CH. 1 - Introduction to Environmental Science Flashcards
What is environmental science?
The study of environment and our place in it
Describe several important environmental problems facing the world
Air quality, climate change, population growth
List several examples of progress in environmental quality
Increase in marine protected areas, protected areas/nature preserves, access to education
Explain the idea of sustainability/sustainable development and some of its aims
Search for ecological stability and human progress that can last long term. The ability to provide resources to the current generation without comprising future generations
Why are scientists cautious about claiming absolute proof of particular theories?
Theories are constantly being questions and finding may change
What is critical thinking, and why is it important in environmental science?
Examining what you think and why
Why do we use graphs and data to answer questions in science?
Identify several people who helped shape our ideas of resource conservation and preservation. Why did they promote these ideas when they did?
Theodore Roosevelt, Gifford Pinchot, John Muir.
Is environmental science integrative?
Environmental systems are complex and integrated so environmental science draws on many disciplines and skills.
What is the scientific method? What is science?
Orderly method of asking questions, making/analysing observations to answer questions
Major themes in environmental science?
Population growth, climate change, air quality.
What is the tragedy of the commons?
What is throughput?
Explain the phrase “And may we continue to be worthy of consuming a disproportionate share of this planet’s resources”.
How do indigenous people safeguard biodiversity?
