Introduction to Environmental Science Flashcards
Study of interaction of humans with the natural environment.
Environmental Science
The —- includes all conditions that surround living organisms:
- Climate
- Air and water quality
- Soil and landforms
- Presence of other living organisms
Environment
The environment includes all conditions that surround living organisms:
???
- Climate
- Air and water quality
- Soil and landforms
- Presence of other living organisms
Environmental science and the issues that it studies are complex and …
Interdisciplinary
Major Environmental Problems
Resource depletion
Pollution
Loss of Biodiversity
Degradation or an undesired change in air, water, or soil that affects the health of living things.
Pollution
Number of different species present in one specific ecosystem
Biodiversity
Complete loss of species– accelerated by human actions.
Extinction
Five known major extinction events in Earth’s history
Believed to have been caused by a meteor impact.
Discipline that studies the moral relationship of human beings to the environment
Environmental Ethics
Two main categories of ethics in human culture in modern history.
Anthropocentrism, Ecocentrists
“Human-Centered”– Emphasis on short-term benefits over long-term consequences.
Anthropocentrism
Nature deserves to exist for its own sake regardless of the degree of usefulness to humans.
Ecocentrists
First big debates between Anthropocentrism and Ecocentrists
Hetch Hetchy Debate
“… the greatest good of the greatest number in the long run.” (Resource Conservationism)
Gifford Pinochet
RC -> Teddy Roosevelt
Protect the open land. National park system and the National Forest System were both created during this time.
Resource Conservationist
Explores issues and problems over the entire world, not just within the local community.
Global Environmentalism
The public awakening to threats of pollution and toxic chemicals to humans as well as other species.
Modern Environmentalism
Have lower incomes, shorter life spans, and rapid population growth. Overpopulated and desperate for economic gain.
Developing countries
Smaller in size and growth, consume resources at a greater rate.
Developed countries
Measurement of one person’s resource use.
Ecological Footprint
Human needs are met so that the population can survive indefinitely…
Sustainability
