the earth and its natural environments are not unlimited a tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of...
Post on 18-Dec-2015
213 views
TRANSCRIPT
![Page 2: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited
A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space
![Page 3: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Environmental scientists examine the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of the environment, human impacts on the natural environment, and the effect of the environment on all organisms.
INTERDISCIPLINARY
Biology Geography OceanographyEcology GIS Engineering Physics Economics Atmospheric ScienceEthics Sociology GeologyAnthropology Computer Science ArchaeologyChemistry Political Science History Biogeochemistry Law Medicine
![Page 4: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Humans are merely a part of nature
We depend on ourenvironment for air,water, food and shelter.
We alter our environment intentionally andunintentionally
![Page 5: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Humans, like other organisms, requirerenewable natural resources to survive
![Page 6: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Renewable and Non-renewable Resources
![Page 7: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Problem: Human Population Growth
![Page 8: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
How much undisturbed mixedgrass prairie is left?
Consider the southern Alberta landscape:
Is there such a thing as a ‘natural’ environment today?
Human Impacts on the Natural Environment
![Page 9: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
![Page 10: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
![Page 12: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
ftp://toms.gsfc.nasa.gov/pub/eptoms/images/global/Y2004/FULLDAY_GLOB.PNG
![Page 13: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
![Page 14: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Persistent Organic Pollutants (eg. PCB’s)
Source: AMAP
![Page 15: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Source: Greenpeace
![Page 16: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
![Page 17: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Zebra mussels Purple loosestrife Crested Wheat Grass
![Page 18: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Depleted Fish ‘Stocks’
Photo: CBC
![Page 20: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
![Page 21: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Environmentalism•A social, political and ethical movement and lifestyle concerned with protecting the environment and using its resources wisely
•Not all environmentalists are activists
•Not all environmental scientists are environmentalists
![Page 22: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Lifestyle choices
Activism
![Page 23: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Subsistence increases only in an arithmetical ratio.
An important scientific essay (cited by Darwin)Recommendations interpreted as classist.
An Essay on the Principle of Population Thomas Malthus, 1798
Population, when unchecked, increases in a geometrical ratio.
![Page 24: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Silent SpringRachel Carson, 1962
Often cited as the founder of“environmentalism”
•Investigated the deleterious effects of DDT on water courses, wildlife and human beings
•Human beings are merely a part of nature, distinguished by our ability to alter it
•Called on humankind to take on this view of thenatural world
![Page 25: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Humanity as Part of Nature:A new way of thinking ?
• Many religions of indigenous peoples are ‘animist’, devoting spirits to animals, plants, rocks and rivers
•Eastern religions (eg. Confucianism) discuss the importance of conservative environmental stewardship
•Human evolutionary theory is based on the assumption that humans are affected by their environments like any other organism
•Humanity/Nature dichotomy (form of dualism) confined mainly to Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Greek philosophy
![Page 26: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
The Earth – Small and vulnerable?Apollo 8 photograph
Such photos gave a global perspective to a youthful environmental movement
![Page 27: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
The Population BombPaul R. Ehrlich, 1968 (Stanford)
Malthusian predictions
Human beings were to morbidly exceed Earth’s carrying capacity by the 1970’s
Erroneous assumptions, inaccurate prophesies
More irresponsible ‘solutions’
Raised popular awareness ofa serious issue facing humankind
![Page 28: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Thesis: “Freedom in a commons brings ruin to all”(ie., the best strategy for individuals conflicts with the common good.)
Controversial: Argues for controls on environmentally-detrimental aspects of human behaviour, including reproduction
The Tragedy of the CommonsGarrett Hardin, 1968
Image source: Nikiforuk & Hawaleshka, Reader’s Digest, 06/09/04
![Page 29: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Access to education, women’s rights and development are now known to be key to controlling population growth
![Page 30: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
SustainabilityThe ability of an ecosystem to maintain ecological processes and functions, biodiversity and productivity over time (Kauffmann et al. 1994)
Sustainable DevelopmentAn oxymoron? Depends on how ‘development’ is definedDoes it mean ‘growth’ or ‘improvement?’
To meet the needs of today, without foreclosing the achievement of tomorrow’s needs (IUCN et al. 1980)
Improving quality of life without exceeding ecological carrying capacity
Problem: Wealthy nations already overconsume!
