GEE 001 REVIEWER (PRELIMS TO FINALS)

IMPORTANT TERMS AND CASE STUDY HIGHLIGHTS

PRELIMS

MODULE 1 - Environmental Problems, Their Causes and Sustainability

• Pollution: Contamination of the environment by harmful substances or pollutants, which
can include chemicals, noise, and heat.
• Point Sources: Single, identifiable origins of pollution, such as smokestacks or discharge
pipes, that can be directly monitored and regulated.
• Nonpoint Sources: Dispersed and difficult to identify sources of pollution, such as runoff
from agricultural fields or urban areas, which contribute to environmental degradation.
• Pollution Cleanup: The process of removing or reducing pollutants from the environment
after they have been produced, often involving methods like dilution or treatment.
• Pollution Prevention: Strategies aimed at reducing or eliminating the production of
pollutants before they occur, focusing on sustainable practices and resource efficiency.
• Natural Capital: The world's stocks of natural assets, including geology, soil, air, water,
and all living things, which provide ecosystem services and resources that benefit humans.
• Degradation: The deterioration of the environment through the depletion of resources,
destruction of ecosystems, and pollution, often resulting from human activities.
• Ecological Footprint: A measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems, representing
the amount of land and water area required to produce the resources consumed and to
absorb the waste generated.
• Biomimicry: The design and production of materials, structures, and systems inspired by
the natural models and processes found in nature, aimed at solving human challenges
sustainably.

Case Study:
“The Greening of American Campuses”

• Colleges and universities have embraced environmental awareness, implementing

sustainable infrastructure like solar-powered buildings, geothermal systems, and
waste recycling programs.
• Institutions integrate sustainability into curricula, such as Berea College’s Ecovillage
and courses on sustainable communities, and hands-on research opportunities like
Pfeiffer University’s fieldwork in Madagascar.
 • These efforts aim to educate students to lead sustainable initiatives, fostering
societal and economic resilience for the future.

MODULE 2 - Ecosystem: What are they and How do they do work?

Term Definition

Atmosphere The layer of gases surrounding the earth.

Biosphere The part of the Earth where life exists.

Chemical Cycling The principle that natural processes transfer nutrients and energy between
Principle of Sustainability different parts of the environment to support life.

A group of different species living in a particular area and interacting with

Community each other.

Consumers Organisms that obtain energy by eating producers or other consumers.

Organisms that break down dead organisms and waste products,

Decomposers releasing nutrients back into the environment.

Ecosystem A community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

The study of how organisms interact with each other and their
Ecology environment.

Energy Flow The transfer of energy from one organism to another through food webs.

A sequence of organisms in which each organism serves as food for the

Food Chain next.

Food Web A network of interconnected food chains.

Geosphere Earth's solid, nonliving, rocky outer layer.

Term Definition

The warming of the Earth's surface caused by gases in the atmosphere

Greenhouse Effect that trap heat.

Gross Primary The rate at which producers convert solar energy into chemical energy in
Productivity (GPP) the form of organic compounds.

Herbivores Consumers that eat plants.

Consumers; organisms that must obtain energy and nutrients by eating

Heterotrophs other organisms.

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of
Hydrologic Cycle the Earth.

Hydrosphere The part of the Earth that contains all of the water.

Natural Capital The natural resources and services that support life on Earth.

Net Primary Productivity

(NPP) The amount of energy available to consumers in an ecosystem.

Organisms Any living thing.

Producers Organisms that make their own food through photosynthesis.

Solar Energy Energy from the sun.

The ability of the Earth's natural systems to survive and thrive over long
Sustainability periods.

Trophic Level The position of an organism in a food chain or food web.

Case Study:
“Tropical Rain Forests Are Disappearing”
 • Though covering only 2% of Earth's land, they host up to half of all terrestrial species,
making them vital for biodiversity and ecosystem studies.
• Deforestation for agriculture, grazing, and settlements has destroyed half of these
forests, reducing biodiversity, accelerating climate change, and altering weather
patterns.
• Continued deforestation risks converting rain forests into less diverse grasslands,
making restoration nearly impossible and causing irreversible ecological damage.

