Environmental Sciences

The study of natural processes in the environment and how humans can

affect them.

Environmental Issues Categories

• Resource Use

• Population Growth

• Pollution

What are natural resources?

• Anything in the environment used by people

Renewable Resources

• Renewable are always available or naturally replaced in a short time– Examples: Sunlight, Wind, Fresh Water and

Trees

Non-Renewable Resources

• Natural resources not replaced in a useful time frame – Examples: Oil (Petroleum), Coal and Plastic

Products

The Population Problem

• When population grows, demands for resources also grow

• The human population has been growing faster creating greater demands

• Shortages: – Food Supply, Water Supply (Water

Conservation)

Pollution

• The contamination of earths land, water or air. Can be caused by a variety of factors including;– Chemicals – Waste – Noise– Heat– Light

Global Warming

• An increase in the earth's average atmospheric temperature that causes corresponding changes in climate and that may result from the greenhouse effect.

• Greenhouse Effect: Build up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Causes of Global Warming

• Burning of Fossil Fuels – Burning of Coal and Oil

• Burning of fuel from cars

• Burning from factories

How does population affect the increase of CO2 buildup?

• Increase in Cars

• Increase in Factories to Produce Products

What does an increase of CO2 do?

• Makes weather cooler in winter

• Makes summers hotter

• Lowers the relative humidity

• Assists with the increase of acid rain

• Harms the Ozone layer

What are Hazardous Wastes?

• Hazardous wastes are substances that pose threats to health and environment.– Used oil

– CFCc

– Old Batteries

– DDT

Environmental risks

• Wastes are usually insoluble meaning they can not be dissolved or broken down.

• Those that are dissolved in water may turn into acid rain or pollute water sources

Environmental Risks

• Wastes may enter storm drains and contaminate:– Surface water (lakes

and streams)

– Soil and found water

What are CFCs

• CFCs are compounds of chlorine hydrogen fluorine and carbon that when releases into the air, a chlorine ion causes a reaction with ozone (O3) and changes it into (O2) destroying the ozone and atmosphere

QUIZ TIME!!!

• What is the best way to get rid of old used motor oil?

A. Put it in the garbage

B. Pour it down the drain

C. Take it to the recycle center

D. Pour it on the ground where it came from

Quiz Answer

• C… Take it to the recycle center

What can WE do?

• The single most effective thing that we can all do is practice CONSERVATION

• Compost

• Recycle

• Save Water

• Save Energy (Unplug appliances, Turn lights off)

Where are we headed?

• Wind Power

• Solar Power

• Alternative Fuel

Weighing Costs vs. Benifits

• Drilling Oil in Antarctica Example: – Drilling for oil in Antarctica can harm living

organisms, can be expensive for set up and transportation of oil ALTHOUGH benefits can be new supply of oil for heat, electricity and transportation, increase in supply of oil, decrease in oil price, and creation of new jobs.