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ENV 101 // WEEK 11 Humans & Their Environment

Picture Credits:

https://sustyvibes.com/biodiversity-a-compulsive-fast-is-imminent/

INFLUENCES ON BIODIVERSITY

Biodiversity can easily be defined along the lines of varieties of lives in the world or particular habitat in an ecosystem. In Ohio, around the area I am from, our variety of common species consist of humans, white-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, foxes, snakes, and many more animals. Even along with a successful ecosystem that my area may seem to have, there are many degrading factors that affect a habitat even though it may not be immediately visible.

Some threats may include deforestation, overgrazing, over usage, and most commonly, pollution. Deforestation is the clearing of a wide area of trees throughout a forest. Many forests around my home often are bought by farmers, and trees are sold to logging companies. This way, there is a flat area cleared and multiple parties benefit. Overgrazing can occur in fields and pastures when animals feed on land. However, the problematic situation begins when rain continues to run quick enough off of the soil before it can be soaked up and replenished. This results in dry areas where farmers fields and crops should be grown. Next, the overuse of common areas can be difficult to regulate in society. Many lands and parks may be classified as “preserved,” but tourists continue to go to popular and unique areas. Instead of leaving many beautiful natural creations be, many people disturb them for multiple purposes (pictures, memories, dares, etc;), resulting in overuse of something that was once in its natural state. Lastly, pollution has been damaging our world for many years. Pollution can be quick and visible, or slow and painful to the Earth. If our society begins to clean and organize the waste distribution, our Earth can degrade slightly slower, and biodiversity can survive for the future.

Resources:

McGraw- Hill Education (2018). Principles of science and systems In W. P. Cunningham, & M. A. Cunningham (Ed.), Environmental Science: A global concern (pp. 249-273). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.

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ENV 101 // WEEK 10 Humans & Their Environment

Picture Credits:

https://www.rcrwireless.com/20161118/telco-cloud/iot-impact-environment-tag31-tag99

ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION

Since the beginning of our human civilization, society has used Earth as a chopping block for natural resources in order to benefit our lifestyles. Now with a surplus of goods and technology established, the environmental restoration has been in full effect for years. Ultimately, our civilian is making efforts to replenish the resources that have been taken from the environment. This way, society can continue to reuse natural resources in the future. Many organizations like Natural Resources Defense Council, Greenpeace Fund, Rainforest Alliance, and many more.

Restoration began to originate from settlers across North America in the eighteenth century. The whole idea once began with as a system of selective harvest and replanting of tree species in order to increase the value of the forest. Plus, this could produce a sustainable harvest for many societies. In addition to the planting of trees, many societies began to grow a surplus of plants that are sustainable and useable. But in more recent years, pioneers of restoration look to landscapes that have been unnaturally disturbed and have the motivation to return it to its once highly valued state. For instance, forest and prairie fires are common among the dry land. If a fire were to occur in a grass field, this field could've been the main source of food to multiple herds of varied animals.

Unfortunately, through recent climate change, these projects were found to no longer have the potential of returning to the previous conditions. Upon this result, many restorians resort to an environment that was similar to the previous, undisturbed site, but in a state of being compatible with future conditions.

Resources:

McGraw- Hill Education (2018). Principles of science and systems In W. P. Cunningham, & M. A. Cunningham (Ed.), Environmental Science: A global concern (pp. 519-540). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.

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ENV 101 // WEEK 9 Humans & Their Environment

Picture Credits:

ekolojist.net

CONSUMPTION & WASTE

Through our rapidly growing population and constant use of productive goods, naturally, there are leftovers, also known as waste. On average, our country accumulates around 254 million tons of trash a year. Even better so, 87 million tons of that waste is recycled and reused for better terms. Therefore, 34 percent of our trash is recycled. This percentage reads like a success story to me. Years ago, no one ever heard of recycling, let alone imagining that be apart of the movement. As times change, so do the perspectives and needs of our degrading world. Many organizations and groups have developed in order to bring awareness.

From a personal standpoint, I have contributed many different ideas and actions into the act of recycling. By far, my favorite act of recycling occurred last year. My school was able to collect old t-shirts and blankets for a local pet shelter. For a whole day, some friends and I ripped apart fabric and were able to create dog and cat toys for the shelter in need. This was a great representation of reusing an item that still has value but in a different circumstance. These students could easily have thrown the t-shirts out and wasted them. However, we were able to create something into a smaller size, but usable and different purpose. The whole cycle intrigues me.