MODULE 3 - Biodiversity and Evolution

• Species Diversity: Number and variety of species in a community.
• Genetic Diversity: Variety of genes within a population or species.
• Ecosystem Diversity: Variation of ecosystems including deserts, forests, and oceans.
• Native Species: Thrive in their specific ecosystems without human intervention.
• Nonnative Species: Introduced species that can outcompete natives.
• Keystone Species: Species that have a significant impact on their ecosystem.
• Indicator Species: Sensitive to ecosystem changes, used as early warnings for
environmental shifts.
• Natural Selection: Process by which traits become more or less common due to their
impact on survival and reproduction.
• Speciation: The process by which new species arise through the splitting of one species
into multiple.
• Biological Extinction: When a species ceases to exist.

Case Study:
“Why are Amphibians Vanishing?”

• Amphibians, once highly adaptable, are now struggling to survive due to rapid habitat
changes, pollution, and exposure to pesticides, with 41% of species threatened with
extinction.
• Amphibians are key biological indicators of environmental health and play crucial roles in
ecosystems, such as controlling insect populations and supporting food webs.
• Amphibians are a source of compounds used in medicines, highlighting their value beyond
ecosystems and stressing the need for their conservation.

MODULE 4 - Species Interactions, Ecological Successions, and Population Control

1. Interspecific Competition: When different species compete for the same limited
resources such as food, shelter, or space.
 2. Predation: An interaction where one species (predator) feeds on another species (prey),
affecting population sizes.
3. Parasitism: A relationship where one species (parasite) lives on or inside another
organism (host) and feeds on it without immediately killing it.
4. Mutualism: An interaction where both species benefit, such as bees pollinating flowers.
5. Commensalism: A relationship where one species benefits and the other is neither
harmed nor helped (e.g., air plants on trees).
6. Ecological Succession: The natural, gradual change in species composition in a specific
area over time.
7. Primary Succession: The establishment of biotic communities in lifeless areas without
soil (e.g., after a volcanic eruption).
8. Secondary Succession: The reestablishment of biotic communities in areas where soil
remains (e.g., after a forest fire).
9. Carrying Capacity: The maximum population size that a habitat can support indefinitely.
10. r-Selected Species: Species with high reproduction rates, short lifespans, and minimal
parental care (e.g., insects).
11. k-Selected Species: Species that reproduce later in life, have fewer offspring, and invest
heavily in parental care (e.g., elephants).
12. Population Crash: A sharp decline in population size when a species exceeds its carrying
capacity.
13. Coevolution: The process where interacting species influence each other's evolution over
time.
14. Density-Dependent Factors: Factors whose effects on population size increase as
population density increases (e.g., disease, competition).
15. Density-Independent Factors: Factors that affect population size regardless of density
(e.g., weather, natural disasters).

Case Studies:
1. Core Case Study: The Southern Sea Otter – A Species in Recovery
o Southern sea otters, once near extinction, are important keystone species in their
ecosystems.
o Their loss disrupts biodiversity, particularly in kelp forests where they control sea
urchin populations.
o Conservation efforts have increased their population but challenges like pollution
and habitat loss remain.
 2. Coevolution of Predators and Prey
o Predators and prey influence each other's adaptations over time (e.g., faster prey
and stealthier predators).
o This dynamic helps regulate populations and maintain ecosystem balance.
3. Ecological Succession
o Primary Succession: Takes place in areas like lava flows or glacier retreats where
there’s no soil.
o Secondary Succession: Occurs in disturbed areas with remaining soil, such as
abandoned farmland.
o Both processes enhance biodiversity and ecosystem resilience over time.
4. Population Controls in Human History
o Events like the 1845 Irish potato famine and the 14th-century plague demonstrate
natural population controls.
o Advances in technology and agriculture have temporarily raised human carrying
capacity, but limits still exist.
5. Additional Case Study: The Giant Sequoia – An Uncertain Future
o Giant sequoias, old-growth forest species, face threats from climate change and
competition for light.
o They are k-selected species, requiring specific conditions for reproduction and
survival.
o Moisture and temperature changes are critical limiting factors affecting their growth
and long-term survival.

