Introduction To Environmental Science Lecture 1 PDF

Introduction to Environmental Science Environment ▪ A holistic view of the world as its functions at any point of time, with a multitude of spatial, elemental and socio- economic systems, distinguished by quality and attributes of space, and mode of behavior of abiotic and biotic forms. ...

Introduction to Environmental Science Environment ▪ A holistic view of the world as its functions at any point of time, with a multitude of spatial, elemental and socio- economic systems, distinguished by quality and attributes of space, and mode of behavior of abiotic and biotic forms. Abiotic vs. Biotic Factors Types of Environment Physical Biological Cultural Lithosphere Flora Social Hydrosphere Fauna Political Atmosphere Microorganism Economical Environmental Science links with Other Disciplines ▪ Biology ▪ Anthropology ▪ Geography ▪ Engineering ▪ Chemistry ▪ Agriculture ▪ Geology ▪ Law ▪ Physics ▪ Politics ▪ Earth Science ▪ Ethics ▪ Sociology ▪ Philosophy ▪ Economics ▪ Computer Science Environmental Science ▪ The interdisciplinary science that uses concepts and information from natural sciences and social sciences to help understand how the earth works, how we are affecting the environment, and how to deal with the environmental problems we face. Ecology ▪ The branch of biology that studies the interrelationships between organisms and their environment. Nature and Scope of Environmental Science ▪ Theoretical Aspects- Identification of environmental problems ▪ Applied Aspects- Developing solutions to the identified environmental problems Need for Environmental Studies 1. It is very important for every person for self-fulfillment and social development. 2. It helps to understand different food chains and ecological balance in nature. 3. It helps to understand and appreciate how the environment is used for making a living and for promoting a material culture. 4. It helps in appreciating and enjoying nature and society. 5. It generates concern for the changing environment in a systematic manner for the future as well as immediate welfare of mankind. 6. It directs attention towards population explosion, exhaustion of natural resources and pollution of environment and throws light on solutions. Goals of Environmental Education “To develop a world population that is aware of and concerned about environment as a whole and the problems associated with it, and committed to work individually as well as collectively towards solutions of current problems and prevention of future problems” Science as a Process ▪ A body of knowledge; a collection of facts about the natural world and a search for relationships among these facts. ▪ A systematic way to investigate the natural world. Scientific Method Five Stages in Addressing Environmental Problems Scientific Assessment Risk Analysis Public Education and Involvement Political Action Evaluation Assessing Environmental Problem Case Study; Lake Washington Scientific Assessment: Aquatic wildlife assessment in 1933 vs. 1950 Hypothesized treated sewage was introducing high nutrients (N & P) Risk Analysis: Chose new location (freshwater) and greater treatment for sewage to decrease nutrients in effluent. Public Education/Involvement: Educated the public on why changes were necessary Political Action: Changes on sewage disposal were not made until 1963. Assessing Environmental Problem Case Study; Lake Washington Evaluation:  Major Characters in Environmental Drama (Miller, 2004) Who are biological scientists studying Ecologists relationships between living organisms and their environment. Who use information from physical and social Environmental Scientists sciences to understand how the earth works, how humans interact with earth, and develop solutions to environmental problems. Who investigate human impacts on the diversity Conservation Biologists of life found on the earth (biodiversity) and develop plans for preserving such biodiversity. Who are concerned on the impact of people on Environmentalists environmental quality and believe some human actions are degrading parts of the earth’s life support systems for human and other life forms. Concerned primarily with setting aside or Preservationists protecting undisturbed natural areas from harmful human activities. Concerned with using natural areas and wildlife Conservationists in ways that sustain them for current and future generations of human and other life forms. Devoted to the partial or complete restoration Restorationists of natural areas that have been degraded by human activities.