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Importance of Environment Page 1

To:

Mr. Mehmood Raza (lecturer - Introduction toBusiness Management )

From:

Syed Ali Hamza

Saad Ahmed Qureshi

Zia Murtaza

Syed Mudassir Haider

Khurshan Cyrus Irani

Imran

Class: MBA (second semester) Evening Program (2011)

Subject:

Importance of Environment

Date:

29th November, 2011


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WHAT IS ENVIRONMENT?

(1) The external conditions, resources, stimuli etc. with which an

organism interacts.

(2) The external surroundings including all of the biotic and abioticfactors that surround and affect the survival and development ofan organism or population.

(3) The totality of the surrounding conditions and elements in anindividual.

Environment, this word has a great importance in our life. Thesimple definition of environment is the surrounding'. It is whatsurrounds a thing. We can also define it as "environment is thecombination of all of physical and organic factors that act on aliving being, residents, or ecological society and power itsendurance and growth".

It could be a physical component, which is known as physicalenvironment or a-biotic environment that includes the builtenvironment. The natural surroundings like air conditions, water,land, atmosphere etc are also the part of physical environment butthey are commonly known as natural environment. Peoplesurrounding the item or thing, this type of environment is known ashuman environment. This is also known as the social environmentand includes elements like the religious environment, emotional

environment, residence, relations etc. [37]Types of Environment

There are mainly three types of environment-

1. The Physical Environment

http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Externalhttp://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Stimulihttp://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Organismhttp://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Externalhttp://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Biotichttp://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Abiotichttp://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Factorhttp://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Survivalhttp://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Organismhttp://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Populationhttp://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Stimulihttp://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Organismhttp://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Externalhttp://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Biotichttp://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Abiotichttp://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Factorhttp://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Survivalhttp://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Organismhttp://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Populationhttp://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/External


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It is also known as a-biotic environment and naturalenvironment.

The meaning of a-biotic or physical is non living like landwater air conditions atmosphere which constitutes of soil. Sowe can say that physical or a-biotic environment is the

environment which includes non living or physical thingswhich are constitutes of soil and affect the living things.

The physical or a-biotic environment also includes the climaticfactors such as sunbeams, rainwater, precipitation, moisture,pressure and wind speed.

The Importance of Physical Environment

Just think, the most important thing to make house isresidential space, and for residential space, we need landarea. The land area is included in physical environment. So itis responsible for the residential for living beings.

The a-biotic environment like soil, water and air are thenecessary nutrients element provider for the living beings.

All of living beings are surrounded by atmosphere; it is thecombination of different types of gases. The living beings takeoxygen and other gases from the atmosphere.

The a-biotic environment also controls the climatic factors likeweather.

The physical environment also includes the soil which isresponsible for the works and food crops for the living beings.

It also provides different types of minerals which are verynecessary for growth of life

Water is one of the most necessary things for living beings.Physical environment also deals with the water factor of theearth.

2. Biotic Environment

It is also known as biological environment and organicenvironment.

In the opposite side of the physical environment, the biotic orbiological environment is responsible for the living beings.

You have already understood that the meaning of biologicalis living things. So, the biological environment is theenvironment which involves the living part of the earth.

The importance of biotic environment



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In this type of environment includes the plants, trees,animals, mammals, underwater living beings including humanbeings and microorganisms like bacteria and fungi.

There is a concept which is necessary to understand. Theliving beings are highly dependent to each other. For example

humans are highly depend upon plants and trees for food andoxygen, and plants and trees are also depend upon humansand animals because of co2

3. Social or Cultural Environment

This type of environment involves the culture and life style ofthe human beings.

The social or cultural environment means the environmentwhich is created by the man through his different social andcultural activities and thinking.

The historical, cultural, political, moral, economic aspects ofhuman life constitute to the social or cultural environment

The Importance of Social or Cultural Environment

Culture involves the religion of the human, relations with eachother etc. In a society there involve different types of people,they have different religion, different thinking, which hasculture of its own and posses people having their own lifestyle.

The social or culture environment affects the social culture ofhuman beings and hence it has the great importance.

The development of a child is highly depends upon cultureand society.[1]

What is business environment?Definition of Business Environment

Business Environment may be define as all external and internalfactors which affects the activities of business. In these factors wecan include customers, suppliers, and employees, Govt., Economyand Competitors.