The act of waste disposal doesn't elude me because there is clearly a large population that uses a lot of varied products. It would be unethical to imagine that every American could recycle every bit of trash they use. But as new ideas surface about recycling, our Earth can become cleaner and prevent further trash from being disposed of in oceans that ultimately affect our wildlife and primary resources.

Resources:

McGraw- Hill Education (2018). Principles of science and systems In W. P. Cunningham, & M. A. Cunningham (Ed.), Environmental Science: A global concern (pp. 477-497). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.

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ENV 101 // WEEK 7 Humans & Their Environment

Picture Credits:

India.com

GROWING POPULATION

There's no doubt that there are new humans being born every day. It can be said that for every second of time passed, four individuals are born somewhere on Earth. In that same second, nearly one person dies. As this pattern begins to evolve, there is an estimate of three individual population growth every second. From this, there is an obvious rapid increase that occurs that can is natural and ever-changing. However, with this growing population, there are also interesting growing benefits that follow.

A common logic is “the more the merrier,” right? In many opinionated cases, yes. Not until in recent years have population patterns grew this extensive. So, within our (estimated) 7.4 billion civilian society, a population increase could bring resources, innovation, larger markets, varied career fields with job placements, and efficiency to make productions of goods. I never considered increasing our job markets and increase productivity within our culture. Moreover, many great idealists view that poverty can cause growth and prosperity, along with the growing population. This is because in poverty- like cases, there are higher birthing rates than in wealthier times. But as the economy cycles, many people in impoverished can experience a higher economic status and success. This causing a fluctuation among the population. These thinkers include Karl Marx, Thomas Malthus, and Mohandas Gandhi. All of their theories vary in outcomes and effect factors, but all of their predictions have perceived to be true.

One idea that I have previously thought about is rooms within buildings. By this, rooms often have “maximum capacity” signs posted in order to prevent any harm in case of emergency. These guidelines are estimated by firemen and women, and others who are certified in that area. So I began to view the Earth as one big room that involves many different individuals while representing societies. Therefore, if, when, or even what will happen if society were to exceed Earth's maximum capacity limit?

Resources:

McGraw- Hill Education (2018). Principles of science and systems In W. P. Cunningham, & M. A. Cunningham (Ed.), Environmental Science: A global concern (pp. 131-151). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.

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ENV 101 // WEEK 6 Humans & Their Environment

Picture Credits:

https://www.engadget.com/2016/11/05/six-innovative-wind-turbine-designs/

ENERGY

Energy is used in many things in the present day. Energy is measured by joules and is the capacity to apply force over distance traveled (work). However, like many other resources that are naturally or humanly influenced, our society must conserve on the usage. There are many surprising ways to do so, individually and/or with a group organization.

One conversation invention that has been developed that are located all over the country are wind turbines (many aren't far from here [Urbana, Ohio]). It is said that wind power can currently provide the world's largest amount of renewable energy. This can ultimately double the outcome that solar energy can give off. Additionally, wind power is the world's fastest growing energy source and could replace all commercial energy use. The Global Wind Energy Council has calculated that wind could supply forty times the current world electricity, and five times all global consumption of energy. To digress, wind turbines take up a lot of space in fields and must be separated properly so they don't affect each other's wind pattern. This massive creation could be a start to conserving energy across the world.

On the other hand, if an individual is against the construction of wind turbines, or doesn't have space or land to create a turbine field, there are many different ways to conserve energy. I have personally witnessed a growing fad within large cities. Specifically, bike and scooter rental stations have become very popular. This act of transportation is easier on the environment than driving around the city in an idling car waiting in traffic. Plus, college students enjoy these because it's easy to pay for them, and then once you are done riding it, you simply just leave it where you want and someone else will eventually pick it up to take a ride. These “Birds” (the scooters) are easy on the environment and enjoyable to ride while gaining a little physical activity, addition to biking.

With these simple and complex inventions, our world can utilize the natural resources that have been degrading. This way, the resources are able to last longer and aid the future generations.

Resources:

McGraw- Hill Education (2018). Principles of science and systems In W. P. Cunningham, & M. A. Cunningham (Ed.), Environmental Science: A global concern (pp. 426-476). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.

