Hong Kong Baptist University SCIE1007 Molecular Science in Daily Life PDF

SCIE1007 Molecular Science in Daily Life Sustainability Dr Haoxiang Wu (BIOL) Intended learning outcomes By the end of this lecture, you should be able to: Understand what sustainability is Give examples for sustainable solutions of environmental challenges related to air...

SCIE1007 Molecular Science in Daily Life Sustainability Dr Haoxiang Wu (BIOL) Intended learning outcomes By the end of this lecture, you should be able to: Understand what sustainability is Give examples for sustainable solutions of environmental challenges related to air pollution, soil pollution and water pollution Understand different strategies in conserving biological resources 2 Molecular Science in Daily Life Content Definition of Sustainability Sustainable Solutions to Environmental Challenges Conservation of Biological Resources 3 Molecular Science in Daily Life Environment and health Environmental challenges Sustainability (solution) (problem) What is sustainability Pollution problems Sustainable solutions; e.g., SDGs.. air pollution Conservation of biological water pollution resources soil pollution Overconsumption of biological resources Climate change and other consequences SCIE1007 Molecular Science in Daily Life (BIOL & CHEM) Definition of Sustainability 5 Molecular Science in Daily Life What is sustainability? Promote sustainable Conservation of agriculture natural resources Promote renewable energy Reduce carbon emissions Conserve …… biodiversity Molecular Science in Daily Life In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as: “ Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generation to meet their own needs. ” 7 Molecular Science in Daily Life In the charter for the UCLA Sustainability Committee, sustainability is defined as: “ The integration of environmental health, social equity, and economic vitality in order to create thriving, healthy, diverse and resilient communities for this generation and generations to come. ” 8 Molecular Science in Daily Life Definition of Environmental Protection Agency ： “ To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations. ” 9 Molecular Science in Daily Life Three Dimensions(Pillars) of Sustainability Economic Environmental Society https://youtu.be/99VrWNJyJ3E 10 Molecular Science in Daily Life Environmental Sustainability These pillars are all about protecting the environment for future generations, enhancing efficiencies, reducing resource consumption and waste, and monitoring carbon emissions. Switch to renewable energy Conserve water Commit to a zero-waste future Reduce carbon emissions Protect ecosystems 11 Molecular Science in Daily Life Sustainable Solutions to Environmental Challenges 12 Molecular Science in Daily Life Sustainable solution - Air pollution Carbon oxides Nitrogen oxides Sulphur dioxide Air pollution VOCs PTSs/PBTs/POPs Particulates 13 Molecular Science in Daily Life Sustainable solution - Air pollution There are still many ways to handle air pollution… https://youtu.be/aDsScEhynco 14 Molecular Science in Daily Life HEPA filter – Air pollution High efficiency particulate air filter Commonly found in more advanced air purifiers and labs Filtration efficacy ─ Block > 99.95% (European Standard) or 99.97% (US) 15 Molecular Science in Daily Life  Sustainable solution - Water pollution Prevent eutrophication Excessive nutrient released into water ─ Alage bloom ─ Deplete oxygen ─ Kill aquatic lives 16 Molecular Science in Daily Life  Sustainable solution - Water pollution Prevent eutrophication Reduce ─ Deforestation ─ Use of fertilizer: containing nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) 17 Molecular Science in Daily Life Sustainable solution - Soil pollution Ban the use of POPs Aarhus Protocol on POPs ─ Eliminate/schedule to eliminate/reduce emission of POPs 18 Molecular Science in Daily Life Sustainable solution – Climate Change Invest in renewable energy ─ Solar panel: solar cells to collect energy and transform to electricity ─ Wind turbine: strong wind to generate electricity ─ Electric car: reduce use of fossil fuels 19 Molecular Science in Daily Life  Sustainable solutions Green Buildings Practice of reducing the environmental impact of buildings and enhancing the health and wellbeing of building occupants ─ Focus on the impact to both the environment and people ─ Reduce the production of waste and pollution ─ Improve the indoor environmental https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDATY3av_48&ab_cha quality by natural ventilation and lighting 20 nnel=MultiComfortUK Molecular Science in Daily Life An example of green building 21 Molecular Science in Daily Life  Sustainable solutions Sustainable Development Goals The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The 17 SDGs are integrated https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGcrYkHwE80&ab_channel=UnitedNations 22 Molecular Science in Daily Life Conservation of Biological Resources 23 Molecular Science in Daily Life Biological Resources Conservation Conservation of biological resources refers to the management and protection of the biological components of the natural environment, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and their genetic material, as well as the ecosystems in which they are found. To ensure the continued availability and sustainable use of these resources Preserving biodiversity and the ecological systems of the habitat. 