Chapter 1 4/20/2009. Our Environment: Interpretations, Challenges, and Strategies. Chapter 1: Outline. Environmental Science

Transcription

1 Chapter 1 Our Environment: Interpretations, Challenges, and Strategies Chapter 1: Outline Problems Environmental Science Human accelerated environmental changes People as part of ecosystems Major causes of environmental problems Challenges Environmental complexity Principles of sustainability Sustainability and development New initiatives and new attitudes Environmental Science Human Accelerated Environmental Change Scope Importance of environmental issues Relevance to solving Why care? The Ecological Global Village World Scientists Warning to Humanity real-life problems

2 World Scientists Warning to Humanity Critical environmental stresses: atmospheric water resources oceans soil forests living species What we must do: control environmental damage manage resources more effectively stabilize populations reduce or eliminate poverty ensure sexual equality Human-Environment Connections Humans are not separate from the environment, but an integral part of it Ecosphere: o The inhabited part of the Earth ointeraction face between spheres 1-5 Coppyright 2009 Nelson Education Limited. 1-6 Major Causes of Environmental Problems 2. Over consumption of natural resources Renewable resources: natural capital - forests, solar energy, livestock - Replaced naturally in a time frame meaningful to humans (if used wisely!) UN estimates 4/5 of global population has inadequate food, housing, and safe drinking water

3 Major Causes of Environmental Problems 2.Over consumption of natural resources (cont d) Nonrenewable resources: finite in supply - coal, oil, fossil fuels - practically finite, replaced slowly (easily depleted!) Energy and material consumption in Canada is typically 3 to 5 times the world average! Major Causes of Environmental Problems Environmental Complexity 3. Pollution Natural sources Human sources (anthropogenic) a) immediate and concentrated (oil spills) b) gradual and global (carbon emissions) Pollution is often local in source, but global in scope Complexity and uncertainty - complex interrelationships among elements of land, water, and atmosphere - we are uncertain as to how many of our actions will affect these interrelationships The need for change - we need more than facts and scientific understanding - knowledge and cooperation are necessary components - sustainability must be a guiding principle

4 Sustainability - the ability of an ecosystem to maintain ecological processes and functions, biodiversity, and productivity over time o Ecological sustainability o Social sustainability o Economic sustainability

5 Sustainable development - Our Common Future and Agenda 21 - World Summit - growth vs. development DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES DEVELOPMENT PRODUCTS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

6 Precautionary principle - lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost- effective measures to prevent environmental deterioration Environmental stewardship - active participation in caring for and maintaining the well-being of the environment Monitoring for sustainability - desired vs. most likely futures Canada and the World: Environmental Performance Canada and the World: Environmental Performance The 2006 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) was based on the following indicators: relevance performance orientation transparency data quality Copyright 2009 Nelson Education Limited Excluded indicators: human exposure to lead mercury exposure toxic chemicals wetlands loss waste management soil productivity and erosion and disposal practices sulphur dioxide emissions and acid rain recycling and reuse rates GHG emissions (beyond CO 2 ) ecosystem fragmentation

7 Canada and the World: Environmental Performance Countries in Canada and the World The 2008 EPI includes 25 indicators, with refined indicators and expanded policy categories, and 149 countries Cannot track progress (no timeseries data) Environmental Performance Index Country profiles not available for 2008 EPI, so using 2006 results (for 133 countries): 1. New Zealand 2. Sweden 3. Finland Lowest ranks: Niger, Mauritania, and Chad Environmental Performance Index Canada s ranking in the 2006 EPI was 8th (but has subsequently dropped in the 2008 EPI report to 12th)