Human Impact Environment Lec

8/9/2019 Human Impact Environment Lec

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Human Impact on theHuman Impact on the

BiosphereBiosphere


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What is Environmental Science?What is Environmental Science?

The goals of environmental scienceThe goals of environmental scienceare to learn:are to learn:

how nature works.how nature works.

how the environment effects us.how the environment effects us.

how we effect the environment.how we effect the environment.

how we can live more sustainablyhow we can live more sustainably

without degrading our lifewithout degrading our life--supportsupportsystem.system.


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Human ImpactsHuman Impacts

Humans are using energy and altering theHumans are using energy and altering the

environment at astonishing ratesenvironment at astonishing rates

We are altering natural processes before weWe are altering natural processes before we

even understand themeven understand them


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S

ustainability, is the ability of earthsS

ustainability, is the ability of earthsvarious systems to survive and adapt tovarious systems to survive and adapt toenvironmental conditions indefinitely.environmental conditions indefinitely.

The steps to sustainability must beThe steps to sustainability must besupported by sound science.supported by sound science.

Figure 1Figure 1--

Sustainability: The IntegrativeSustainability: The Integrative

ThemeTheme


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Fig. 1-3, p. 8

Sound Science

A Path toSustainability

IndividualsMatter

Trade-OffsSolutionsNatural CapitalDegradation

Natural Capital


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Environmentally Sustainable SocietiesEnvironmentally Sustainable Societies

meets basic needs of its people in a just meets basic needs of its people in a justand equitable manner without degrading theand equitable manner without degrading thenatural capital that supplies these resources.natural capital that supplies these resources.

Figure 1Figure 1--


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Fig. 1-4, p. 9

+=NATURAL RESOURCES NATURAL SERVICES

NATURAL CAPITAL NATURAL RESOURCES NATURAL SERVICES

Air Air purificationWater purification

Water storage

Soil renewal

Nutrient recycling

Food production

Conservation ofbiodiversity

Wildlife habitat

Grassland andforest renewal

Waste treatment

Climate control

Population control(species interactio

Pest Control

NATURAL CAPITAL = +

Water

Soil

Land

Nonrenewableminerals(iron, sand)

Life (Biodiversity)

Renewableenergysun, wind,water flowsNonrenewableenergy (fossilfuels, nuclear

power)

NATURAL RESOURCES NATURAL SERVICES


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Developing vs. DevelopedDeveloping vs. Developed

In developing countries, per capitaIn developing countries, per capita

resource use is high but growing,resource use is high but growing,

as is population sizeas is population size

In developed countries, populationIn developed countries, population

growth has slowed but per capitagrowth has slowed but per capita

resource use is already highresource use is already high


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POPULATION GROWTH,POPULATION GROWTH,

ECONOMIC GROWTH, ANDECONOMIC GROWTH, AND

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Economic growth provides people withEconomic growth provides people with

more goods and services.more goods and services.

Measured in gross domestic product (GDP)Measured in gross domestic product (GDP)and purchasing power parity (PPP).and purchasing power parity (PPP).

Economic development uses economicEconomic development uses economic

growth to improve living standards.growth to improve living standards.The worlds countries economic statusThe worlds countries economic status

(developed vs. developing) are based on(developed vs. developing) are based ontheir degree of industrialization and GDPtheir degree of industrialization and GDP--

PPP.PPP.


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Global OutlookGlobal Outlook

Comparison ofComparison ofdeveloped anddeveloped anddevelopingdevelopingcountries.countries.

Figures 1Figures 1--5 and5 and


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PollutantsPollutants

Substances with which an ecosystem has had noSubstances with which an ecosystem has had no

prior evolutionary experienceprior evolutionary experience

No adaptive mechanisms are in place to dealNo adaptive mechanisms are in place to deal

with themwith them


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POLLUTIONPOLLUTION

Found at highFound at highenough levels inenough levels in

the environment tothe environment tocause harm tocause harm toorganisms.organisms.

Point sourcePoint sourceNonpoint sourceNonpoint source

Figure 1Figure 1--


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AirPollutantsAirPollutants

Carbon oxidesCarbon oxides

Sulfur oxidesSulfur oxides

Nitrogen oxidesNitrogen oxides

Volatile organicVolatile organic

compoundscompounds

Photochemical oxidantsPhotochemical oxidants

Suspended particlesSuspended particles


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p. 39

Reactant(s) Product(s)

carbon + oxygen carbon dioxide + energy

C + O2 CO2

energ+

energy+

black solid colorless gas colorless gas

+


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Chemistry 101Chemistry 101

Acid anhydrides: oxides of nonmetalsAcid anhydrides: oxides of nonmetals

COCO22, NO, NO22 and SOand SO33

These react with water to formThese react with water to formoxyacids.oxyacids.

COCO2 +2 + HH22OO ------> H> H22COCO33 (carbonic(carbonic

acid)acid)HNOHNO33 and Hand H22SOSO44 are also formed inare also formed in

the atmospherethe atmosphere


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Acid Rain and ArchitectureAcid Rain and Architecture

On campus we have someOn campus we have somearchitectural damage attributable toarchitectural damage attributable toacid rain.acid rain.

The limestone lentils and pillars onThe limestone lentils and pillars onthe older building are dissolvingthe older building are dissolvingaway!away!