MODULE 5 - The Human Population and Urbanization

1. Fertility Rate:
The average number of children born to women in a population during their reproductive
years.
2. Life Expectancy:
The average number of years a person may expect to live based on current health and
social conditions.
3. Infant Mortality Rate:
The number of babies out of every 1,000 born who die before their first birthday.
4. Urban Sprawl:
The spreading of cities into surrounding rural areas, often characterized by low-density
residential development.
 5. Demographic Transition:
A model showing how population growth slows as countries develop economically,
typically occurring in four stages (preindustrial, transitional, industrial, postindustrial).
6. Smart Growth:
Policies and tools that promote environmentally sustainable urban development,
including zoning laws, urban planning, and reduced ecological footprints.
7. Eco-Cities:
Cities designed for environmental sustainability with features like low-polluting mass
transit, urban greenery, and renewable energy sources.
8. Environmental Refugees:
People forced to migrate due to environmental conditions like famine, drought, soil
erosion, or other ecological disasters.
9. Age Structure:
The distribution of people in a population across different age categories (young, middle,
old), which affects population growth and societal needs.
10. Urbanization:
The process of people moving from rural areas to cities, often in search of better jobs,
education, and living conditions.

Case Studies:
1. Portland, Oregon – A Quest for Urban Sustainability:
o Portland's land use policies have slowed population growth, reduced dependence
on cars, and preserved green spaces.
o Mixed-use neighborhoods encourage walking and reduce the ecological footprint
of urban areas.
2. Aging Populations and Economic Challenges:
o Japan has the highest percentage of people over 65, leading to fewer workers and
economic difficulties.
o Aging populations increase the burden on younger generations to support retirees
through taxes and labor.
3. Urban Sprawl – Environmental and Social Costs:
o Sprawl replaces farmland with malls and parking lots, leading to habitat loss,
increased car dependency, and pollution.
o Causes strain on natural resources and infrastructure.
4. Smart Growth in California, Maryland, Colorado, and Florida:
 o These states implement smart growth principles to preserve natural areas,
promote mixed land use, and improve transportation options.
o Encourages sustainable development while maintaining economic
competitiveness.
5. Eco-Cities and Sustainability:
o Examples like Portland (USA), Bogota (Colombia), and Melbourne (Australia)
show that cities can balance development with sustainability by using renewable
energy, sourcing food locally, and prioritizing mass transit.

MIDTERMS

MODULE 6 - Climate and Biodiversity

1. Coral Reefs:
o Mutualism between tiny polyps and algae (zooxanthellae).
o Threatened by soil runoff, temperature changes, and acidic waters.
2. Weather vs. Climate:
o Weather: Short-term atmospheric changes (e.g., daily precipitation, wind).
o Climate: Long-term patterns of atmospheric conditions over centuries.
3. ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation):
o Weakening of tropical Pacific winds, altering global weather for 1–2 years.
4. Greenhouse Effect:
o Warming of the atmosphere by greenhouse gases trapping solar radiation.
5. Rain Shadow Effect:
o Dry conditions on the leeward side of mountains due to wind barriers.
6. Biomes:
o Large ecological areas with specific climate and biodiversity (e.g., deserts, forests,
grasslands).
7. Aquatic Life Zones:
o Marine: Oceans, estuaries, coral reefs.
o Freshwater: Lakes, rivers, wetlands.
8. Cultural Eutrophication:
 o Pollution-driven nutrient overloading in freshwater bodies leading to ecological
imbalance.
9. Watershed:
o Area supplying water, sediments, and nutrients to a water system.
10. Reef Balls:
o Artificial structures to restore coral reef ecosystems and enhance biodiversity.

Case Studies:
1. Core Case Study: Coral Reefs:
o Highlight: Coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots, vital for marine life.
o Main Idea: Climate change and human activities (e.g., pollution) threaten reefs.
o Importance: Centers of biodiversity, supporting fisheries and coastal protection.
2. Case Study: Reef Balls:
o Highlight: Innovative solution for reef restoration.
o Main Idea: Artificial reef structures (reef balls) restore marine biodiversity globally.
o Questions:
▪ Why are reef balls necessary?
▪ Can they be applied beyond coral reefs?
▪ How can individuals participate in reef restoration?
3. Human Impacts on Ecosystems:
o Marine: Pollution and habitat destruction damage coastal and ocean systems.
o Freshwater: Dams, canals, pollution, and draining wetlands disrupt natural
systems.
4. Earth's Surface and Climate:
o Features like mountains and cities create local climate variations (microclimates).
o Oceans and air patterns distribute heat unevenly, influencing global climates.

