environmental science. what are our main environmental problems?

Environmental Science

What are Our Main Environmental Problems?

Resource Depletion

Natural Resource- natural material used by humans

1) Fresh Water 2) Air3) Soil4) Trees/ Wood5) Crops6) Energy from sun

Renewable Resource- resource that can be replaced relatively quickly

Resource are said to be depleted when a large fraction of the resource has been used up.

Resource Depletion

Nonrenewable Resource- resource that forms at a much slower than the rate at which it is consumed

1)Mineral 2) Fossil Fuels (coal, natural gas, petroleum)3)Metals (iron, aluminum and copper)4)Salt5) Sad Clay

Pollution

Pollution- Undesired change in air, water, or soil that negatively affects health, survival or activities of humans or other organisms

Types of Pollutants

Biodegradable- pollutants that can be broken down by natural processes (food waste, human sewage)

Nondegradable- pollutants that cannot be broken down by natural process (mercury, lead, some plastic)

Because nondegradable do not break down well, they can build to dangerous levels in our environment

Loss of Biodiversity

Biodiversity- refers to the number and variety of species that live in the area

Since the Permian period (250 million years ago) 95% of all species became extinct

Why should we be concerned about extinction of species?

1) Species can be considered a natural resource* food* oxygen

2) Economic, ecological, scientific, recreational value

Something to think about… With the person sitting next to you,

discuss any connection that you may have with either a non renewable recourse or a renewable recourse. Think of things that you are wearing, that are in the classroom, that are found at home, or that are found outside.

Example: When I drive a car I am consuming gas which is petroleum/oil. This is a nonrenewable resource