HH22SOSO4(aq)4(aq) + CaCO+ CaCO3(3(s)s) HH22OO(l)(l) ++COCO2(g)2(g)

+CaSO+CaSO4(aq)4(aq)


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Industrial SmogIndustrial Smog

GrayGray--air smogair smog

Forms over cities that burn largeForms over cities that burn large

amounts of coal and heavy fuel oils;amounts of coal and heavy fuel oils;

mainly in developing countriesmainly in developing countries

Main components are sulfur oxidesMain components are sulfur oxidesand suspended particlesand suspended particles


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Photochemical smogPhotochemical smog

BrownBrown--air smogair smog

Forms when sunlight interacts withForms when sunlight interacts with

components from automobilecomponents from automobile

exhaustexhaust

Nitrogen oxides are the main culpritsNitrogen oxides are the main culprits

Hot days contribute to formationHot days contribute to formation


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Thermal InversionThermal Inversion

Weather pattern in which a layer ofWeather pattern in which a layer of

cool, dense air is trapped beneath acool, dense air is trapped beneath a

layer of warm airlayer of warm air

cool air

warm inversion air

cool air


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Cities Are Often Plagued withCities Are Often Plagued with

Thermal InversionsThermal Inversions


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Acid DepositionAcid Deposition

Caused by theCaused by the

release of sulfurrelease of sulfur

and nitrogen oxidesand nitrogen oxidesCoalCoal--burning powerburning power

plants and motorplants and motor

vehicles are majorvehicles are major

sourcessources


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Effect ofOzone ThinningEffect ofOzone Thinning

Increased amount of UVIncreased amount of UV

radiation reaches Earthsradiation reaches Earthssurfacesurface

UV damages DNA andUV damages DNA and

negatively affects human healthnegatively affects human health

UV also affects plants, lowersUV also affects plants, lowers

primary productivityprimary productivity


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Ozone ThinningOzone Thinning

In early spring andIn early spring and

summer ozone layer oversummer ozone layer over

Antarctica thinsAntarctica thins Seasonal loss of ozone isSeasonal loss of ozone is

at highest level everat highest level ever

recordedrecorded

SouthAmerica

Antarctica


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Ozone in Earths AtmosphereOzone in Earths Atmosphere


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Ozone ConcentrationOzone Concentration

from 1962 to 1996from 1962 to 1996

http://www.igf.edu.pl/igf/atmosphere.htm


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Recipe forOzone LossRecipe forOzone Loss

The polar winter leads to the formation of theThe polar winter leads to the formation of the polarpolarvortex which isolates the air within it.vortex which isolates the air within it.

Cold temperatures form inside the vortex; cold enough forCold temperatures form inside the vortex; cold enough forthethe formation of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs).formation of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs).As the vortex air is isolated, the cold temperatures and theAs the vortex air is isolated, the cold temperatures and thePSCs persist.PSCs persist.

Once the PSCs form, heterogeneous reactions take placeOnce the PSCs form, heterogeneous reactions take placeandand convert the inactive chlorine andconvert the inactive chlorine andbromine reservoirs to more active formsbromine reservoirs to more active forms ofofchlorine and bromine.chlorine and bromine.

No ozone loss occurs untilNo ozone loss occurs until sunlight returnssunlight returns to the airto the airinside the polar vortex andinside the polar vortex and

allows the productionallows the productionof active chlorineof active chlorine and initiates theand initiates the catalyticcatalyticozone destruction cyclesozone destruction cycles. Ozone loss is rapid. The. Ozone loss is rapid. Theozone hole currently covers a geographic region a littleozone hole currently covers a geographic region a littlebigger than Antarctica and extends nearly 10km in altitudebigger than Antarctica and extends nearly 10km in altitudein the lower stratospherein the lower stratosphere

http://www.atm.ch.cam.ac.uk/tour/part3.html


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Protecting the Ozone LayerProtecting the Ozone Layer

CFCCFC production has been halted inproduction has been halted in

developed countries, will be phaseddeveloped countries, will be phased

out in developing countriesout in developing countries

Methyl bromide will be phased outMethyl bromide will be phased out

Even with bans it will take more thanEven with bans it will take more than50 years for ozone levels to recover50 years for ozone levels to recover


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Generating GarbageGenerating Garbage

Developed countries generate huge amounts ofDeveloped countries generate huge amounts of

wastewaste

Paper products account for half the total volumePaper products account for half the total volume

Recycling can reduce pollutants, save energy,Recycling can reduce pollutants, save energy,

ease pressure on landfillsease pressure on landfills


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Garbage Barge SolutionGarbage Barge Solution


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LandfillsLandfills


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Land UseLand Use

Almost 21 percent ofEarthsAlmost 21 percent ofEarths

land is used for agriculture orland is used for agriculture orgrazinggrazing

About half the Earths land isAbout half the Earths land is

unsuitable for such usesunsuitable for such uses

Remainder could be used, butRemainder could be used, but

at a high ecological costat a high ecological cost


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Data From the UNData From the UN


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INDIA REACHING 1 BILLIONONAUGUST 15: NO CELEBRATIONINDIA REACHING 1 BILLIONONAUGUST 15: NO CELEBRATION

PLANNEDPLANNED

Lester R. Brown and Brian HalweilLester R. Brown and Brian Halweil

Falling water tables are now alsoFalling water tables are now alsothreatening India's food production.threatening India's food production.