MODULE 7 - Sustaining Biodiversity - Saving Species and The Ecosystem Services

1. Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD): The massive decline in honeybee populations since
2006, posing threats to food supply due to reduced pollination.
2. Biological Extinction: When a species is no longer found anywhere on Earth.
 3. Mass Extinction: The rapid extinction of a large number of species in a short geological
period.
4. Endangered Species: Species with so few individuals that they could soon become
extinct.
5. Threatened Species: Species that are not immediately endangered but are likely to
become so in the near future.
6. Background Extinction Rate: The natural rate of species extinction, currently
accelerated 100-1,000 times due to human activity.
7. HIPPCO: An acronym for major causes of species extinction:
o Habitat destruction
o Invasive species
o Population growth
o Pollution
o Climate change
o Overexploitation
8. Habitat Fragmentation: Division of large, continuous habitats into smaller, isolated
patches, often due to human activity.
9. Nonnative Species: Species introduced, either intentionally or accidentally, to an
ecosystem where they are not native.
10. Keystone Species: Species essential for maintaining the structure and function of an
ecosystem.

Case Studies:
Core Case Study: Honeybees
• Key Idea: Honeybees are critical pollinators but face extinction due to CCD. Their decline
threatens food security and highlights the need for sustainable ecological practices.
Projected Extinction Rates
• Key Idea: Current extinction rates are 1,000 to 10,000 species per year, with habitat loss
and climate change as primary causes. Up to 50% of species may be extinct by the 21st
century’s end.
Orangutans and Habitat Destruction
• Key Idea: Orangutans are nearing extinction due to deforestation and illegal wildlife trade.
This reflects the broader issue of species dependence on threatened habitats.
Asian Carp Invasion
 • Key Idea: Asian carp, introduced to control pond ecosystems, has spread uncontrollably,
threatening native fish species in the Mississippi River. Scientists are exploring measures
to prevent further ecological damage.

MODULE 8 - Sustaining Biodiversity - Saving Ecosystems and The Ecosystem Services

Forest Ecosystems
1. Old Growth Forests: Forests undisturbed for over 200 years, rich in biodiversity.
2. Second Growth Forests: Forests regenerating naturally after primary forests have been
disturbed.
3. Tree Plantations: Managed forests of one or two species, grown for economic purposes.
4. Selective Cutting: Harvesting only mature trees in small groups to preserve the
ecosystem.
5. Clear Cutting: Removing all trees in an area, causing significant ecological damage.
6. Strip Cutting: Trees removed in strips to minimize environmental impact.
7. Deforestation: Large-scale removal of forests, often leading to habitat loss and
biodiversity decline.

Grasslands
8. Rangelands: Open, unfenced grasslands used for grazing livestock.
9. Overgrazing: Occurs when livestock deplete grass cover, causing erosion and soil
degradation.
10. Rotational Grazing: Managing livestock movement to avoid overgrazing.

Biodiversity Conservation
11. Nature Reserves: Protected areas established to preserve biodiversity.
12. Buffer Zones: Areas surrounding nature reserves to minimize human impact.
13. Wilderness Areas: Regions designated to remain untouched to protect biodiversity and
evolution.

Ecosystem Restoration
14. Ecological Restoration: Returning degraded ecosystems to their natural state.
15. Reconciliation Ecology: Integrating biodiversity conservation into human-modified
landscapes.

Case Studies:
1. Costa Rican Tropical Forests
• Key Idea: Costa Rica preserves biodiversity by:
o Establishing protected reserves covering 25% of its land.
o Promoting ecotourism and sustainable forestry.
• Threats: Unsustainable cutting, burning, and climate change.
2. Tropical Forest Disappearance
• Key Idea: Tropical forests, housing half of the world's species, are vanishing due to:
o Agriculture (e.g., palm oil plantations in Southeast Asia).
o Logging and cattle ranching (South America).
o Firewood collection (Africa).
• Main Solutions:
o Promote the economic value of ecosystem services.
o Reduce subsidies for deforestation.
o Protect old-growth forests and replant new ones.
3. Channel Islands Restoration
• Key Idea: The introduction of feral pigs and nonnative species disrupted the ecosystem,
nearly driving the island fox to extinction.
• Outcome: Restoration efforts included removing invasive species, reintroducing native
animals, and stabilizing food webs.
4. Managing Grasslands
• Key Idea: Overgrazing damages grasslands, causing soil erosion and invasive species
growth.
• Solutions:
o Use rotational grazing.
o Fence off damaged areas.
o Control invasive species through mechanical removal or controlled burns.
5. Biodiversity Hotspots
 • Key Idea: Hotspots occupy only 2% of the Earth's surface but contain most species.
Protecting these areas is vital for global biodiversity.