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ENV 101 // WEEK 5 Humans & Their Environment

Picture Credits:

https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/pollution-mask-1915297412.html

AIR POLLUTION

Air is all around us and unavoidable. However, what is avoidable are the toxic chemicals and materials that linger in the air. Our society, in my opinion, is to fully blame for the sudden increase of degrading air quality. However, many causes have surprised me on this topic, natural and human-influenced. Many of these I can admit that I’ve been involved in. But by taking action, society can preserve the fresh air that is left and better the future.

Major pollutants in the air that affect the quality are natural gases. Society may not be able to control the output of these gases, but these contaminants don't compare to the abundance that human activities imploy. In large cities, such as Chinese cities, the population is rapidly growing. Surprisingly, there is roughly “ten times the amount of airborne dust, smoke, and soot” than what is classified as healthy. Foreign cities are often seen wearing masks that cover their mouth in order to prevent disease and pollution from being ingested. I have witnessed with my own eyes groups of foreigners who wear masks because they believe Americans have polluted air that they don't want to breathe.

Besides foreign lands, the United States has a growing controversy with pollution as well. Our factories and coal mines are rated as some of the most air pollutant influencers. From coal mines, mercury is only one of many toxic metals that can be released into the air when burning and mining coal. Mercury can be damaging to the brain and central nervous system. Even worse, mercury is just one of numerous that can be airborne and gather in the food we consume and produce in factories.

All these risks may sound frightening, but if our society simply makes a strong effort in taking fewer trips in their car, reduce the amount of burning a fire, and using energy efficient appliances, there can be dramatic change of increased fresh air.

Resources:

McGraw- Hill Education (2018). Principles of science and systems In W. P. Cunningham, & M. A. Cunningham (Ed.), Environmental Science: A global concern (pp. 349-375). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.

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ENV 101 // WEEK 4 Humans & Their Environment

Picture Credits:

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/industry-farmers-reject-draft-contract-farming-act/article10004769.ece

FOOD BALANCE

There are many factors that lead to the process of growing plants that feed our society. For instance, farming has been a major provider since the beginning of time as a food source. Cultures can utilize the ground in order to survive. However, some regions may be incapable to grow certain crops because of the soil itself. This is why there are imports and exports throughout the world to better one's country if they struggle to provide a component.

More specifically, the United States is known for the high production of corn. Our corn products can be exported to areas that can’t grow corn, such as China. Additionally, China is known for their rice fields. Our country cannot grow rice within our dirt soil, therefore we have rice imported to fill the void. This cycle creates a balance between countries in order to remain on peaceful-like terms, socially and politically.

Other than the imports and exports between countries, while relating to food, one major problem in the United States is obesity. One factor that can contribute to this epidemic (out of many) is excessive amounts of unhealthy food. For instance, if everyone ate crops that came straight from a farmer's field, there would be no problem with overweight individuals. However, production companies have made it a priority to produce the maximum amount of food, in the fastest time, at the cheapest price with numerous additives. This way the cheap, low-nutritious additives can be a filler and the product can be sold for less. I find this loop to be very interesting but harmful to all consumers.

An easy way to avoid unhealthy products in stores is to always check labels for ingredients. But most importantly, besides being picky about the choice of food, individuals need to know their limits and control themselves. Overeating/ binge eating is risk fully unhealthy and causes many problems in the future. So next time, eat slowly, eat naturally, and only return to get more food if it is a necessity.

Resources:

McGraw- Hill Education (2018). Principles of science and systems In W. P. Cunningham, & M. A. Cunningham (Ed.), Environmental Science: A global concern (pp.197-224). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.

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ENV 101 // WEEK 3 Humans & Their Environment

Picture Credits:

https://news.softpedia.com/news/The-Energy-Sector-Accounts-for-15-of-the-World-s-Total-Water-Use-432994.shtml

WATER CONSUMPTION

Alongside water sources, there comes to water usage. With a low percentage of fresh water previously explained in a post, the way our society utilizes the water given can be crucial. In some areas of the world, such as dessert-like continents, water can be hard to come by. As for the United States, water comes naturally and plentiful. However, since our country can use water quite regularly, this doesn't mean we should waste it.

In a common household, water can be used for numerous things. That being said, some examples include washing dishes, clothes, drinking it, bathing, and even watering plants. This water manipulation can quickly add up when individuals don't pay attention to how much water they are using and wasting. Through the text I have read, there have been many inventful ways to conserve water in order to preserve the limited amount that is available.

