and monitoring Issuing environmental permits and licences http://www.nepa.gov.jm/ National Environment & Planning Agency Management Tools Promoted by NEPA: Conservation Conservation Biology Environmental Management Systems Natural Resource Valuation  Conservation Conservation Careful use of natural resources to preserve them for the future e.g., fuel wood, wild meat, wild plants, energy, water https://usgreenchamber.com/how-to-save-electrical- energy-daily/  Conservation Biology Conservation Biology Subdivision of conservation that investigates human impacts on biological diversity Attempts to prevent species extinction by balancing species protection and human needs https://medwet.org/2016/08/feedback-from-a-young- conservationist-on-monitoring-european-pond-terrapin/  Natural Resource Valuation Process of placing monetary values on natural environmental resources, their services and effects. Allows for more accurate representation of the costs associated with development. http://coralreef.noaa.gov/aboutcorals/values/resources/cr_ec on_value_cht.jpg Does not value biodiversity for its own sake but for services provided.  Resource Valuation Services may be estimated various ways such as: Direct market price. Decline in the value of fish catch between 1975 and 2000 cost the country an estimated US$1.3 billion (Sary, Munro and Woodley, 2003) https://aquadocs.org/handle/1834/29487  Resource Valuation Damage cost avoided. Models have been used to estimate the role of coral reefs in preventing wave damage. The reef in Discovery Bay being severely degraded would result in 100 structures including https://coast.noaa.gov/states/fast-facts/coral-reefs.html two hotels, a church and an airfield being flooded during a storm event within a 25 year period.  Resource Valuation Travel costs. Visitors pay money to travel to Jamaica and to stay in hotels. Damage to beaches would reduce visitation to Jamaica and thus tourism revenue. It has been estimated that at the end of 10 years, current erosion rates at the beaches in Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios will cause an annual loss in value of US$19 million. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272791574_Coastal_Capital _-_Economic_Valuation_of_Coral_Reefs_in_Tobago_and_St_Lucia If beaches degrade further this value could increase to US$33 million per year.  Resource Valuation Costs people are willing to pay for measures to save a natural resource. Visitors to Hanauma Bay, Hawaii were willing to pay more than the $3 entrance fee. A study showed that they were willing to pay $9.50 more than the entrance fee if a significant share of the money was spent on conservation. Source: https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/28fd7099-4087-49e5-b98c-0b041a4707ea/content  Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Management tool that enables organisations, institutions and businesses to address the impact of their goods and services on the environment. An EMS may include: –Ways to recycle office paper; –More efficient waste management systems https://www.iqc.co.il/?categoryId=134583 –Plans to phase out or replace certain chemicals or materials (NEPA, 2005)  Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Example – Environmental Audits for Sustainable Tourism (EAST) Project. (Funded by USAID, 1997) After instituting EMS between 1998 and 2000 five Jamaican hotels reduced: –Water consumption by 50,000,000 US gallons (73,000 US gallons per room) https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/articl –Energy use by 1,665,000 kWh. (12%) e/green-globe-certifies-half-moon-a-rockresort- jamaica/ (Total savings US$620,000; ROI 352%)  HIGHLIGHTS 1. The environment is all that surrounds us 2. It provides goods and services known as natural resources or natural capital 3. There are two worldviews: Human centered views resources as being infinite and to be exploited and as having value based on usefulness to humans. Earth centered views resources as finite and to be preserved and as having value independent of usefulness to humans.  HIGHLIGHTS 4. Unsustainable activities are impacting on the natural capital and affecting continued provision of goods and services by the environment. 5. NEPA is the agency with the legal mandate to manage Jamaica’s environmental resources 6. Tools used include: Natural resource valuation and environmental management systems Originally Compiled Raymond Martin By: First Revision Done Nikki Bramwell, Raymond Martin and By: Damian Nesbeth Second Revision Raymond Martin, May 2012 Done By: Third Revision Raymond Martin, December 2014 Done By: Updated By: Raymond Martin, July 2017 and August 2021