The International WaterThe International Water

Management Institute (IWMI)Management Institute (IWMI)estimates that withdrawals ofestimates that withdrawals ofunderground water are double theunderground water are double therate of aquifer recharge.rate of aquifer recharge.

As a result, water tables are fallingAs a result, water tables are fallingalmost everywhere.almost everywhere.

http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1656


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AquiferDepletionAquiferDepletion

http://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/EarthSC202Notes/Grndh2o.htm


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DeforestationDeforestation

Removal of all trees from large tracts of landRemoval of all trees from large tracts of land

38 million acres logged each year38 million acres logged each year

Wood is used for fuel, lumberWood is used for fuel, lumber

Land is cleared for grazing or cropsLand is cleared for grazing or crops


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Clear Cutting ofForestsClear Cutting ofForests


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Regions ofDeforestationRegions ofDeforestation

Rates of forest loss are greatest inRates of forest loss are greatest in

Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, andBrazil, Indonesia, Mexico, and

ColumbiaColumbia

Highly mechanized logging isHighly mechanized logging is

proceeding in temperate forests ofproceeding in temperate forests of

the United States and Canadathe United States and Canada


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A heavy duty tree chopperfor cutting downA heavy duty tree chopperfor cutting down

trees in a logging operation.trees in a logging operation.


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RainforestsRainforests


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Forests BurningForests Burning


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Reversing DeforestationReversing Deforestation

Coalition of groups dedicated toCoalition of groups dedicated to

saving Brazils remaining forestssaving Brazils remaining forests

Smokeless wood stoves have savedSmokeless wood stoves have saved

firewood in Indiafirewood in India

Kenyan women have planted millionsKenyan women have planted millionsof treesof trees


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NAIROBI (AFP) Feb 23, 2005NAIROBI (AFP) Feb 23, 2005

NAIROBI (AFP) Feb 23, 2005NAIROBI (AFP) Feb 23, 2005Kenyan Nobel peace laureateKenyan Nobel peace laureate Wangari MaathaiWangari Maathai ononWednesday urged developing nations to help fight globalWednesday urged developing nations to help fight globalwarming and support the Kyoto Protocol on climate changewarming and support the Kyoto Protocol on climate change

by joining her treeby joining her tree--planting campaign.planting campaign.


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Destroying BiodiversityDestroying Biodiversity

Tropical rainforests have the greatest variety ofTropical rainforests have the greatest variety of

insects, most bird speciesinsects, most bird species

Some tropical forest species may prove valuable toSome tropical forest species may prove valuable to

humanshumans

O

ur primate ancestors evolved in forests like theO

ur primate ancestors evolved in forests like theones we are destroyingones we are destroying


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PrimatesPrimates

Many primate species are threaten orMany primate species are threaten orendangered.endangered.


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Global Desertification VulnerabilityGlobal Desertification Vulnerability


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The Dust BowlThe Dust Bowl

Occurred in the 1930s in the GreatOccurred in the 1930s in the Great

PlainsPlains

Overgrazing and prolonged droughtOvergrazing and prolonged droughtleft the ground bareleft the ground bare

1934 winds produced dust storms1934 winds produced dust storms

that stripped about 9 million acres ofthat stripped about 9 million acres of

topsoiltopsoil


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Caption: "Dust Over Texas." Huge boiling masses of dustthat blocked out the sun were common sights in Texas duringthe Dust Bowl years. In: "To Hold This Soil", Russell Lord, 1938.Miscellaneous Publication No. 321, U.S. DepartmentofAgriculture.


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Human TragedyHuman Tragedy


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Ongoing DesertificationOngoing Desertification

Sahel region ofAfrica is undergoingSahel region ofAfrica is undergoing

rapid desertificationrapid desertification

Causes are overgrazing,Causes are overgrazing,

overfarming, and prolonged droughtoverfarming, and prolonged drought

One solution may be to substitute

One solution may be to substitute

native herbivores for imported cattlenative herbivores for imported cattle


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Linear dunes of the Sahara Desert encroach on Nouakchott, the capital ofLinear dunes of the Sahara Desert encroach on Nouakchott, the capital of

Mauritania. The dunes border a mosque at left (photograph by GeorgMauritania. The dunes border a mosque at left (photograph by Georg

Gerster).Gerster).

htt : ubs.us s. ov i deserts desertification


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Water Use and ScarcityWater Use and Scarcity

Most of Earths water is too salty for humanMost of Earths water is too salty for human

consumptionconsumption

Desalinization is expensive and requires largeDesalinization is expensive and requires large

energy inputsenergy inputs

Irrigation of crops is the mainIrrigation of crops is the main

use of freshwateruse of freshwater


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Mean Annual PrecipitationMean Annual Precipitation


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WaterDistributionWaterDistribution


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Negative Effects of IrrigationNegative Effects of Irrigation

Salinization, mineral buildup inSalinization, mineral buildup in

soilsoil

Elevation of the water tableElevation of the water table

and waterloggingand waterlogging

Depletion of aquifersDepletion of aquifers


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GroundwaterGroundwater

AquifersAquifers -- Porous layers of sand,Porous layers of sand,gravel, or rock lying below the watergravel, or rock lying below the watertable.table.

