Basics of Environmental Science
What is environmental science?
The interdisciplinary study of the environment and solutions to environmental problems.
Name one human activity that negatively impacts ecosystems.
Examples: deforestation, pollution, overfishing, burning fossil fuels, habitat destruction.
What are natural resources?
Materials provided by Earth that humans use for survival and development.
What is anthropocentrism?
The view that humans are the most important and central concern.
What is environmental justice?
Fair treatment of all people in environmental policies and decisions.
Why is studying the environment important?
To address global challenges like climate change, pollution, and resource depletion.
Why has U.S. resource consumption increased over time?
Industrialization, population growth, and urbanization.
Give one example of a renewable resource.
Solar energy, wind energy.
What is biocentrism?
The belief that all living things have value.
Give one example of an environmental justice issue.
Hazardous waste sites placed in low-income or minority communities; unequal access to clean air/water.
Name one topic environmental scientists study.
Examples: ecosystems, biodiversity, pollution, climate change, sustainability, natural resources.
What is one consequence of rapid population growth?
Increased resource consumption, habitat loss, pollution, or environmental stress.
Give one example of a non-renewable resource.
Coal, oil, natural gas.
What is ecocentrism?
The perspective that values ecosystems and all their relationships.
Who was John Muir?
A key environmentalist who advocated for wilderness preservation.
What is the purpose of the scientific method in environmental studies?
To develop hypotheses, test ideas, collect data, and draw conclusions about environmental problems.
What does the ecological footprint measure?
Human impact on Earth’s ecosystems through resource use and waste production.
What does “potentially renewable” mean?
Resources that can renew themselves if managed properly (e.g., forests, freshwater).
What does the preservation ethic support?
Protecting nature in its untouched state and minimizing human impact.
What is green cleaning?
Using eco-friendly products like vinegar, baking soda, and plant-based cleaners to reduce environmental harm.
What is the difference between environmental science and environmentalism?
Environmental science uses scientific methods to study the environment; environmentalism is a movement focused on advocacy and protecting the environment.
How many trees are lost in the Amazon every minute due to deforestation?
Approximately 2,000 trees per minute.
What is one environmental impact of using non-renewable resources?
Pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, or environmental degradation.
Compare the conservation ethic and the land ethic.
Conservation ethic: Sustainable use of natural resources.
Land ethic: Humans have a moral responsibility to care for ecosystems.
What happened on Easter Island that makes it an environmental case study?
Deforestation and resource overuse led to environmental collapse and the decline of the society.