Introduction to

Environmental Science

Triplet A, B, C

Perlowski/ Bronico

Unit1

We’re gonna have fun in unit 1

What is Environmental Science ?

• It studies the impact of humans on the environment

• The goal is to understand & solve environmental problems

• Focus of Environmental Science• How do we use natural recourses, such as water

and plants.• How do our actions alter the environment?

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary science

• What does that mean? Interdisciplinary Science

Includes Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, Social Sciences Life Sciences etc.

A Closer look at the Science Disciplines

Biology

ZoologyStudy

of animals

Botany

Study of

plants

Microbiology

Studyof

microorganisms

EcologyHow

organisms interact

with their environment

Earth Science

Geology Paleontology Climatology Hydrology

Chemistry

Biochemistry Geochemistry

Social Science

Geography Anthropology Sociology

Physics

Engineering

How our Environment Changes through time

• Hunter & Gatherers• Agricultural Revolution

• Industrial Revolution• Spaceship Earth

What are the main Environmental Problems?

• Resource depletion• Pollution

• Loss of Biodivesity

What is the Tragedy of the commons?????

• Anyone• Anyone• Bueller• Main Point: Someone or some specific

group must take responsibility for maintaining a resource----If not the resource becomes overused and depleted.

Major Fields that contribute to Environmental Science…

Ecology

Chemistry

GeologyBotany

Zoology

Environmental Science

Tragedy of the Commons

• “Tragedy of the Commons”----Described by Garrett Hardin

• Addressed the question, “How do we decide how to share common resources.

• Conflict between short term interest of individuals and long term welfare of society

• “Commons”—are overosed/overgrazed if not protected

What situations lead to the tragedy of the commons?

• Common limited resource• Lack of communication between users• Short term attachment to the resource.• No agreement upon tragedy of resource use.

What are the solutions to a tragedy of the commons situation?• Communication between users• Education about resource use and the

dangers of the “tragedy”• Partnership between users ( work with

others)• Privatization of the resource• Long term Thinking• Government Laws and regulations

Physical and Topographic maps

Words to know!!!!!

• Topography- the shape of the land surface

High points---Hills, Mountains, ridges

Low Points---Streams, river, Valley bottom

Physical Map - depicts land elevation using color

Elevation- Height

More words to know

• Topographic map-shows