ArtesianArtesian -- Pressurized aquifer intersectsPressurized aquifer intersectsthe surface. (Water flows withoutthe surface. (Water flows withoutpumping)pumping)

Recharge ZoneRecharge Zone -- Area where waterArea where water

infiltrates into an aquifer.infiltrates into an aquifer.Recharge rate is often very slow.Recharge rate is often very slow.

Presently, groundwater is being removedPresently, groundwater is being removedfaster than it can be replenished in manyfaster than it can be replenished in many

areas.areas.


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Depleting GroundwaterDepleting Groundwater

Groundwater is the source of nearlyGroundwater is the source of nearly40% of fresh water in the US.40% of fresh water in the US.

On a local level, withdrawing waterOn a local level, withdrawing waterfaster than it can be replenished leadsfaster than it can be replenished leadsto ato a cone of depressioncone of depression in the waterin the watertable,table,

On a broader scale, heavy pumping canOn a broader scale, heavy pumping candeplete an aquifer.deplete an aquifer.

Ogallala AquiferOgallala Aquifer

Mining nonMining non--renewable resource.renewable resource.


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Extends from southern South DakotaExtends from southern South Dakota

to central Texasto central Texas

Major source of water for drinkingMajor source of water for drinking

and irrigationand irrigation

Overdrafts have depleted half the

Overdrafts have depleted half the

water from this nonrenewable sourcewater from this nonrenewable source


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The Ogallala Aquifer within theThe Ogallala Aquifer within theboundaries of the North Plainsboundaries of the North PlainsGroundwater Conservation District isGroundwater Conservation District is

declining at an average of 1.74 feetdeclining at an average of 1.74 feetper year (1,082,631 acre ft).per year (1,082,631 acre ft).

The aquifer is cut off fromThe aquifer is cut off from

natural recharge sources.natural recharge sources.

http://www.npwd.org/Ogallala.htm


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Sink Holes and Karst TopographySink Holes and Karst Topography

CaCO3 + H2SO4 CaSO4 + H2O +CO2

http://www.soils.umn.edu/academics/classes/soil2125/doc/1-snkle.htm


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WaterPollutantsWaterPollutants

SewageSewage

Animal wastesAnimal wastes

FertilizersFertilizersPesticidesPesticides

Industrial chemicalsIndustrial chemicals

Radioactive materialRadioactive materialExcess heat (thermalExcess heat (thermal

pollution)pollution)


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GroundwaterPollutionGroundwaterPollution


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Wastewater TreatmentWastewater Treatment

Primary treatmentPrimary treatment

Use of screens and settling tanksUse of screens and settling tanks

Addition of chlorine to kill pathogens

Addition of chlorine to kill pathogens

Secondary treatmentSecondary treatment

Microbes break down organic matterMicrobes break down organic matter

Tertiary treatment removesTertiary treatment removesadditional toxic substances; rarelyadditional toxic substances; rarely

usedused


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Sewage TreatmentSewage Treatment

More than 500 pathogenic bacteria,More than 500 pathogenic bacteria,viruses, and parasites can travelviruses, and parasites can travelfrom human or animal excrementfrom human or animal excrement

through water.through water.

Natural ProcessesNatural Processes

In many areas, outdoor urination andIn many areas, outdoor urination and

defecation is the norm.defecation is the norm.When population densities are low, naturalWhen population densities are low, natural

processes can quickly eliminate waste.processes can quickly eliminate waste.


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Municipal Sewage TreatmentMunicipal Sewage Treatment

Primary TreatmentPrimary Treatment -- Physical separationPhysical separationof large solids from the waste stream.of large solids from the waste stream.

Secondary TreatmentSecondary Treatment -- BiologicalBiologicaldegradation of dissolved organicdegradation of dissolved organiccompounds.compounds.

Effluent from primary treatment transferredEffluent from primary treatment transferredinto trickling bed, or aeration tankinto trickling bed, or aeration tank

Effluent from secondary treatment is usuallyEffluent from secondary treatment is usuallydisinfected (chlorinated) before release intodisinfected (chlorinated) before release intonearby waterway.nearby waterway.


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Tertiary TreatmentTertiary Treatment -- Removal of plantRemoval of plantnutrients (nitrates and phosphates) fromnutrients (nitrates and phosphates) from

secondary effluent.secondary effluent.Chemicals, or natural wetlands.Chemicals, or natural wetlands.

In many US cities, sanitary sewers areIn many US cities, sanitary sewers areconnected to storm sewers.connected to storm sewers.

Heavy storms can overload the system,Heavy storms can overload the system,causing bycausing by--pass dumping of raw sewagepass dumping of raw sewageand toxic runoff directly into watercourses.and toxic runoff directly into watercourses.


