Environment
The study of...
- How the earth works
- How we are affecting the Earth
- How we might deal with the environmental problems we face
Environmental Science
is the systematic study of our environment and our proper place in it.
What makes up the Biosphere
Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, and Lithosphere.
Biosphere
The component of our planet where life is able to exist.
Principles of Biosphere
1) The Biosphere is holeceonotic and self-adjusting; it is never static.
2) Energy flows through the Biosphere and is continually supplied by the sun.
3) The quantity of matter in the biosphere is finite and must be recycled for life to exist.
4) Homo sapiens are animals and are part of the biosphere.
Gaia Hypothesis
Earth is a single, self-regulating, super organism - James Lovelock
Utilitarian conservation
Argument over the fact that forests should be saved "not because they are beautiful or because they shelter wild creatures of the wilderness, but only to provide homes and jobs for people.
Biocentric Preservation
Emphasizes the fundamental right of other organisms to exist and to pursue their own interests.
Environmentalism
Concerns are extended to include both environmental resources and pollution.
Sustainable development
The idea that economic improvement for the world's poorest populations is possible without devastating the environment.
Global environmentalism
A concern for, and action to help solve, global environmental problems
Extreme poverty
Living on less than $1 per day.
Moral Value
Worth
Moral extensionism
Gradually extended our sense of moral value to a wider and wider circle.
Inherent value
an intrinsic right to exist
Instrumental value
they have value because they are useful to someone who matters
Stewardship
taking care of the resources we are give, inspires many religious leaders to promote conservation.
Environmental justice
combines civil rights with environmental protection to demand a safe, healthy, life-giving environment for everyone.
LULUs
locally unwanted land uses
Environmental racism
inequitable distribution of environmental hazards based on race.