Explanation of Business Environment

We can explain business environment with physical environment ofnature . When we see nature , we find many things air , water ,

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sun , moon and so many other things . They create environment .Nature is effected from these factors from time to time and showshis presentation in the form of raining , season and other variations. Same thing happens in business . Business is also affected fromits environment . Suppose , If Govt. increases service tax rate or

VAT rate . At this time , business has also to increase the price ofhis products . There is not just a single factor are affectingbusiness but large number of factors affect business .So , see the behaviour of different factors is necessity of time foroperating business smooth in this environment .

Environment refers to all external forces, which have a bearing onthe functioning of business. Environment factors are largely if nottotally, external and beyond the control of individual industrialenterprises and their managements.

The business environment poses threats to a firm or offersimmense opportunities for potential market exploitation.Environmental business solutions will give way to theenvironmental business opportunities.

Types of Business Environment

Environment includes such factors as socio-economic,technological, supplier, competitor and the government. There aretwo more factors, which exercise considerable influence onbusiness. They are physical or natural environment and globalenvironment.

Technological Environment

Technology is understood as the systematic application of scientificor other organized knowledge to practical tasks. Technologychanges fast and to keep pace with it, businessmen should be everalert to adopt changed technology in their businesses.



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Economic Environment

There is close relationship between business and its economicenvironment.Business obtains all its needed inputs from the economic

environment and it absorbs the output of business units.

Political Environment

It refers to the influence exerted by the three political institutionsviz., legislature executive and the judiciary in shaping, directing,developing and controlling business activities. A stable anddynamic political environment is indispensable for business growth.

Natural Environment

Business, an economic pursuit of man, continues to be dictated bynature. Towhat extend business depends on nature and what is therelationship between the two constitutes an interesting study.

Global or international Environment

Thanks to liberalization, Indian companies are forces to viewbusiness issues from a global perspective. Business responses andmanagerial practices must be fine-tuned to survive in the globalenvironment.

Social and culture Environment

It refers to peoples attitude to work and wealth; role of family,

marriage,

religion and education; ethical issues and social responsiveness of

business.[38,39]



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NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Land management policies have been developed to preserve the

natural characteristics of Hopetoun Falls, Australia while allowingample access for visitors.

Bachalpsee in the Swiss Alps; generally mountainous areas are less

affected by human activity.

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A satellite image of the Sahara desert; the world's largest hot

desert and third largest desert after Antarctica and the Arctic.

The natural environment encompasses all living and non-living thingsoccurring naturally on Earth or some region thereof. It is anenvironment that encompasses the interaction of all living species.The concept of the natural environment can be distinguished bycomponents:

Complete ecological units that function as natural systemswithout massive human intervention, including all vegetation,microorganisms, soil, rocks, atmosphere and naturalphenomena that occur within their boundaries.

Universal natural resources and physical phenomena that lackclear-cut boundaries, such as air, water, and climate, as wellas energy, radiation, electric charge, and magnetism, not

originating from human activity.[2]

The natural environment is contrasted with the built environment,which comprises the areas and components that are stronglyinfluenced by humans. A geographical area is regarded as a naturalenvironment.

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The Earth's layered structure. (1) inner core; (2) outer core; (3)

lower mantle; (4) upper mantle; (5) lithosphere; (6) crust

A volcanic fissure and lava channel.

Earth science generally recognizes 4 spheres, the lithosphere, thehydrosphere, the atmosphere, and the biosphere as correspondentto rocks, water, air, and life. Some scientists include, as part of thespheres of the Earth, the cryosphere (corresponding to ice) as adistinct portion of the hydrosphere, as well as the pedosphere(corresponding to soil) as an active and intermixed sphere. Earthscience (also known as geoscience, the geosciences or the Earth

Sciences), is an all-embracing term for the sciences related to theplanet Earth. There are four major disciplines in earth sciences,namely geography, geology, geophysics and geodesy. These majordisciplines use physics, chemistry, biology, chronology and

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mathematics to build a qualitative and quantitative understandingof the principal areas or spheres of the Earth system.[3]

The Earth's crust, or lithosphere, is the outermost solid surface ofthe planet and is chemically and mechanically different fromunderlying mantle. It has been generated largely by igneous

processes in which magma (molten rock) cools and solidifies toform solid rock. Beneath the lithosphere lies the mantle which isheated by the decay of radioactive elements. The mantle thoughsolid is in a state of rheic convection. This convection processcauses the lithospheric plates to move, albeit slowly. The resultingprocess is known as plate tectonics. Volcanoes result primarilyfrom the melting ofsubducted crust material or of rising mantle atmid-ocean ridges and mantle plumes.