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CSO T l d T t tCSO T l d T t t


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CSO Tunnels and TreatmentCSO Tunnels and Treatment

Facilities (Atlanta, GA 2005)Facilities (Atlanta, GA 2005)The tunnel is part of a storage andThe tunnel is part of a storage and

treatment system that involves capturingtreatment system that involves capturingand storing combined sewer overflows.and storing combined sewer overflows.The overflows are stored in a largeThe overflows are stored in a large

underground tunnel in bedrock similar tounderground tunnel in bedrock similar tothe rock that comprises Stone Mountain.the rock that comprises Stone Mountain.When a storm is over, the captured CSOWhen a storm is over, the captured CSOvolume is conveyed to a separatevolume is conveyed to a separatetreatment system for removal oftreatment system for removal of

pollutants and reduction of harmfulpollutants and reduction of harmfulbacteria with sodium hypochloritebacteria with sodium hypochloritedisinfection followed by dechlorinationdisinfection followed by dechlorinationwith sodium bisulfite before discharge towith sodium bisulfite before discharge toreceiving waters. The City is building tworeceiving waters. The City is building two

facilities, the West Area CSO storagefacilities, the West Area CSO storage

Mil t C l ti D t fMil t C l ti D t f


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Milestone Completion Date forMilestone Completion Date for

West Tunnel October 2007West Tunnel October 2007

These will collect storm water for

treatment.http://www.cleanwateratlanta.org/CSOTunnels/


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OxygenOxygen--Demanding WastesDemanding Wastes

Water with an oxygen content > 6Water with an oxygen content > 6ppm will support desirable aquaticppm will support desirable aquaticlife.life.

Water with < 2 ppm oxygen will supportWater with < 2 ppm oxygen will supportmainly detritivores and decomposers.mainly detritivores and decomposers.

Oxygen is added to water byOxygen is added to water by

diffusion from wind and waves, anddiffusion from wind and waves, andby photosynthesis from green plants,by photosynthesis from green plants,algae, and cyanobacteria.algae, and cyanobacteria.

Oxygen is removed from water byOxygen is removed from water by--


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OxygenOxygen--Demanding WastesDemanding Wastes

Biochemical Oxygen DemandBiochemical Oxygen Demand --Amount of dissolved oxygenAmount of dissolved oxygenconsumed by aquaticconsumed by aquatic

microorganisms.microorganisms.Dissolved Oxygen ContentDissolved Oxygen Content -- Measure ofMeasure of

dissolved oxygen in the water.dissolved oxygen in the water.

Effects of oxygenEffects of oxygen--demanding wastesdemanding wastes

on rivers depend on volume, flow,on rivers depend on volume, flow,and temperature of river water.and temperature of river water.Oxygen SagOxygen Sag -- Oxygen levels declineOxygen levels decline

downstream from a pollution source asdownstream from a pollution source as

decom osers metabolize wastedecom osers metabolize waste


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Oxygen SagOxygen Sag


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WaterWars?WaterWars?

Per capita amount of freshwaterPer capita amount of freshwater

available is decreasingavailable is decreasing

International conflicts over waterInternational conflicts over water

use and quality have alreadyuse and quality have already

occurredoccurred

Building dams or dumpingBuilding dams or dumping

pollutants effect countriespollutants effect countries

downstreamdownstream

W i L k O i ti D lW i L k O i ti D l


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Weiss Lake Organization DeclaresWeiss Lake Organization Declares

War!War!

Weiss Lake Improvement Association is the environmentaland ecological watchdog for Weiss Lake and againstMetro Atlanta from taking our WATER.(Coosa River Drainage)


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Fossil FuelsFossil Fuels

Coal, oil, natural gasCoal, oil, natural gas

Main energy source ofMain energy source of

developed countriesdeveloped countries

Burning of fossil fuelsBurning of fossil fuels

contributes to global warmingcontributes to global warming


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http://faculty.virginia.edu/setear/courses/globwarm/images.htm


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OilOil

Reserves are decliningReserves are declining

Many reserves are in ecologicallyMany reserves are in ecologically

fragile wilderness areasfragile wilderness areas

Environmental costs of extractingEnvironmental costs of extracting

and transporting reserves from suchand transporting reserves from such

areas are highareas are high


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Domestic ProductDomestic Product


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Cuba claims massive oil reservesBBC 17 Oct 2008

Cuba currently produces 60,0000 barrels of oil a dayThe state-owned Cuban oil company says the country may have

more than2

0bn barrels of oil in its offshore fields - more thandouble the previous estimate.

Such reserves would place Cubaamong the top 20 oil producingnations.


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Oil and Gas Injection WellsOil and Gas Injection Wells

Typically, when oil and gas are extracted,Typically, when oil and gas are extracted,large amounts of salt water (brine) are alsolarge amounts of salt water (brine) are alsobrought to the surface. This salt water canbrought to the surface. This salt water canbe very damaging if it is discharged intobe very damaging if it is discharged into

surface water.surface water.


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CoalCoal

Extensive reserves existExtensive reserves exist

Mining is very destructiveMining is very destructive

Burning coal releases sulfurBurning coal releases sulfur

dioxides that cause aciddioxides that cause acid

depositiondeposition


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Coal Strip MiningCoal Strip Mining

htt : en.wiki edia.or wiki Surface minin

EPA targets utilitiesEPA targets utilities


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EPA targets utilitiesEPA targets utilities

mercury pollutionmercury pollution

CoalCoal--burning power plantsburning power plants in thein theUnited States now emit an estimatedUnited States now emit an estimated48 tons a year of mercury, and the48 tons a year of mercury, and the

EPA rule aims to reduce that to 31.3EPA rule aims to reduce that to 31.3tons in 2010, 27.9 tons in 2015, andtons in 2010, 27.9 tons in 2015, and24.3 tons in 2020.24.3 tons in 2020.

