GE - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

INTRODUCTION
TO
ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENCE
CHAPTER 1 (TOPICS)
IMPORTANCE OF
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

INTERDISCIPLINARY NATURE OF
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
AND SUSTAINABILITY

ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES
AND GLOBAL ISSUES
GROUP 1 MEMBERS (BSCE - 2A)
Leader: Toledo, Alexa Mae D.
Members:
1. Casanova, Che-Fatima C.
2. Andoy, Allyssa Mae E.
3. Ata, Atria Reign B.
4. Quiño, Arthyller Jun P.
5. Cinco, Bea Joy
IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Presented by: Alexa Mae D. Toledo
BSCE -2A
Importance of Environmental Science

WHAT IS ENVIRONMENT?
The simplest definition of environment is "that
which surrounds" and it comes from the Middle
French word environ, which means
"surrounding or enveloping."
The entirety of all components, both living and
non-living, and the ways in which they affect
human life are collectively referred to as the
environment.
Importance of Environmental Science

WHAT IS SCIENCE?
Science is the pursuit of understanding how
nature works and using that knowledge to
predict what will happen in nature. It is
predicated on the idea that things that happen
in the natural world follow systematic patterns
of cause and effect that can be comprehended
by means of close observation, measurements,
testing, and modeling.
 Importance of Environmental Science

WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE?

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary
academic area that studies environmental issues and
how humans affect the environment by utilizing
resources from biology, chemistry, engineering,
meteorology, geology, and physics.
It is an applied and theoretical quantitative
discipline that has influenced policy decisions made by
governments all over the world.
 Importance of Environmental Science

WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE?

There are five major fields of environmental science. These are the following:

Social Sciences - is described as certain fields that address how humans and
nature interact. The three main fields of geography, anthropology, and
sociology comprise the majority of them.
Geosciences - a field that addresses and links all scientific fields that do direct
planet exploration. These include studies on the formation of the Earth's
crust, geology, environmental soil science, and the examination of volcanic
events.
 Importance of Environmental Science

WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE?

Environmental Chemistry - examines numerous chemical reactions
and the alterations they cause to the surroundings. The two main issues
in this subject are soil contamination and water pollution.
Ecology - is the study of the interactions between living things that
inhabit our world. This covers people, their surroundings, animals and
plants.
Atmospheric Sciences - examine the relationships between the Earth's
atmosphere and other systems, particularly those with the environment.
 Importance of Environmental Science

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE?

The main goals of environmental science are:

to understand how the natural world functions

to comprehend how people engage with their
surroundings
to look for solutions to environmental issues
and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle
 Importance of Environmental Science

WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE?

To understand how the natural world functions
Environmental science contributes to our understanding of the natural

world because it covers all facets of nature. It is multidisciplinary,

integrating knowledge from geology, physics, biology, chemistry, and

other disciplines to give a thorough grasp of environmental

phenomena.
 Importance of Environmental Science

WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE?

To understand how the natural world functions

Environmental science clarifies the intricate relationships between

living things, their habitats, and the non-living components of the

environment by examining ecosystems at different scales. The field

furthers our understanding by testing its predictions for

environmental changes using ecological theories.

 Importance of Environmental Science

WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE?

To comprehend how people engage with their surroundings
Understanding the interplay between human society and the natural
environment is made easier by the framework that environmental science
offers, which blends information from the natural sciences with insights
from the social sciences. We can recognize and solve the main
environmental problems that our world is currently facing by researching
the multidisciplinary field of environmental science.
 Importance of Environmental Science

WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE?

To comprehend how people engage with their surroundings

It looks into the effects that pollution, industrialization, deforestation, and

urbanization have on the environment. Because of this, environmental
science research offers a solid scientific foundation for laws and regulations
that control human activity in order to reduce adverse environmental effects.
 Importance of Environmental Science

WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE?

To look for solutions to environmental issues and adopt a more
sustainable lifestyle
Empirical research is used in environmental science to pinpoint the origins
and consequences of environmental problems such as pollution,
biodiversity loss, and climate change. It combines information from several
scientific, business, and social fields to create comprehensive solutions that
work well in a variety of industries.
 Importance of Environmental Science

WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE?

To look for solutions to environmental issues and adopt a more
sustainable lifestyle
The discipline also emphasizes sustainable development, which tries to

satisfy current demands without endangering the capacity of future

generations to satisfy their own. It highlights striking a balance between

social equity, economic expansion, and environmental preservation.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
 WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY?
Environmental sustainability refers to the responsible
interaction with the environment to ensure that current
needs are met without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs. It involves practices
and policies that aim to minimize the depletion of natural
resources, reduce pollution and waste, and maintain
ecological balance.
Importance of Sustainability:
Environmental Preservation: Sustainable practices aim to reduce
environmental impact, conserve natural resources, and mitigate climate
change by promoting renewable energy, waste reduction, and
conservation initiatives.
Social Equity: Sustainability seeks to address social inequality by
promoting fair labor practices, ensuring access to basic human rights
such as clean water and sanitation, and fostering inclusive economic
development.
Economic Stability: Sustainable business practices can enhance long-
term profitability by reducing operational costs, improving resource
efficiency, and enhancing brand reputation and consumer trust.
 Steps that can contribute to sustain the environment:
1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Adopt a lifestyle that minimizes waste
generation by reducing consumption, reusing items whenever possible,
and recycling materials like paper, glass, plastic, and metal.