Coral reefs have significant marine biodiversity.

Earth's oceans

(World Ocean)

Arctic Ocean

Atlantic Ocean

Indian Ocean

Pacific Ocean

SouthernOcean[4]

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An ocean is a major body ofsaline water, and a component of thehydrosphere. Approximately 71% of the Earth's surface (an area ofsome 362 million square kilometers) is covered by ocean, acontinuous body of water that is customarily divided into severalprincipal oceans and smaller seas. More than half of this area is

over 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) deep. Average oceanic salinity isaround 35 parts per thousand (ppt) (3.5%), and nearly all seawaterhas a salinity in the range of 30 to 38 ppt. Though generallyrecognized as several 'separate' oceans, these waters comprise oneglobal, interconnected body of salt water often referred to as theWorld Ocean or global ocean. This concept of a global ocean as acontinuous body of water with relatively free interchange amongits parts is of fundamental importance to oceanography. The majoroceanic divisions are defined in part by the continents, variousarchipelagos, and other criteria: these divisions are (in descendingorder of size) the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian

Ocean, the Southern Ocean and the Arctic Ocean.

The Columbia River, along the border of the U.S. states ofOregon

and Washington.

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A rocky stream in the U.S. state ofHawaii.

A river is a natural watercourse, usually freshwater, flowing towardan ocean, a lake, a sea or another river. In a few cases, a riversimply flows into the ground or dries up completely before reachinganother body of water. Small rivers may also be termed by severalother names, including stream, creek and brook. In the UnitedStates a river is generally classified as a watercourse more than 60feet (18 metres) wide. The water in a river is usually in a channel,made up of a stream bed between banks. In larger rivers there isalso a wider floodplain shaped by flood-waters over-topping thechannel. Flood plains may be very wide in relation to the size of theriver channel. Rivers are a part of the hydrological cycle. Waterwithin a river is generally collected from precipitation throughsurface runoff, groundwater recharge, springs, and the release ofwater stored in glaciers and snowpacks.

A stream is a flowing body ofwater with a current, confined withina bed and stream banks. Streams play an important corridor role inconnecting fragmented habitats and thus in conservingbiodiversity. The study of streams and waterways in general isknown as surface hydrology. Types of streams include creeks,tributaries, which do not reach an ocean and connect with anotherstream or river, brooks, which are typically small streams andsometimes sourced from a spring or seep and tidal inlets.[5]

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The Lcar Lake is a lake of glacial origin in the province of

Neuqun, Argentina.

A swamp area in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA.

A lake (from Latin lacus) is a terrain feature, a body of water that islocalized to the bottom of basin. A body of water is considered alake when it is inland, is not part of a ocean, is larger and deeperthan a pond, and is fed by a river.

Natural lakes on Earth are generally found in mountainous areas,rift zones, and areas with ongoing or recent glaciation. Other lakesare found in endorheic basins or along the courses of maturerivers. In some parts of the world, there are many lakes because ofchaotic drainage patterns left over from the last Ice Age. All lakesare temporary over geologic time scales, as they will slowly fill inwith sediments or spill out of the basin containing them.

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A pond is a body of standing water, either natural or man-made,that is usually smaller than a lake. A wide variety of man-madebodies of water are classified as ponds, including water gardensdesigned for aesthetic ornamentation, fish ponds designed forcommercial fish breeding, and solar ponds designed to store

thermal energy. Ponds and lakes are distinguished from streamsvia current speed. While currents in streams are easily observed,ponds and lakes possess thermally driven micro-currents andmoderate wind driven currents. These features distinguish a pondfrom many other aquatic terrain features, such as stream pools andtide pools.

Atmospheric gases scatter blue light more than other wavelengths,

creating a blue halo when seen from space.