Updated: 3:03 p.m. ET March 15, 2005 (AP)Updated: 3:03 p.m. ET March 15, 2005 (AP)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6448213/did/7185001

How Mercury Gets into the FoodHow Mercury Gets into the Food


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How Mercury Gets into the FoodHow Mercury Gets into the Food

ChainChain

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6448213/did/7185001

Top 10 Sources of Mercury AirTop 10 Sources of Mercury Air


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Top 10 Sources ofMercury AirTop 10 Sources ofMercury Air

Pollution in the USPollution in the US

(No. 2) Alabama Power Co(No. 2) Alabama Power Co..'s's Miller Steam PlantMiller Steam Plantin Jefferson, Ala. is a coalin Jefferson, Ala. is a coal--fired power plant.fired power plant.Alabama Power is a subsidiaryAlabama Power is a subsidiary ofAtlantaofAtlanta--basedbasedSouthern CompanySouthern Company, one of the largest utilities in, one of the largest utilities in

the U.S., whichthe U.S., which generates 68% of its electricitygenerates 68% of its electricityfrom burning coalfrom burning coal. Also on the Top 100 list of. Also on the Top 100 list ofmercury air polluters aremercury air polluters are Georgia Power'sGeorgia Power'sMonroe, Ga. plant (No. 5)Monroe, Ga. plant (No. 5) and Alabama Power'sand Alabama Power'sGaston (No. 9) and Greene, Ala. plants (No. 81).Gaston (No. 9) and Greene, Ala. plants (No. 81).

Read more:Read more:http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmentalhttp://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental--news/latest/mercurynews/latest/mercury--pollutionpollution--

47103003#ixzz0b x UK47103003#ixzz0b x UK


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EPAsEPAs Cap and Trade PolicyCap and Trade Policy

EPA sets yearly limits on mercury emissionsEPA sets yearly limits on mercury emissions

Industry is assigned a quantity of tradable mercuryIndustry is assigned a quantity of tradable mercuryemissions certificatesemissions certificates

These are bought and sold by power companiesThese are bought and sold by power companies(bid/ask system).(bid/ask system).

Some companies over pollute and some underSome companies over pollute and some underpollutepollute

Each year the EPA reduces allowable emissionEach year the EPA reduces allowable emissionquantities leading to anquantities leading to an economic solution toeconomic solution topollutionpollution


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Nuclear EnergyNuclear Energy

Used extensively in some energyUsed extensively in some energy--

poor developed countriespoor developed countries

Little support in the UnitedS

tatesLittle support in the UnitedS

tatesEmits fewer air pollutants thanEmits fewer air pollutants than

burning coal, but createsburning coal, but creates

radioactive wastesradioactive wastesPotential for meltdownPotential for meltdown

Nuclear Changes: RadioactiveNuclear Changes: Radioactive


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Nuclear Changes: RadioactiveNuclear Changes: Radioactive

DecayDecay Natural radioactive decay: unstableNatural radioactive decay: unstable

isotopes spontaneously emit fastisotopes spontaneously emit fastmoving chunks of matter (moving chunks of matter (alphaalpha oror

beta particlesbeta particles), high), high--energy radiationenergy radiation((gamma raysgamma rays), or both at a fixed rate.), or both at a fixed rate.

Radiation is commonly used in energyRadiation is commonly used in energyproduction and medical applications.production and medical applications.

The rate of decay is expressed as aThe rate of decay is expressed as a halfhalf--lifelife (the time needed for one(the time needed for one--half of thehalf of thenuclei to decay to form a differentnuclei to decay to form a differentisotope).isotope).


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Nuclear Changes: FissionNuclear Changes: Fission

Nuclear fission:Nuclear fission:nuclei of certainnuclei of certainisotopes withisotopes withlarge masslarge massnumbers are splitnumbers are splitapart into lighterapart into lighter

nuclei whennuclei whenstruck bystruck byneutrons.neutrons.

Figure 2Figure 2--99

Ch b l A idCh b l A id 19861986


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Chernobyl AccidentChernobyl Accident -- 19861986

Core meltdown at a nuclear powerCore meltdown at a nuclear power

plant in the Ukraineplant in the Ukraine

31 immediate deaths, radiation31 immediate deaths, radiation

sickness and death for otherssickness and death for others

Cloud of radiation spread by windsCloud of radiation spread by winds

acrossEuropeacrossEurope

LongLong--term health impacts downwindterm health impacts downwind

M f Ch b l R iM f Ch b l R i


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Map ofChernobyl RegionMap ofChernobyl Region

N l P i FN l P i F


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NuclearPower in FranceNuclearPower in France

When the Civaux nuclear power plant comes on lineWhen the Civaux nuclear power plant comes on linesometime in the next 12 months, France will have 56sometime in the next 12 months, France will have 56working nuclear plants, generating 76% of her electricity.working nuclear plants, generating 76% of her electricity.(Frontline)(Frontline)

htt ://www.ic t.or /n /drzava. h ?drzava=8


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Some AlternativesSome Alternatives

S lS l H d EH d E


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SolarSolar--Hydrogen EnergyHydrogen Energy

