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30 views

class notes

Uploaded by

Corina Neacsu
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Class Notes: Introduction to Environmental Science

What is Environmental Science?

 Definition: The study of how natural and human systems interact, focusing on
solving environmental problems.
 Interdisciplinary field combining biology, chemistry, geology, physics, sociology, and
economics.

Key Concepts in Environmental Science

1. Ecosystem
o A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.
o Components:
 Biotic factors: Plants, animals, microorganisms.
 Abiotic factors: Water, air, soil, temperature.

2. Sustainability
o Meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations
to meet theirs.
o Three pillars: Environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

3. Biodiversity
o The variety of life forms within a given ecosystem or on Earth.
o Importance: Provides ecosystem services (e.g., pollination, water
purification).

Major Environmental Issues

1. Climate Change
o Causes: Greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, deforestation.
o Effects: Rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, extreme weather
events.

2. Deforestation
o Loss of forests due to logging, agriculture, and urbanization.
o Impacts: Loss of biodiversity, disruption of carbon and water cycles.

3. Pollution
o Types: Air, water, soil, and noise pollution.
o Sources: Industrial emissions, plastic waste, agricultural runoff.
o Consequences: Health hazards, ecosystem damage, reduced quality of life.

4. Overpopulation
o Rapid population growth leads to resource depletion.
o Issues: Strain on water, food, and energy supplies.
Natural Resources

1. Renewable Resources
o Resources that can be replenished naturally over time.
o Examples: Solar energy, wind, freshwater.

2. Non-renewable Resources
o Finite resources that do not regenerate on a human timescale.
o Examples: Fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas), minerals.

Approaches to Environmental Management

1. Conservation
o Protecting and restoring natural ecosystems.
o Example: National parks and wildlife reserves.

2. Sustainable Practices
o Examples: Renewable energy use, sustainable agriculture, water
conservation.

3. Environmental Policies
o Legislation to regulate human impact on the environment.
o Example: Clean Air Act, Paris Agreement.

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