A view of Earth's troposphere from an airplane.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_of_waterhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_stagnationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_gardenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_pondhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_pondhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Current_(stream)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stream_poolhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tide_poolhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rayleigh_scatteringhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halo_(optical_phenomenon)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixed-wing_aircrafthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Troposphere_CIMG1853.JPGhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Top_of_Atmosphere.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_of_waterhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_stagnationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_gardenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_pondhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_pondhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Current_(stream)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stream_poolhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tide_poolhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rayleigh_scatteringhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halo_(optical_phenomenon)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixed-wing_aircraft


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Lightning is an atmospheric discharge of electricity accompanied

by thunder, which typically occurs during thunderstorms, and

sometimes during volcanic eruptions or dust storms. [6]

The atmosphere of the Earth serves as a key factor in sustainingthe planetary ecosystem. The thin layer ofgases that envelops theEarth is held in place by the planet's gravity. Dry air consists of78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1% argon and other inert gases, suchas carbon dioxide. The remaining gases are often referred to astrace gases, among which are the greenhouse gases such as watervapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. Filteredair includes trace amounts of many other chemical compounds. Airalso contains a variable amount ofwater vapor and suspensions ofwater droplets and ice crystals seen as clouds. Many natural

substances may be present in tiny amounts in an unfiltered airsample, including dust, pollen and spores, sea spray, volcanic ash,and meteoroids. Various industrial pollutants also may be present,such as chlorine (elementary or in compounds), fluorinecompounds, elemental mercury, and sulphur compounds such assulphur dioxide [SO2].

The ozone layer of the Earth's atmosphere plays an important rolein depleting the amount ofultraviolet (UV) radiation that reachesthe surface. As DNA is readily damaged by UV light, this serves toprotect life at the surface. The atmosphere also retains heat during

the night, thereby reducing the daily temperature extremes.Earth's atmosphere can be divided into five main layers. Theselayers are mainly determined by whether temperature increases ordecreases with altitude. From highest to lowest, these layers are:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightninghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth's_atmospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electricityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderstormhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcanohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dust_stormhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrogenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inert_gaseshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_dioxidehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_compoundhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_vaporhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suspension_(chemistry)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloudhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dusthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sporeshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_sprayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcanic_ashhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteoroidhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollutanthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorinehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorinehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulphurhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulphur_dioxidehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone_layerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultraviolethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNAhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lightnings_sequence_2_animation.gifhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightninghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth's_atmospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electricityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderstormhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcanohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dust_stormhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrogenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inert_gaseshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_dioxidehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_compoundhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_vaporhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suspension_(chemistry)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloudhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dusthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sporeshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_sprayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcanic_ashhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteoroidhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollutanthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorinehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorinehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulphurhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulphur_dioxidehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone_layerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultraviolethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA


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Exosphere: The outermost layer of Earth's atmosphereextends from the exobase upward, mainly composed ofhydrogen and helium.

Thermosphere: The top of the thermosphere is the bottom ofthe exosphere, called the exobase. Its height varies with solar

activity and ranges from about 350800 km (220500 mi;1,100,0002,600,000 ft). The International Space Stationorbits in this layer, between 320 and 380 km (200 and 240mi).

Mesosphere: The mesosphere extends from the stratopause to8085 km (5053 mi; 260,000280,000 ft). It is the layer wheremost meteors burn up upon entering the atmosphere.

Stratosphere: The stratosphere extends from the tropopauseto about 51 km (32 mi; 170,000 ft). The stratopause, which isthe boundary between the stratosphere and mesosphere,

typically is at 50 to 55 km (31 to 34 mi; 160,000 to 180,000ft).

Troposphere: The troposphere begins at the surface andextends to between 7 km (23,000 ft) at the poles and 17 km(56,000 ft) at the equator, with some variation due toweather. The troposphere is mostly heated by transfer ofenergy from the surface, so on average the lowest part of thetroposphere is warmest and temperature decreases withaltitude. The tropopause is the boundary between thetroposphere and stratosphere.[7]

Other layersWithin the five principal layers determined by temperature areseveral layers determined by other properties.

The ozone layer is contained within the stratosphere. It ismainly located in the lower portion of the stratosphere fromabout 1535 km (9.322 mi; 49,000110,000 ft), though thethickness varies seasonally and geographically. About 90% ofthe ozone in our atmosphere is contained in the stratosphere.