Photovoltaic cells use sunlight energy to splitPhotovoltaic cells use sunlight energy to split

waterwater

Hydrogen gas produced in this way can beHydrogen gas produced in this way can be

used as fuel or to generate electricityused as fuel or to generate electricity

Clean, renewable technologyClean, renewable technology

F l C llF l C ll


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Fuel CellsFuel Cells


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ShSh l b S tl b S t


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ShecShec labs Systemlabs System

Mirror array focuses sunlight on aMirror array focuses sunlight on ahydrogen generator (850 C)hydrogen generator (850 C)

Waste gases (methane, COWaste gases (methane, CO22, etc) are, etc) are

heated and converted to hydrogenheated and converted to hydrogengas. Hydrogen gas (plus Ogas. Hydrogen gas (plus O22) is used) is usedto power fuel cells.to power fuel cells.

www.shec-labs.com/press/images.php

Wi d EWi d E


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Wind EnergyWind Energy

An indirect use of solar energyAn indirect use of solar energy

Wind farms are arrays ofWind farms are arrays of

turbinesturbines

Can supplement needs of someCan supplement needs of someregions but is not dependableregions but is not dependable

enough on it ownenough on it own

Giant wind turbines at Aapua,Giant wind turbines at Aapua,


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p ,p ,

SwedenSweden

http://www.xahlee.org/Whirlwheel_dir/windturbine.html

San Gorgonio Field NearPalmSan Gorgonio Field NearPalm


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gg

Springs, CASprings, CA

Overview ofWind Energy inOverview ofWind Energy in


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gygy

CaliforniaCaliforniathe year 2004, wind energy in Californiathe year 2004, wind energy in California

produced 4,258 million kilowattproduced 4,258 million kilowatt--hours ofhours ofelectricity, about 1.5 percent of the state's totalelectricity, about 1.5 percent of the state's totalelectricity.electricity.

According to the

Electric Power Research

According to the

Electric Power ResearchInstitute, the cost of producing wind energy hasInstitute, the cost of producing wind energy has

decreased nearly four fold since 1980. Thedecreased nearly four fold since 1980. Thelevelized cost of energy from wind turbines inlevelized cost of energy from wind turbines in1993 was about 7.5 cents per kilowatt/hour. With1993 was about 7.5 cents per kilowatt/hour. Withcurrent wind research and development efforts,current wind research and development efforts,the Energy Commission estimates that newerthe Energy Commission estimates that newertechnologies can reduce the cost of wind energytechnologies can reduce the cost of wind energyto 3.5 cents per kilowattto 3.5 cents per kilowatt--hour.hour.

http://www.energy.ca.gov/wind/overview.html

Electricity Costs (2003)Electricity Costs (2003)


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Electricity Costs (2003)Electricity Costs (2003)

FusionFusion


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FusionFusion

Energy is released when atomicEnergy is released when atomic

nuclei fusenuclei fuse

This process produces solar energyThis process produces solar energy

Attempts to mimic this process onAttempts to mimic this process on

Earth require use of lasers, magneticEarth require use of lasers, magnetic

fieldsfields

Not yet a commercially viable energyNot yet a commercially viable energy

sourcesource

Fusion ReactionFusion Reaction


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Fusion ReactionFusion Reaction

Note: Fusion tutorial available atNote: Fusion tutorial available atwebsite below.website below.

http://hif.lbl.gov/tutorial/tutorial.html

Changes in the World of LifeChanges in the World of Life


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Changes in the World of LifeChanges in the World of Life

Adaptations of species haveAdaptations of species have

changed the environmentchanged the environment

Photosynthetic organisms thatPhotosynthetic organisms thatarose during the Proterozoicarose during the Proterozoic

altered the atmosphere byaltered the atmosphere by

adding oxygenadding oxygen

Change is naturalChange is natural

Humans and ChangeHumans and Change


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Humans and ChangeHumans and Change

Unlike previous species, humanUnlike previous species, human

have the capacity to observe andhave the capacity to observe and

make decisions about the changesmake decisions about the changes

they bring about.they bring about.

A couple of examples of usingA couple of examples of using

misplaced resources.misplaced resources.

Gas for the GreenhouseGas for the Greenhouse


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Gas for the GreenhouseGas for the Greenhouse

"By transporting CO2 by pipeline"By transporting CO2 by pipelinefrom the Shell refineries in Pernis tofrom the Shell refineries in Pernis tothe cultivators in the Westland, thethe cultivators in the Westland, the

emission of greenhouse gas can beemission of greenhouse gas can begreatly reduced. At the same time,greatly reduced. At the same time,the farmers can save a lot of money;the farmers can save a lot of money;

there is no more need for them tothere is no more need for them toproduce their CO2 themselves".produce their CO2 themselves".

http://www.radionetherlands.nl/features/science/051107rf

OCAPWaste COOCAPWaste CO22 Used inUsed in


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22

GreenhousesGreenhouses

6 CO2 + 6H2O + sunlight C6H12O6 + 6O2

Anything Into OilAnything Into Oil


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Changing World Technologies, Inc.Changing World Technologies, Inc.

Twenty tons of slaughterhouse turkey parts, freshly

dumped by a truck, await processing into oil, gas,and minerals at the thermal conversion process plantin Carthage, Missouri. When the plant reaches fullcapacity in the fall, it will process 10 dump trucks ofleftovers, one tanker truck of blood, and one tankertruck of discarded restaurant grease every 24 hours.

