APES Unit 1 Latest Update Already Passed

APES Unit 1 Latest Update Already Passed enviornmental science an interdisciplinary field of science that integrates natural science and social science How nature works How the environment affects us How we affect the environment Causes of and solutions to environmental problems enviornment the sum total of all living and nonliving things that affect an organism ecology a biological science that studies the interrelationships between living organisms and their environments enviornmentalism a social movement dedicated to protecting Earth's life-support systems for humanity and all other species natural capital : the combination of natural resources and natural services that keep humans and other species alive and support our economies natural resources air, water, land/soil, biodiversity, minerals (metals, etc.), renewable and nonrenewable energy natural services air and water purification, water storage, soil renewal, nutrient recycling, food production, conservation of biodiversity, waste treatment, population control, climate control these are all things Earth does naturally and we depend on solar capital energy from the sun perpetual resources On a human time scale are continuous. Solar energy renewable resources On a human time scale can be replenished rapidly (e.g. hours to several decades). Forests, grasslands, wild animals, soil, water sustainable yeild The highest rate at which a renewable resource can be used indefinitely without reducing its available supply nonrenewable resources On a human time scale are in fixed supply. Oil and natural gas Become economically depleted when the costs of extracting and using what is left exceed its economic value sustainability the ability of the earth's various systems to survive and adapt to changing environmental conditions indefinitely Includes human cultural systems and economics trade-offs example: must replant or protect forests in return for cutting down trees for paper products intrinsic values organisms and natural capital have their own right to exist 4 scientific priciples of sustainability Reliance on Solar Energy Biodiversity Population Control Nutrient Recycling enviornmentally sustainable society meets the basic resource needs of its people in a just manner without degrading or depleting natural capital tragedy of the commons Term coined by biologist Garrett Hardin to describe the degradation of free-access renewable resources Occurs when sustainable yield is exceeded IPAT equation Impact = Population x Affluence x Technology