The ionosphere, the part of the atmosphere that is ionized bysolar radiation, stretches from 50 to 1,000 km (31 to 620 mi;

160,000 to 3,300,000 ft) and typically overlaps both theexosphere and the thermosphere. It forms the inner edge ofthe magnetosphere.

The homosphere and heterosphere: The homosphere includesthe troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere. The upper

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exobasehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Space_Stationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stratospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stratopausehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropopausehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone_layerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ionospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heterospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exobasehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Space_Stationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stratospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stratopausehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropopausehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone_layerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ionospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heterosphere


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part of the heterosphere is composed almost completely ofhydrogen, the lightest element.

The planetary boundary layer is the part of the tropospherethat is nearest the Earth's surface and is directly affected byit, mainly through turbulent diffusion.

The Retreat of glaciers since 1850 ofAletsch Glacier in the SwissAlps (situation in 1979, 1991 and 2002), due to global warming. [8]

The potential dangers of global warming are being increasinglystudied by a wide global consortium of scientists. These scientistsare increasingly concerned about the potential long-term effects ofglobal warming on our natural environment and on the planet. Ofparticular concern is how climate change and global warmingcaused by anthropogenic, or human-made releases ofgreenhousegases, most notably carbon dioxide, can act interactively, and haveadverse effects upon the planet, its natural environment and

humans' existence. Efforts have been increasingly focused on themitigation of greenhouse gases that are causing climatic changes,on developing adaptative strategies to global warming, to assisthumans, animal and plant species, ecosystems, regions and nationsin adjusting to the effects of global warming. Some examples ofrecent collaboration to address climate change and global warminginclude:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetary_boundary_layerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbulencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aletsch_Glacierhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_Alpshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_Alpshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warminghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warminghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_changehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_impact_on_the_environmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_dioxidehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitigation_of_global_warminghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptation_to_global_warminghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_global_warminghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gletscherschmelze.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetary_boundary_layerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbulencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aletsch_Glacierhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_Alpshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_Alpshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warminghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warminghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_changehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_impact_on_the_environmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_dioxidehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitigation_of_global_warminghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptation_to_global_warminghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_global_warming


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Another view of the Aletsch Glacier in the Swiss Alps and because

ofglobal warming it has been decreasing

The United Nations Framework Convention Treaty andconvention on Climate Change, to stabilize greenhouse gas

concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that wouldprevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with theclimate system.

The Kyoto Protocol, which is the protocol to the internationalFramework Convention on Climate Change treaty, again withthe objective of reducing greenhouse gases in an effort toprevent anthropogenic climate change.

The Western Climate Initiative, to identify, evaluate, andimplement collective and cooperative ways to reducegreenhouse gases in the region, focusing on a market-based

cap-and-trade system. [9]A significantly profound challenge is to identify the naturalenvironmental dynamics in contrast to environmental changes notwithin natural variances. A common solution is to adapt a staticview neglecting natural variances to exist. Methodologically, thisview could be defended when looking at processes which changeslowly and short time series, while the problem arrives when fastprocesses turns essential in the object of the study.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aletsch_Glacierhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_Alpshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warminghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Framework_Convention_on_Climate_Changehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avoiding_dangerous_climate_changehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avoiding_dangerous_climate_changehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto_Protocolhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Climate_Initiativehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Aletschgletsjer_Zwitserland.JPGhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aletsch_Glacierhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_Alpshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warminghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Framework_Convention_on_Climate_Changehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avoiding_dangerous_climate_changehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avoiding_dangerous_climate_changehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto_Protocolhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Climate_Initiative


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Worldwide climate classifications map

Climate encompasses the statistics of temperature, humidity,atmospheric pressure, wind, rainfall, atmospheric particle countand numerous other meteorological elements in a given region overlong periods of time.[citation needed] Climate can be contrasted toweather, which is the present condition of these same elementsover periods up to two weeks.[10]