![Page 31: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Principles of Sustainability
1. Ecological sustainability
Environmental scientists study how ecosystemssupport us and how we can damage them
Carrying Capacity
(i)The capacity of an ecosystem to support healthy organisms while maintaining its productivity, adaptability and capability for renewal.
(ii) The number of people who can be supported bythe environment over time (difficult to calculate).
![Page 32: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Ecological Footprint
Based on estimate of amount of land needed to sustainactivities / population
Shrinking globally (now <1.5 ha/person globally)Increasing in Canada/US (now 4.27-5.10 ha/person)
Consumption must be controlled in high-income countriesfor sustainability objectives to be achieved
2. Social Sustainability
Sustainable development initiatives are socially sustainable if they do not exceed a community’s tolerance for change
![Page 33: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
3. Economic Sustainability
Resources “must be used in ways that do not permanentlydamage the environment and must not impair the replenishment capacity of renewable resources.”(Government of Canada, 1996)
Deep Ecology
Non-human species are as valuable as humans.
The interest of wild nature must sometimes be chosen over human well-being.
Goes further than sustainable development
![Page 34: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Ecofeminism and Social Ecology
Domination of nature and of women are systemicallyrelated
Hierarchy and domination must be eliminated from human society to avoid ecological extinction
Gaia Hypothesis
•Holistic, rather than reductionist view of systemsUniverse is a series of interconnected, interacting wholes
•Earth as a single, indivisible, self-regulating process (Gaia; Lovelock 1988)
![Page 35: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
![Page 36: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
Precautionary Principle
In the face of threats of serious or irreversible damage to the environment, “a lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental deterioration.”
Earth Summit, 1992, Rio de JaneiroSigned by Canada
![Page 37: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
![Page 38: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
Problems with the Conventional Application of the Scientific Method (Kriegel et al., 2001)
Assumption that phenomena under consideration aredriven primarily by independent action of a few causalfactors
Narrow definition of uncertainty
Lack of sensitivity analysis
Type I, II amd III Error Standards
Disciplinary divisions
![Page 39: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
TYPE I ERRORTo conclude that a relationship or difference exists, when it truly does not.
TYPE II ERRORFailure to detect a relationship or difference that does exist.Potential 20% error rate, using current conventions !!!
TYPE III ERRORThe scientist receives the ‘right answer to the wrong question.’
READINGS:Chapter 1;Kriebel et al. 2001. The Precautionary Principle in EnvironmentalScience. Environmental Health Perspectives. 109(9)
![Page 40: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
Grounds for conserving nature
•Utilitarian justification
A healthy environment, ecosystem or the Earth’s biosphere provide individuals with economic benefits or is directly necessary for survival
“I didn’t take the g.d. fish out of the water!!!”Hon. John C. CrosbieFisheries Minister, 1992
![Page 41: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
1. Overfishing leads to stock decline2. Turned to other sources of revenue
A complex environmental/socio-political issue
![Page 42: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
Strong Labrador currentcan exacerbate overfishingproblem (water too cold)
High seal populations canreduce cod stocks
Shrimp trawling/dragging damages the ocean floor, destroying fish breeding grounds
![Page 43: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
•Ecological justification
Even if individuals do not benefit directly, components of the biosphere provide functions necessary for the persistence of life
Eg. Wetland preservation
Wetland complexes filtercontaminants
Promotes health of wildlife and humans, but protection does not always directly benefit individuals
![Page 44: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
•Developers stand to make millions
•There is a movement to stop them because the moraine serves an important ecological function(acts as water filter)
![Page 45: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
SOURCE:TORONTO STAR
![Page 46: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
•Aesthetic Justification
Nature is beautiful and beauty is of profound importance and value to people
Psychological, medical and social benefits of wild spaces
Wilderness as a sacred space
![Page 47: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
![Page 48: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
![Page 49: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
![Page 50: The Earth and its natural environments are not unlimited A tiny inhabitable oasis in a sea of inhospitable space](https://reader037.vdocument.in/reader037/viewer/2022110322/56649d245503460f949faaf2/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
•Environmental Ethics
Moral responsibility to sustain nature for future generations (environmental stewardship)
Land is not an economic commodity to be used and discarded
Examines rights of animals, plants, non-living things and large systems important to our life support
•Moral justificationElements of the environment have a right to exist1982 United Nations World Charter for Nature