MODULE 9 - Food Production and The Environment

Food Security and Nutrition

1. Food Security: Access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for a healthy life.
2. Food Insecurity: Chronic hunger and poor nutrition due to poverty, war, or environmental
factors.
3. Malnutrition: Diet deficiencies in calories, protein, or essential nutrients like vitamin A,
iron, and iodine.
4. Food Deserts: Urban areas with limited access to fresh, nutritious food, leading to
unhealthy diets.

Agriculture Types
5. Industrialized Agriculture: High-input farming using synthetic chemicals, monoculture
practices, and fossil fuels.
6. Traditional Agriculture: Low-input farming using solar energy, human labor, and
polyculture methods.
7. Organic Agriculture: Farming without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetic
engineering.

Environmental Impact of Food Production

8. Topsoil Erosion: Loss of the fertile upper soil layer due to water, wind, and human
activities like farming.
9. Desertification: Degradation of fertile land into desert-like conditions due to overuse and
climate change.
10. Soil Salinization: Accumulation of salts in soil due to irrigation, reducing agricultural
productivity.
11. Agrobiodiversity: Genetic variety of crops and livestock, which decreases with
monoculture practices.

Food Production Techniques

 12. Green Revolution: Agricultural innovations like monocultures, synthetic fertilizers, and
irrigation to increase food yields.
13. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Crops engineered for traits like pest
resistance or drought tolerance.
14. Aquaculture: Farming of fish and other aquatic organisms, the fastest-growing food
production method.

Pest Management
15. Synthetic Pesticides: Chemicals used to kill pests, with both advantages (increased
yields) and disadvantages (pollution, resistance).
16. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Combining biological, physical, and chemical
methods to manage pests sustainably.

Sustainable Practices
17. Vertical Farming: Growing food in stacked layers or urban spaces, often using
aquaponics and aeroponics.
18. Agroforestry: Planting crops alongside trees to improve soil fertility and reduce erosion.
19. Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA): A system where consumers support local
farms by purchasing shares of their harvest.

Case Studies:
1. Growing Power: An Urban Food Oasis
• Key Idea: This ecologically based farm integrates solar energy and sustainable practices
to grow organic food and raise animals. It demonstrates the principles of sustainability.
2. Environmental Problems from Food Production
• Main Issues:
o Agriculture accounts for 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 60% of
water pollution.
o Soil erosion and salinization threaten agricultural productivity.
o Loss of agrobiodiversity due to monocultures reduces resilience to pests and
climate change.
3. Vertical Farming in Chicago
 • Key Idea: Vertical farming uses aquaponics and aeroponics to grow local produce year-
round, recycling water and eliminating pesticides. This approach is sustainable and ideal
for urban areas.
4. Sustainable Food Solutions
• Main Ideas:
o Soil conservation techniques like terracing and cover crops prevent erosion.
o Switching to organic fertilizers restores soil fertility.
o Reducing meat consumption and prioritizing grain-efficient species helps
sustainability.

MODULE 10 - Water Resources and Water Pollution

1. Aquifer: Underground layer of rock that holds and allows the flow of groundwater.
2. Zone of Saturation: The subsurface zone where spaces in soil and rock are completely
filled with water.
3. Water Table: The upper level of the zone of saturation, fluctuating based on weather and
water usage.
4. Surface Water: Freshwater from precipitation and snowmelt stored on the surface (e.g.,
rivers, lakes).
5. Virtual Water: The water embedded in the production of food and goods.
6. Water Scarcity: A condition caused by climate, drought, and overuse exceeding
replenishment rates.
7. Cultural Eutrophication: Nutrient enrichment of water bodies leading to oxygen depletion
and death of aquatic life.
8. Point Source Pollution: Pollution from specific, identifiable sources.
9. Non-point Source Pollution: Pollution from dispersed, difficult-to-identify sources.
10. Desalination: Process of removing salts from seawater to make it usable (expensive and
energy-intensive).
11. Primary Sewage Treatment: Mechanical removal of large particles from wastewater.
12. Secondary Sewage Treatment: Biological breakdown of organic waste in wastewater.
13. Hydrologic Cycle: The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's
surface.
14. Gray Water: Recycled water from sinks, showers, and laundry used for irrigation and other
non-potable uses.
Case Studies:
The Colorado River Basin
• Challenge: Overuse leads to insufficient water supply for its dependent regions.
• Key Insight: Population growth and inefficient water use exacerbate stress on this
resource.
NYC Drinking Water
• Source: Unfiltered water from the Lower Hudson watershed, utilizing natural purification.
• Key Insight: Effective management of source water prevents contamination, providing
clean water to millions.
Stream and Lake Pollution
• Problem: Streams can self-cleanse, but overloading with pollutants or reduced flow from
human activity impairs this ability.
• Lakes: Stratified, making self-cleansing ineffective; nutrient overload leads to algal blooms
and "dead zones."
Groundwater Pollution
• Issue: Groundwater has low oxygen levels, reducing its capacity to self-cleanse
pollutants.
• Solution: Prevent contamination, as natural recovery is extremely slow.
Efficient Water Use and Conservation
• Agriculture: Drip irrigation reduces water loss.
• Domestic: Low-flow fixtures and gray water systems.
• Industry: Recycling and purifying used water.
Ocean Pollution
• Sources: Land-based waste contributes 80% of marine pollution.
• Impact: Degradable pollutants are better handled in deep ocean zones to mitigate surface
impact.