Carthage, Missouri, turkey plant accumulates1.3 million gallons a day of turkey grease,guts, fat, and feathers that is stored inlagoons and sent to waste treatment facilitiesEstimated production of fuel oil,500 barrels a day.

http://www.perc.org/perc.php?id=290

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS:ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS:


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CAUSESAND CONNECTIONSCAUSESAND CONNECTIONS

The major causes ofThe major causes ofenvironmental problems are:environmental problems are:

Population growthPopulation growth

Wasteful resource useWasteful resource usePovertyPoverty

Poor environmental accountingPoor environmental accounting

Ecological ignoranceEcological ignorance


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Fig. 1-10, p. 17

Depletion ofnonrenewableresources

SOLARCAPITAL

Human Capital HumanEconomic

andCulturalSystems

Pollution and waste

Degradation ofrenewable resources

Heat

Goods and services

Natural Capital

EARTH

Natural capital degradationNatural capital degradation


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Natural capital degradationNatural capital degradation

The exponential increasing flow ofThe exponential increasing flow ofmaterial resources through the worldsmaterial resources through the worldseconomic systems depletes, degradeseconomic systems depletes, degradesand pollutes the environment.and pollutes the environment.

Figure 1Figure 1--


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Fig. 1-11, p. 17

Causes of Environmental Problems

Trying tomanage and

simplify naturewith too little

knowledgeabout

how it works

Not including theenvironmental costsof economic goodsand services in theirmarket prices

PovertyUnsustainableresource use

Populationgrowth

Solutions: Prevention vs.Solutions: Prevention vs.


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CleanupCleanup Problems with relying on cleanup:Problems with relying on cleanup:Temporary bandage without improvementsTemporary bandage without improvements

in control technology.in control technology.

Often removes a pollutant from one part ofOften removes a pollutant from one part of

the environment to cause problems inthe environment to cause problems inanother.another.

Pollutants at harmful levels can cost tooPollutants at harmful levels can cost toomuch to reduce them to acceptable levels.much to reduce them to acceptable levels.

Poverty and EnvironmentalPoverty and Environmental


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ProblemsProblems 1 of 3 children1 of 3 children

under 5,under 5,suffer fromsuffer fromsevereseveremalnutrition.malnutrition.

Figure 1Figure 1--12 and 112 and 1--


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CULTURAL CHANGES AND THECULTURAL CHANGES AND THE


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ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENT

Agricultural revolutionAgricultural revolution

Allowed people to stay in one place.Allowed people to stay in one place.

IndustrialIndustrial--medical revolutionmedical revolution

Led shift from rural villages to urbanLed shift from rural villages to urbansociety.society.

Science improved sanitation and diseaseScience improved sanitation and disease

control.control. InformationInformation--globalization revolutionglobalization revolution

Rapid access to information.Rapid access to information.


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Which singleWhich singleadvantage andadvantage and

disadvantage aredisadvantage arethe mostthe mostimportant?important?

Figure 1Figure 1--

U TAINABILITY ANDU TAINABILITY ANDENVIRONMENTALENVIRONMENTAL


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ENVIRONMENTALENVIRONMENTAL

WORLDVIEWSWORLDVIEWS Technological optimists:Technological optimists:suggest that human ingenuity will keep thesuggest that human ingenuity will keep the

environment sustainable.environment sustainable.

Environmental pessimists:Environmental pessimists:overstate the problems where ouroverstate the problems where our

environmental situation seems hopeless.environmental situation seems hopeless.

Four Scientific Principles ofFour Scientific Principles of


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Sustainability: Copy NatureSustainability: Copy Nature

Reliance on SolarReliance on SolarEnergyEnergy

BiodiversityBiodiversity

PopulationPopulationControlControl

NutrientNutrientRecyclingRecycling

Figure 1Figure 1--

Aldo Leopolds EnvironmentalAldo Leopolds Environmental


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EthicsEthics

Individuals matter.Individuals matter.

land is to be land is to beloved andloved and

respected is anrespected is anextension of ethics.extension of ethics.

We abuse landWe abuse land

because we regardbecause we regardit as a commodityit as a commodity

Figure 1Figure 1--AA

Implications of the Four ScientificImplications of the Four Scientific

Principles of SustainabilityPrinciples of Sustainability


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Principles ofSustainabilityPrinciples ofSustainability

Figures 1Figures 1--17 and17 and

Solutions

Principles of Sustainability

How Nature Works Lessons for Us


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Fig. 1-17, p. 25

Reduce human birthsand wasteful resourceuse to preventenvironmental overloadand depletion anddegradation ofresources.

Controls a speciespopulation size andresource use byinteractions with itsenvironment andother species.

Runs on renewable

solar energy.

Rely mostly on

renewable solarenergy.Recycles nutrientsand wastes. Thereis little waste innature.

Uses biodiversity tomaintain itself andadapt to newenviron-mental conditions.

Prevent and reducepollution and recycleand reuse resources.

Preserve biodiversityby protectingecosystem services andhabitatsand preventingpremature extinction ofspecies.

How Nature Works Lessons for Us


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Fig. 1-18, p. 25

The Three RsThe Three Rs


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The Three R sThe Three R s

Individuals matter!Individuals matter!

ReduceReduce

ReuseReuse

RecycleRecycle

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