Climates can be classified according to the average and typicalranges of different variables, most commonly temperature andprecipitation. The most commonly used classification scheme is theone originally developed by Wladimir Kppen. The Thornthwaitesystem, in use since 1948, incorporates evapotranspiration in

addition to temperature and precipitation information and is usedin studying animal species diversity and potential impacts ofclimate changes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climatehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climatehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperaturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humidityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmospheric_pressurehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainfallhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteorologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weatherhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_classificationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wladimir_K%C3%B6ppenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evapotranspirationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_changehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rainbow_over_Bristol.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ClimateMap_World.pnghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climatehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climatehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperaturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humidityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmospheric_pressurehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainfallhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteorologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weatherhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_classificationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wladimir_K%C3%B6ppenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evapotranspirationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change


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Rainbows are optical and meteorological phenomenon that causes

a spectrum oflight to appear in the sky when the Sun shines onto

droplets of moisture in the Earth's atmosphere.

Weather is a set of all the phenomena occurring in a given

atmospheric area at a given time. Most weather phenomena occurin the troposphere, just below the stratosphere. Weather refers,generally, to day-to-day temperature and precipitation activity,whereas climate is the term for the average atmospheric conditionsover longer periods of time. When used without qualification,"weather" is understood to be the weather ofEarth.

Weather occurs due to density (temperature and moisture)differences between one place and another. These differences canoccur due to the sun angle at any particular spot, which varies bylatitude from the tropics. The strong temperature contrast betweenpolar and tropical air gives rise to thejet stream. Weather systemsin the mid-latitudes, such as extratropical cyclones, are caused byinstabilities of the jet stream flow. Because the Earth's axis is tiltedrelative to its orbital plane, sunlight is incident at different anglesat different times of the year. On the Earth's surface, temperaturesusually range 40 C (100 F to 40 F) annually. Over thousands ofyears, changes in the Earth's orbit have affected the amount anddistribution of solar energy received by the Earth and influencelong-term climate

Surface temperature differences in turn cause pressuredifferences. Higher altitudes are cooler than lower altitudes due to

differences in compressional heating. Weather forecasting is theapplication of science and technology to predict the state of theatmosphere for a future time and a given location. The atmosphereis a chaotic system, and small changes to one part of the systemcan grow to have large effects on the system as a whole. Humanattempts to control the weather have occurred throughout humanhistory, and there is evidence that human activity such asagriculture and industry has inadvertently modified weatherpatterns.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbowhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opticshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteorologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_spectrumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth's_atmospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weatherhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenomenonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stratospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climatehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jet_streamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-latitudeshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extratropical_cyclonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth's_rotationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunlighthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperaturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth's_atmospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth's_atmospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaos_theoryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather_controlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbowhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opticshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteorologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_spectrumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth's_atmospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weatherhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenomenonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stratospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climatehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jet_streamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-latitudeshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extratropical_cyclonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth's_rotationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunlighthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperaturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth's_atmospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth's_atmospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaos_theoryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather_controlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industry


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There are many plant species on the planet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plant_specieshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Diversity_of_plants_image_version_5.pnghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plant_species


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An example of the many animal species on the Earth.

Evidence suggests that life on Earth has existed for about 3.7billion years. All known life forms share fundamental molecular

mechanisms, and based on these observations, theories on theorigin of life attempt to find a mechanism explaining the formationof a primordial single cell organism from which all life originates.There are many different hypotheses regarding the path that mighthave been taken from simple organic molecules via pre-cellular lifeto protocells and metabolism. [11]

Although there is no universal agreement on the definition of life,scientists generally accept that the biological manifestation of lifeis characterized by organization, metabolism, growth, adaptation,response to stimuli and reproduction. Life may also be said to besimply the characteristic state oforganisms. In biology, the scienceof living organisms, "life" is the condition which distinguishesactive organisms from inorganic matter, including the capacity forgrowth, functional activity and the continual change precedingdeath.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_specieshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_on_Earthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1000000000_(number)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_moleculehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_growthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimulus_(physiology)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reproductionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inorganic_compoundhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physiologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Animal_diversity.pnghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_specieshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_on_Earthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1000000000_(number)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_moleculehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_growthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimulus_(physiology)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reproductionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inorganic_compoundhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physiology


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A diverse array of living organisms (life forms) can be found in thebiosphere on Earth, and properties common to these organismsplants, animals, fungi, protists, archaea, and bacteriaare acarbon- and water-based cellular form with complex organizationand heritable genetic information. Living organisms undergo

metabolism, maintain homeostasis, possess a capacity to grow,respond to stimuli, reproduce and, through natural selection, adaptto their environment in successive generations. More complexliving organisms can communicate through various means.