2. Conserve Water: Practice water conservation by fixing leaks, using

water-efficient appliances, taking shorter showers, and capturing
rainwater for outdoor use.

3. Conserve Energy: Reduce energy consumption by turning off lights

and electronics when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances,
improving insulation in buildings, and investing in renewable energy
sources.
Steps that can contribute to sustain the environment:
4. Promote Sustainable Transportation: Opt for walking, biking, carpooling,
or using public transportation to reduce carbon emissions from vehicles.
Consider switching to electric or hybrid vehicles when feasible.

5. Support Sustainable Food Practices: Choose locally sourced, organic,

and seasonal foods to reduce the carbon footprint of your diet. Minimize
food waste by planning meals, composting organic waste, and supporting
initiatives that address food insecurity.

6. Protect Natural Habitats: Advocate for the preservation of forests,

wetlands, and other natural habitats that provide essential ecosystem
services, support biodiversity, and mitigate climate change.
Steps that can contribute to sustain the environment:
7. Promote Eco-Friendly Products: Support businesses that prioritize
environmental sustainability by purchasing products made from
recycled materials, biodegradable materials, or sustainably sourced
materials.
8. Advocate for Policy Changes: Support policies and regulations that
promote environmental protection, renewable energy adoption, waste
reduction, and sustainable land use at the local, national, and
international levels.
9. Educate and Raise Awareness: Share information about
environmental issues, solutions, and best practices with friends, family,
and community members. Participate in environmental education
programs and campaigns to raise awareness and inspire action.
 Steps that can contribute to sustain the environment:
10. Get Involved: Engage in volunteer activities, community clean-up
efforts, and environmental advocacy campaigns to contribute to
positive change in your local area and beyond.

11. Support Sustainable Tourism: Choose eco-friendly travel options,

stay in accommodations that prioritize sustainability, and respect
local cultures and environments when traveling.

12. Invest in Green Initiatives: Consider investing in companies or

projects that promote environmental sustainability, such as
renewable energy developments, sustainable agriculture, or green
technology innovations.
Challenges to Sustainability:
1. Short-term Thinking: Many businesses prioritize short-term
profits over long-term sustainability, leading to unsustainable
practices that harm the environment and society.
2. Resource Depletion: Growing populations and increasing
consumption patterns are putting immense pressure on finite
natural resources, leading to depletion and environmental
degradation.
3. Social Inequity: Disparities in access to resources,
opportunities, and basic rights contribute to social instability
and hinder efforts towards sustainable development.
 Sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity for businesses,
governments, and individuals alike. By embracing sustainable practices, we can
protect the environment, promote social equity, and ensure economic
prosperity for present and future generations. Collaboration, innovation, and
collective action are essential for overcoming the challenges and achieving a
more sustainable and resilient world.
Environmental
Challenges
and
Global Issues
 refers to long-term changes in the Earth's
climate patterns, particularly those related to
CLIMATE temperature, precipitation, and weather
events. It is primarily driven by natural

CHANGE processes and human activities, such as the

burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and
industrial processes, which release
greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the
atmosphere.
 Climate change has multiple causes, both natural and human-induced.
Natural factors include variations in solar radiation, volcanic eruptions, and
changes in Earth's orbit. However, human activities play a significant role in
the current accelerated climate change. The primary causes are:

1. Greenhouse Gas Emmision

2. Methane Emissions

3. Nitrooxide Emissions

4. Industrial Processes
Biodiversity Loss
Biodiversity loss, accelerated by
habitat destruction, pollution,
overexploitation of natural
resources, and climate change,
threatens the stability of
ecosystems and compromises
essential ecosystem services
such as pollination, water
purification, and nutrient
cycling.
Here are the major causes of biodiversity loss
1. HABITAT DESTRUCTION &
FRAGMENTATION

Clearing land for agriculture,

urban development, and
infrastructure projects destroys
natural habitats, while
fragmentation isolates
populations and reduces available
living space.
2. OVEREXPLOITATION

Unsustainable harvesting of
plants, animals, and other
resources for food, medicine, and
commercial purposes can lead to
population declines and even
extinction.
3. CLIMATE CHANGE

Alterations in temperature,
precipitation patterns, and
the frequency of extreme
weather events due to
climate change can disrupt
ecosystems and affect the
distribution and behavior
of species.
3. INVASIVE SPECIES

Introduction of non-native species

to new environments can
outcompete native species for
resources, disrupt ecological
balances, and drive native species
to extinction.
4. POLLUTION

Industrial discharge, agricultural

runoff, and other forms of
pollution contaminate air, water,
and soil, negatively impacting the
health of ecosystems and the
species within them.
 pollution
-is the introduction of harmful materials
into the environment.
-These harmful materials are
called pollutants

Major types of polluions

air polluion
water polution
land pollution
Deforestation

The cutting down and removal of

all or most of the trees in a
forested area.

Contribute to soil erosion the

pollution of waterways, and
decrease biodiversity through
the destruction of habitat.
CAUSES OF DEFORESTATION
agriculture
housing
fuel
furniture and paper
natural causes
RESOURCE DEPLETION
particular type of resources are
consumed faster than they can be
replaced

causes
overpopulation

overconsumption of natural resources

poor farming practices

Pollution and contamination of resources

industrial and technological development

THANK
YOU