Environmental IssuesGlobal Issues Unit Lesson 3

ObjectivesConsider the impact of people on physical

systems and vice versa.Examine causes and effects of major

environmental problems.Explore relationship between economic

development and the environment.

Warm Up

What are some areas of concern for the earth’s environment?

Climate changeOzone depletionWater pollutionAir pollutionDeforestationDesertificationLoss BiodiversityPopulation GrowthConsumption

Activity 1: Environmental IssuesIn your group,

find the following info about your issue:

DefinitionCausesImpact on

EnvironmentImpact on Humans

*You may use your phone

Climate Change

Ozone Depletion

Acid Rain

Water Pollution

Deforestation

Desertification

Decline of Biodiversity

Environmental IssuesIssue

Climate Change

Fossil fuel consumption increases C02 emissions, which contribute to greenhouse gas buildup, which traps heat in atmosphere, which causes temperature to rise (and lots of other things to happen)

Ozone Depletion

CFC’s damage ozone layer, allowing more UV radiation to reach surface of earth (heats water, harms plants, animals, humans)

Acid Rain Burning fossil fuels releases nitrogen & sulfur into atmosphere, converted to acids that return to earth in rain, snow & fog

Environmental IssuesIssue

Water Pollution

Pollutants released into air (pesticides, chemicals) runoff into water supply; contaminated or unsanitary (sewage)

Environmental Degradation

Deforestation – clearing trees for agricultural & industrial growth, poor farming practices or irrigation techniques, overgrazing, climate changeDesertification – clearing forests & expanding agriculture in areas where rain is scarce leads to formation of deserts

Decline Biodiversity

Decreased range of life on the planet (deforestation, damage wetlands & coral reefs, overfishing) = major disruption food chain & ecosystems

Click on map for more info!

T-P-S

Which three fuels account for roughly 86% of the world’s energy usage?

Coal

Oil

Natural Gas

Energy ResourcesWhy is it important

to reduce dependency on fossil fuels?

Greenhouse gas emission

Carbon pollutionNon-renewable

(limited)

What are some alternatives?

NuclearHydroelectricWind & SolarGeothermalHydrogen

T-P-SHow are population, consumption, and

technological advances related to environmental impact?

Development & The Environment

Population GrowthRapid increase due

to better maternal/infant health & agriculture (food production), declining death rates

Click for AWESOME Video!

Development & The EnvironmentConsumption

How does consumption affect the environment? ~18 % of pop. consumes

over 50% worlds resources

Resource scarcity = conflict

What is sustainable development? Meet present needs w/out

depleting for future

Development & The EnvironmentWhat do you think is meant by the term

“environmental equity”?

Fair access to clean air, water, and soil regardless of economic or social status.

ClosureHow can climate change affect human

communities?

HomeworkReading & Graphic

Organizer

“Environmental Issues on the International Agenda”