FINALS

MODULE 11 - Energy Resources

1. Net Energy Yield: The total energy produced from a resource minus the energy used to
produce it.
 2. Fossil Fuels: Nonrenewable energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas formed from
decayed organic material.
3. Crude Oil: Liquid petroleum formed under high pressure from decayed organic materials;
requires refining.
4. Natural Gas: A fossil fuel primarily consisting of methane, used for cooking, heating, and
industrial purposes.
5. Coal: The dirtiest fossil fuel, formed from organic matter exposed to heat and pressure
over millions of years.
6. Shale Oil: Oil embedded within rock layers; extraction has low net energy yield and high
environmental cost.
7. Tar Sands/Oil Sands: A mixture of clay, sand, water, and bitumen; also environmentally
harmful with low net energy.
8. Nuclear Fission: Splitting of heavy atomic nuclei to release energy, used in nuclear
reactors.
9. Nuclear Fusion: Combining light atomic nuclei at high temperatures to release energy;
not yet viable.
10. Energy Efficiency: The ratio of useful work obtained from energy versus the energy
expended.
11. Cogeneration: Using waste heat from energy production for additional purposes like
heating.
12. Solar Energy: Energy harnessed from the sun; can be passive (heat absorption) or active
(solar collectors).
13. Hydropower: Generating electricity from the kinetic energy of flowing or falling water.
14. Wind Power: Energy generated by turbines using wind; a clean and renewable energy
source.
15. Geothermal Energy: Heat from the Earth's interior used for heating or electricity
production.
16. Biofuels: Fuels derived from organic materials like plants or waste; examples include
ethanol and biodiesel.
17. The Bloom Box: A fuel cell technology using natural gas and innovative materials to
generate clean energy.

Case Studies:
Wind Power in the U.S.
• Potential: U.S. wind farms can generate more than 40 times the current electricity
demand.
 • Key Insight: Offshore wind farms, particularly along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, could
replace all U.S. coal-fired plants.
Fossil Fuels and Their Impact
• Environmental Degradation: Coal and oil contribute significantly to air pollution and
greenhouse gas emissions.
• Future: Fossil fuels are abundant but unsustainable; renewable energy must replace them
gradually.
Nuclear Power
• Advantages: Low greenhouse gas emissions and accident risks under proper conditions.
• Challenges: Long-lived radioactive waste and low net energy yield limit its feasibility.
The Bloom Box
• Technology: A fuel cell that uses natural gas to generate electricity without carbon
emissions.
• Current Use: Adopted by major corporations like Google and FedEx; potential for
residential applications.
Transition to Renewable Energy
• Barriers: Subsidies favor fossil fuels, and transitioning takes decades.
• Steps Forward: Focus on improving energy efficiency and integrating renewable sources
like solar and wind.