Rainforests often have a great deal ofbiodiversity with many plant

and animal species. This is the Gambia River in Senegal's Niokolo-

Koba National Park.

An ecosystem(also called as environment) is a natural unitconsisting of all plants, animals and micro-organisms (bioticfactors) in an area functioning together with all of the non-livingphysical (abiotic) factors of the environment.

Central to the ecosystem concept is the idea that living organismsare continually engaged in a highly interrelated set of relationshipswith every other element constituting the environment in whichthey exist. Eugene Odum, one of the founders of the science ofecology, stated: "Any unit that includes all of the organisms (ie: the"community") in a given area interacting with the physicalenvironment so that a flow of energy leads to clearly defined

trophic structure, biotic diversity, and material cycles (i.e.:exchange of materials between living and nonliving parts) withinthe system is an ecosystem." [12]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fungushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protisthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archaeahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacteriahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon-based_lifehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_(biology)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeostasishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_growthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimulus_(physiology)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reproducehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_selectionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainforesthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodiversityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambia_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senegalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niokolo-Koba_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niokolo-Koba_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecosystemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biotic_componenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abiotichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_organismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environment_(biophysical)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Odumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:River_gambia_Niokolokoba_National_Park.gifhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biospherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fungushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protisthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archaeahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacteriahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon-based_lifehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_(biology)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeostasishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_growthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimulus_(physiology)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reproducehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_selectionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainforesthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodiversityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambia_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senegalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niokolo-Koba_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niokolo-Koba_National_Parkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecosystemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biotic_componenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abiotichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_organismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environment_(biophysical)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Odum


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Old-growth forest and a creekon Larch Mountain, in the U.S. state

ofOregon.

The human ecosystem concept is then grounded in thedeconstruction of the human/nature dichotomy, and the emergentpremise that all species are ecologically integrated with each other,as well as with the abiotic constituents of their biotope.

A greater number or variety of species or biological diversity of anecosystem may contribute to greater resilience of an ecosystem,because there are more species present at a location to respond tochange and thus "absorb" or reduce its effects. This reduces theeffect before the ecosystem's structure is fundamentally changedto a different state. This is not universally the case and there is no

proven relationship between the species diversity of an ecosystemand its ability to provide goods and services on a sustainable level.

The term ecosystem can also pertain to human-madeenvironments, such as human ecosystems and human-influencedecosystems, and can describe any situation where there isrelationship between living organisms and their environment.Fewer areas on the surface of the earth today exist free fromhuman contact, although some genuine wilderness areas continueto exist without any forms of human intervention.

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Map of Terrestrial biomes classified by vegetation.

Biomes are terminologically similar to the concept of ecosystems,and are climatically and geographically defined areas ofecologically similar climatic conditions on the Earth, such ascommunities ofplants, animals, and soil organisms, often referredto as ecosystems. Biomes are defined on the basis of factors such

as plant structures (such as trees, shrubs, and grasses), leaf types(such as broadleaf and needleleaf), plant spacing (forest,woodland, savanna), and climate. Unlike ecozones, biomes are notdefined by genetic, taxonomic, or historical similarities. Biomes areoften identified with particular patterns of ecological successionand climax vegetation. [12]

Chloroplasts conduct photosynthesis and are found in plant cells

and other eukaryotic organisms. These are Chloroplasts visible in

the cells of Plagiomnium affine Many-fruited Thyme-moss.

Global biogeochemical cycles are critical to life, most notably thoseofwater, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus.

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The nitrogen cycle is the transformation of nitrogen andnitrogen-containing compounds in nature. It is a cycle whichincludes gaseous components.

The water cycle, is the continuous movement of water on,above, and below the surface of the Earth. Water can change

states among liquid, vapor, and ice at various places in thewater cycle. Although the balance of water on Earth remainsfairly constant over time, individual water molecules can comeand go.

The carbon cycle is the biogeochemical cycle by which carbonis exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere,hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the Earth.