Some of the most popular ways to conserve water are by teaching kids to always “turn off the water while brushing your teeth,” or “let's see how fast you can take a shower.” I agree that these mentalities can be proven useful. However, there are other ways to appeal to adults who may need to reduce their water utilization. Examples of this include watering plants in the morning or evening instead of mid-day. This is because the sun is at the highest peak of hotness during the day and watering in the morning/ night may prevent watering plants multiple times a day. Other ways to reduce water wastefulness is to make sure you are washing a full load of laundry and/ or dishes. This can also cut back the number of loads and cycles that might run large amounts of water during the day.

In the end, all generations can learn to better utilize the water that is given to them through many aspects. Even though the Earth is covered in water for the majority, it doesn't mean that it will last forever.

Resources:

McGraw- Hill Education (2018). Principles of science and systems In W. P. Cunningham, & M. A. Cunningham (Ed.), Environmental Science: A global concern (pp.376-399). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.

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ENV 101 // WEEK 2 Humans & Their Environment

Picture Credits: 

https://blogpatagonia.australis.com/x-best-glacier-national-park-hiking-trails/

WATER RESOURCES

On our planet, 71 percent of our Earth is covered by water. On the contrary, our civilian can only use 3 percent of this limited supply because it's considered to be “fresh.” There are many factors contributing to our water pollution and the unbalanced scale of total water towards the usable water. Between air pollution, infectious agents, toxic chemicals, and radiation from UV sun rays, these are amongst the most common. However, the biggest contributor to our limited clean water supply is frozen water itself. Our ice glaciers hold nearly half of our clean water that has become untouchable because it is frozen away.

In recent years, many more people have become apparent to our growing problem. There have been ideas and configurations developed in order to purify the water system to nourish society. One easy and popular invention is simply the water purifier. Many more households use this product because it takes little time to process and no human work needed. Additionally, our society has been creating organizations to help promote cleaner natural waterways. These groups push for solid waste to be disposed of properly around water because; 1) it would reduce the number of bugs and diseases around waterways to slightly increase its purity, and 2) decrease the risk of harming wildlife.

As civilization shows signs of progression, I don't see a risk of the water supply becoming dangerously scarce anytime soon. However, I feel that as our population grows and infectious diseases are constantly on the verge of breaking, clean water can be the quickest source for a better tomorrow. Many viruses are spread through water systems because water reaches everyone and everything. By paying respect to our water system, there is hope for a cleaning and safer tomorrow.

Resources:

McGraw- Hill Education (2018). Principles of science and systems In W. P. Cunningham, & M. A. Cunningham (Ed.), Environmental Science: A global concern (pp. 152-176). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.

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ENV 101 // WEEK 1 Humans & Their Environment

Ecosystems

Picture Credits:

Ecosystem Quiz. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=ecosystem-quiz

There are many different variations of ecosystems that occur in our area that we don’t even consider. An ecosystem is known to be a network of multiple components with material and energy that flows from one component to another. A generic version of this cycle begins with the sun, sending solar energy to a plant known as photosynthesis. This continues to a herbivore who eats the grown plant, and ending with a carnivore which consumed the herbivore. These figures can represent many different variables. For example, the plant represents different types of herbs. This includes anything that can store energy from the sun, while creating carbohydrates from water, carbon, and sunlight. Then, a herbivore of any type (rabbits, squirrels, mice, etc;) consumes the plant. Later on, a carnivore (foxes, hawks, owls, etc;) will be the predator of the herbivore that consumed the plant. Lastly, the carnivore will decompose and process energy back into soil to begin photosynthesis again.

However, these systems are very balanced, yet fragile. For instance, if an entire herbivore species would go extinct, the predator of that animal would need a new food source in that region. If there is no food source found quick enough, the population of that carnivore would decrease. Therefore, the system would be unbalanced and may soon fail since half of the chain has deteriorated.

These systems are useful because they organize complex information. Specifically, there are many individual variables gathered in a certain area that could be challenging to fit together. When we study these ecosystems, we can observe similarities between multiple different variations of the systems occurring around the world.

Resources:

McGraw- Hill Education (2018). Principles of science and systems In W. P. Cunningham, & M. A. Cunningham (Ed.), Environmental Science: A global concern (pp. 33-45). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.