MODULE 12 - Environmental Hazards and Human Health

1. Risk: Probability of harm from a hazard that can cause injury, disease, or death.
2. Risk Assessment: Statistical estimation of harm from a hazard.
3. Risk Management: Decisions to reduce hazards, weighing benefits and costs.
4. Biological Hazards: Pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites causing diseases.
5. Chemical Hazards: Harmful chemicals in air, water, food, or products.
6. Toxic Chemical: A substance causing temporary or permanent harm or death.
o Carcinogens: Cause cancer (e.g., certain chemicals, radiation).
o Mutagens: Cause genetic mutations.
o Teratogens: Harm or cause birth defects in embryos or fetuses.
7. Neurotoxins: Chemicals damaging the nervous system, leading to behavioral changes or
paralysis.
 8. Endocrine Disruptors: Chemicals interfering with hormonal systems, e.g., hormone
mimics or blockers.
9. Epidemic: Local outbreak of infectious disease.
10. Pandemic: Global outbreak of infectious disease.
11. Ecological Medicine: Studies links between human health and ecosystem changes.
12. Dose: Quantity of a chemical ingested, inhaled, or absorbed.
13. Persistence: A chemical's resistance to breakdown in the environment.
14. Precautionary Principle: Preventive action to reduce risks from suspected hazards.

Case Studies:
Mercury’s Toxic Effects
• Source: Naturally emitted from volcanoes, soil, and rocks; also used in gold extraction.
• Hazard: Bioaccumulates in food webs; humans exposed via fish consumption and
inhalation.
• Insight: Local mercury levels can indicate broader ecological and health risks.
Infectious Diseases
• Types:
o Transmissible: Spread person-to-person (e.g., HIV, flu).
o Non-transmissible: Not passed between organisms (e.g., heart disease).
• Pandemics: Highlight global interconnectedness in disease spread.
• Prevention: Vaccinations, improved sanitation, and oral rehydration therapy.
Chemical Hazards
• Impact on Health:
o Immune System: Weakens defense mechanisms.
o Nervous System: Leads to cognitive and physical impairments.
o Endocrine System: Mimics or blocks hormones, disrupting growth, reproduction,
and metabolism.
• Prevention: Avoid exposure to known disruptors like phthalates in plastics.
Evaluating Risks
• Methods:
o Laboratory tests on animals.
 o Epidemiological studies comparing exposed and unexposed groups.
• Limitations:
o Incomplete testing (e.g., only 10% of synthetic chemicals tested).
o Difficulty isolating effects due to multiple chemical exposures.
VOC-Free Paint
• Problem: Traditional paints release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), causing
respiratory issues and systemic harm.
• Solution: VOC-free paints maintain performance while reducing health risks and aligning
with sustainability principles.

MODULE 13 - Air Pollution, Climate Change, and Ozone Depletion

1. Atmospheric Warming
Gradual rise in the Earth's surface temperature due to human activity, contributing to
glacier melting and climate change.
2. Troposphere
Lowest layer of the atmosphere containing air we breathe, primarily composed of
nitrogen, oxygen, and greenhouse gases.
3. Stratosphere
Atmospheric layer above the troposphere, containing the protective ozone layer.
4. Air Pollution
Presence of chemicals in the atmosphere harmful to organisms and ecosystems.
o Primary Pollutants: Emitted directly (e.g., CO, SO2).
o Secondary Pollutants: Formed through reactions in the atmosphere (e.g.,
smog).
5. Industrial Smog
Mixture of sulfur dioxide, sulfuric acid, and particulates, prevalent in industrialized
regions.
6. Photochemical Smog
Reaction of sunlight with pollutants, common in urban areas with heavy vehicle use.
7. Acid Deposition
Acidic particles or precipitation resulting from pollutants; harms ecosystems, buildings,
and human health.
8. Greenhouse Effect
Trapping of heat in the atmosphere due to greenhouse gases, essential for life but
exacerbated by human activities.
 9. Climate Change
Long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, accelerated by human actions
since the Industrial Revolution.
10. Ozone Depletion
Thinning of the ozone layer caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), allowing harmful UV
radiation to reach Earth.

Case Studies:
1. Melting Ice in Greenland
o Greenland’s glaciers are melting due to atmospheric warming.
o Consequences include rising sea levels and ecosystem disruptions.
2. Solar Cooking in India
o Initiative to reduce indoor air pollution by promoting solar cookers in schools.
o Benefits: Uses renewable energy, prevents deforestation, and improves air
quality.
o Challenges: Cultural adaptation and usability issues.

