September 2, 2014

Administrative Minutiae

Introduction to A.P. Environmental Science

Objectives

• We will understand what “sustainability” is.

• We will understand what “natural capital” is.

• We will analyze and evaluate our own feelings about environmentalism.

Product

• I will analyze and evaluate my own feelings about environmentalism through writing a personal reaction to The Lorax.

Discuss!

• What is the difference between “environment,” “ecology” and “ecosystem?”

Sustainability

The capacity of the earth’s natural systems and human cultural systems to survive, flourish, and adapt to changing environmental conditions into the very long-term future.Critical Components:• Natural Capital• Recognition of degradation of

natural capital• Creating solutions

All of the components add up to environmentalism!

Natural Capital

The natural resources and natural services that keep us and other forms of life alive

and support our human economies.

Closing ProductAfter reading The Lorax, explain your personal

feelings about the environment and environmentalism.

For Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014

• Read chapter 1

• Answer the following:• You may not consider yourself “very fortunate” when you compare yourself to

other Americans that you know about, but after reading the section about global poverty, list eight (8) basic needs that most US high school students take for granted because they are so readily available to you. How many young children die every day because they do not have these things?

• People often complain about costs of consumer goods going up, but the “value of natural capital” is often NOT included in what we pay. What is the “value of natural capital” and what do you think would happen if it was included? Does the government contribute to this situation? Why or why not?