24 Molecular Science in Daily Life What is Biodiversity Conservation? Biodiversity conservation has three main objectives: To preserve the diversity of species. Sustainable utilization of species and ecosystem. To maintain fair and equitable sharing of resources. 25 Molecular Science in Daily Life  Biodiversity Conservation Methods Ex-situ In-situ Conservation Conservation – Conservation of species in isolation – Conservation of from their natural species in their natural habitats habitats – E.g. zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks 26 Molecular Science in Daily Life Biodiversity Conservation Methods In-situ Conservation Setting up reserve/protected areas ─ Protection from human activities Different types of protected areas ─ Nature reserves ─ National parks ─ Forest parks 27 Molecular Science in Daily Life Effectiveness of reserves Design Habitat management Relationship with local communities 28 Molecular Science in Daily Life Design of reserves Better worse Large Single large Closer Cluster Corridors Circular 29 Molecular Science in Daily Life Buffer zone 30 Molecular Science in Daily Life Habitat management Improve habitat quality for the target species or restore whole ecosystems – E.g., prescribed fire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAkxKakyjrk 31 Molecular Science in Daily Life  Community-based conservation People may live near/together with wildlife animals in the environment ─ Easily access animal resources ─ Some may hunt/kill wildlife animals to make money Build good relationship with the local community May provide economic incentives Good relationship with the locals is ─ Think from their perspectives the key to successful conservation 32 Molecular Science in Daily Life  Biodiversity Conservation Methods Ex-situ Conservation Captive breeding – Endangered species are captive bred in zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens – Boost populations and reintroduce them into the wild 33 Molecular Science in Daily Life Anything we need to consider when doing captive breeding? 34 Molecular Science in Daily Life Considerations Can we breed them in captivity? Can the animals adapt to the wild environment after release? 35 Molecular Science in Daily Life Ex-situ conservation Reintroduction ─Deliberate release of a species into the wild from captivity Translocation ─Deliberate release of a species into the wild from another natural location Make sure threats are removed before reintroduction and translocation 36 Molecular Science in Daily Life Biodiversity Conservation Methods Ex-situ Conservation Examples: Zoos In the past, zoos were mainly display facilities for the purpose of public enjoyment and education. As large numbers of the species traditionally on display have become rarer in the wild, many zoos have taken on the additional role of building up numbers through captive breeding programs. 37 Molecular Science in Daily Life Is captive breeding effective? Successful case Failure case Crested Ibis Hainan Gibbon 38 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgKaUoB9yxU Molecular Science in Daily Life Biodiversity Conservation Methods Ex-situ Conservation Examples: Gene bank A type of biorepository that preserves genetic material. Both animal and plant genetic material can be conserved in gene banks Genetic material is preserved in a variety of ways, such as freezing at - 196° Celsius in liquid nitrogen, being placed in artificial ecosystems, or put in controlled nutrient media. 39 Molecular Science in Daily Life Biodiversity Conservation Methods Ex-situ Conservation Examples: Seed bank Extensive collection of seeds Stored in cold and dry conditions Preserve genetic variability of crops Over 1000 seed banks 40 Molecular Science in Daily Life Restore biodiversity Combination of multiple measures ─Establishing protected areas ─Reforestation ─Regulation of overharvesting/trade ─Eradication of invasive species ─Regulation of pollutants 41 Molecular Science in Daily Life Example: Galapagos tortoise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNVX3rcv78E 42 Molecular Science in Daily Life Thank You! All rights reserved © 2023 BIOL & CHEM, HKBU