MODULE 14 - Solid and Hazardous Waste

1. E-Waste
Discarded electronics like cell phones, laptops, and TVs, often exposing workers to toxic
substances such as lead and mercury.
2. Solid Waste
Materials discarded by homes, offices, and industries, contributing to pollution when not
properly managed or recycled.
3. Hazardous Waste
Waste that is toxic, chemically reactive, flammable, or corrosive (e.g., industrial solvents,
car batteries, and medical waste).
4. Waste Management
Methods to control waste to reduce environmental harm, including landfilling,
incineration, and exportation.
5. Waste Reduction
Practices like reusing, recycling, and composting to minimize waste production.
6. 4 Rs of Waste Prevention
o Refuse: Avoid unnecessary items.
o Reduce: Minimize usage.
 o Reuse: Extend the lifecycle of products.
o Recycle: Convert waste into new products.
7. Composting
Biological decomposition of organic waste (e.g., food scraps) to enrich soil and reduce
landfill use.
8. Sanitary Landfill
A waste disposal method where solid waste is compacted and covered daily to minimize
leakage, odor, and fire risks.
9. Phytoremediation
The use of plants to absorb, filter, and remove contaminants from soil or water.
10. Plasma Gasification
A process using high heat to vaporize trash, producing synthetic fuel and reducing
hazardous waste to stable forms.
11. Deep-Well Disposal
Injection of liquid hazardous waste into porous rock formations beneath aquifers, though
it risks contamination.
12. Stockholm Convention
International treaty regulating persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like DDT and PCBs.
13. Basel Convention
Treaty that bans the transfer of hazardous waste between countries without consent,
though not ratified by all.

Case Studies:
1. Core Case Study: Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
o Discusses challenges in managing discarded electronics, highlighting how e-waste
recycling exposes workers to toxins.
o EU policies on e-waste prioritize safe recycling, unlike the U.S., which permits
exportation.
2. Additional Case Study: How Europe Deals with the 4 Rs
o Stena, a Scandinavian recycling company, demonstrates effective waste
management by converting waste into economic resources.
o Uses the Climate Wheel tool to show CO2 savings from recycling various items,
emphasizing sustainability.

MODULE 15 - Environmental Laws and Regulations

1. Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)
A document required for projects to proceed, ensuring compliance with environmental
laws.
2. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System
Framework governing the environmental review process for projects in the Philippines,
categorizing projects based on their environmental impact:
o Category A: Critical projects with significant environmental impacts.
o Category B: Projects in environmentally critical areas.
o Category C/D: Projects with minimal or no significant impact.
3. Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA 8749)
A policy for air quality management addressing mobile, stationary, and area pollution
sources.
4. Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA 9275)
Legislation for water quality management, targeting pollution from land-based sources.
5. Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003)
Establishes measures to minimize solid waste through recycling, resource recovery, and
proper disposal.
6. Toxic Substances and Hazardous Waste Act of 1990 (RA 6969)
Regulates the handling of toxic substances and hazardous waste, including the
prohibition of waste importation.
7. Priority Chemical List (PCL)
Chemicals identified as posing significant risks to health and the environment, subject to
control orders.
8. Chemical Control Orders (CCO)
Regulations limiting or banning the use of specific hazardous chemicals (e.g., mercury,
cyanide, PCBs).
9. Multipartite Monitoring Team (MMT)
Group tasked with monitoring compliance of projects with ECC conditions, funded by the
Environmental Monitoring Fund.
10. Pollution Control Law (PD 984)
Governs the control and management of pollution across air, water, and land domains.

1. Historical Context of Environmental Laws

o Regulations date back centuries; King Edward II in the 1300s prohibited coal
burning to address air quality.
o Modern laws gained momentum in the 1970s with federal statutes addressing air,
water, and hazardous waste management in the U.S.
2. Philippine Environmental Management
o The DENR and EMB oversee environmental compliance in the Philippines.
o The EIS system ensures that projects are evaluated for environmental impact,
and amendments to ECCs account for significant project changes.
3. Clean Air Act of 1999
o Focused on reducing emissions from various sources, such as vehicles and
industrial facilities.
o Emphasizes permits for stationary sources and penalties for violations.
4. Solid Waste Management Under RA 9003
o Encourages local governments and communities to practice waste segregation,
recycling, and proper disposal.
o Introduces mandatory solid waste diversion goals (e.g., 25% waste diversion
within five years).
5. Toxic Substances and Hazardous Waste Act of 1990
o Comprehensive rules for hazardous waste handling, requiring registration,
monitoring, and safe disposal.
o Bans the entry of hazardous wastes into Philippine territory.
6. Additional Case Study: Implementing Chemical Controls (CCOs)
o Example: The Philippines banned or limited the use of harmful substances such
as asbestos and mercury through DENR Administrative Orders.
o The Priority Chemical List identifies high-risk chemicals for stricter regulation.