Ch 1Environmental Problems, Their

Causes and Sustainability

Case StudyExponential Growth:

Starts slowly but grows enormously after a few “generations”.

Living More SustainablyEnvironment:

Humans use environment for resources but the larger the human population gets the more damage is done to the environment.

Environmental Science:Natural Sciences (biology, geology,

chemistry, ect.)Social Sciences (economics, politics, and

ethics)Ecology:

Living More SustainablySustainability:Steps toward living sustainable. (5 steps)

1st: understand natural capital (all the resources and natural services that allow us and other species to survive.

2nd: recognize that many human activities degrade natural capital. (Ex: clearing forests much quicker then they can replace themselves).

3rd: Search for solutions to environmental problems.

4th: Make trade-offs or compromises to resolve any conflicts.

5th: Individuals matter

Population Growth2006 population was at 6.6 billion peoplePopulation growth in 2006 was 1.23%.

Do the math:6.6 billion x .0123 = 81 million more people (each

year)

Developing country:Developed country:Developing countries have MUCH more of

the world’s population then developed countries but use MUCH less of the resources and make MUCH less income.

ResourcesResources:

Ex: water, sun, food, shelter, metalsPerpetual resource:

Ex: SolarRenewable resource:

Forests, freshwater, fertile soilSustainable yield:Environmental degradation:Nonrenewable resources:

Ex: fossil fuelsRecycle and Reuse

Ecological FootprintEcological footprint: Human ecological footprint exceeds the

earth’s ecological capacity by 39% - Humans are using and degrading resources faster then nature can replenish them.

United States leads with the highest ecological footprint. China and India ecological footprint is growing rapidly. If they’re ecological footprint was the same as the US then we would need 2 Earths to support the current population.

Population GrowthDoubling time and Exponential Growth

The Rule of 7070/% growth rate = doubling time in yrs.Ex: In 2006 growth rate was 1.23%

70/1.23=57. So… the world’s population will double in 57 yrs if the growth rate stays at 1.23%. 2006 - 6.6 billion people; 2063 – 13 billion people.

PollutionPollution:Point Source:

Ex: smoke stack, exhaust pipe Nonpoint Source:

Ex: pesticide spray, runoff

PollutionUnwanted effects – 1) disrupt or degrade

life supports systems, 2) damage wildlife, human health and property, 3) create nuisances

Prevention and cleanupPrevention: input pollution control (control or

eliminate amount of pollution released).Clean up: output pollution control (cleanup or

dilute pollution once it has been released).

Environmental ProblemsForest are shrinking, deserts are

expanding, soils are eroding, atmosphere is warming, glaciers are melting, seas are rising, storms are stronger, water tables are falling, rivers are drying out, fisheries are collapsing, coral reefs are disappearing, species are going extinct, environmental refugees are increasing, pollution is rising.

Causes of Environmental Problems1. Population growth2. Unsustainable resource use3. Poverty4. Not including the environmental costs of

economic goods and services in their market prices

5. Trying to manage and simplify nature with too little knowledge about how it works

Why Environmental Problems are hard to fix1. Do not understand cause of

environmental problems2. Global trade policies undermine

environmental protection3. Influence of money in politics4. Failure of those concerned about

environment quality to provide inspiring and positive visions of a more sustainable and durable economic and environmental future.

Poverty vs. AffluenzaPoverty:

Tend to have larger pop growthDie prematurely (many are children under 5

yrs)Affluenza:

Fact: 27 tractor trailer loads of resources/yr to support 1 American.

Affluenza can be good because it allows people to become educated on environmental issues and provides money to develop technologies to help environment.

Connections between Environmental Problems and their CausesPopulation (P) x Affluenza (A) x

Technologies/unit consumption (T) = Environmental impact of pop (I)

P x A x T = I

Environmental Worldviews and EthicsAnswer the questions on pg 22.Different environmental worldviews:

Planetary management worldview: humans are separate from nature. Nature exists mainly to meet our needs. Assumes economic growth is unlimited.

Stewardship worldview: we can manage the earth to our benefit but we have a responsibility to be responsible managers. We should encourage environmental beneficial forms of economic growth and discourage environmental harmful forms.

Environmental wisdoms worldview: we are part of and totally dependent on nature and that nature exists for all species.

4 Scientific Principles of Sustainablility COPY NATURE1. Relay on Solar Energy

Sun warms planet and provides energy to make food.

2. BiodiversityMany genes, species, ecosystems and

processes provide ways to adapt to changes3. Population control

In nature, no population can grow indefinitly. Eventually run out of resources

4. Nutrient RecyclingAll things in nature are recycled and reused

by plants and animals to stay alive.