The oxygen cycle is the movement of oxygen within andbetween its three main reservoirs: the atmosphere, thebiosphere, and the lithosphere. The main driving factor of the

oxygen cycle is photosynthesis, which is responsible for themodern Earth's atmospheric composition and life.

The phosphorus cycle is the movement of phosphorus throughthe lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. The atmospheredoes not play a significant role in the movements ofphosphorus, because phosphorus and phosphorus compoundsare usually solids at the typical ranges of temperature andpressure found on Earth.[13]

A conifer forest in the Swiss Alps (National Park).

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The Ahklun Mountains and the Togiak Wilderness within the Togiak

National Wildlife Refuge in the U.S. state ofAlaska.

Wilderness is generally defined as a natural environment on Earththat has not been significantly modified by human activity. TheWILD Foundation goes into more detail, defining wilderness as:"The most intact, undisturbed wild natural areas left on our planet -those last truly wild places that humans do not control and havenot developed with roads, pipelines or other industrialinfrastructure." Wilderness areas and protected parks areconsidered important for the survival of certain species, ecologicalstudies, conservation, solitude, and recreation. Wilderness isdeeply valued for cultural, spiritual, moral, and aesthetic reasons.Some nature writers believe wilderness areas are vital for thehuman spirit and creativity.

The word, "wilderness", derives from the notion of wildness; inother words that which is not controllable by humans. The word'setymology is from the Old English wildeornes, which in turn derivesfrom wildeor meaning wild beast (wild + deor = beast, deer). Fromthis point of view, it is the wildness of a place that makes it awilderness. The mere presence or activity of people does notdisqualify an area from being "wilderness." Many ecosystems thatare, or have been, inhabited or influenced by activities of peoplemay still be considered "wild." This way of looking at wildernessincludes areas within which natural processes operate without verynoticeable human interference.[14]

Wildlife includes all non-domesticated plants, animals and otherorganisms. Domesticating wild plant and animal species for humanbenefit has occurred many times all over the planet, and has amajor impact on the environment, both positive and negative.Wildlife can be found in all ecosystems. Deserts, rain forests,

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plains, and other areasincluding the most developed urban sitesall have distinct forms of wildlife. While the term in popular cultureusually refers to animals that are untouched by human factors,most scientists agree that wildlife around the world is impacted byhuman activities.

Before flue gas desulfurization was installed, the air-polluting

emissions from this power plant in New Mexico contained excessive

amounts ofsulfur dioxide

Amazon Rainforest in Brazil.

The tropical rainforests of South America contain the largest

diversity of species on Earth, including some that have evolved

within the past few hundred thousand years.

It is the common understanding of natural environment thatunderlies environmentalism a broad political, social, andphilosophical movement that advocates various actions andpolicies in the interest of protecting what nature remains in thenatural environment, or restoring or expanding the role of nature inthis environment. While true wilderness is increasingly rare, wild

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nature (e.g., unmanaged forests, uncultivated grasslands, wildlife,wildflowers) can be found in many locations previously inhabited byhumans.

Goals commonly expressed by environmental scientists include:

Reduction and clean up ofpollution, with future goals of zeropollution;

Cleanly converting non-recyclable materials into energythrough direct combustion or after conversion into secondaryfuels;

Reducing societal consumption ofnon-renewable fuels;

Development of alternative, green, low-carbon or renewableenergy sources;

Conservation and sustainable use of scarce resources such aswater, land, and air;

Protection of representative or unique or pristine ecosystems;

Preservation of threatened and endangered speciesextinction;

The establishment of nature and biosphere reserves undervarious types of protection; and, most generally, theprotection of biodiversity and ecosystems upon which allhuman and other life on earth depends.

Very large development projects - megaprojects - pose specialinstructions and risks to the natural environments. Major dams and

power plants are cases in point. The challenge to the environmentfrom such projects is growing because more and biggermegaprojects are being built, in developed and developing nationsalike.

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Why is the Environment so Important?

Our life-support system's health is maintained by all the species

that make-up the biospherefrom the smallest to the largest (our

biodiversity). The survival of all these species are interconnected

and dependent on each other. Bacteria and insects break down

organic material to produce soil and nutrients so plants can grow.

Plants provide oxygen and food for animals and many other

benefits. Bees, other insects, and animals pollinate the plants so

they can reproduce and keep the cycle going.[15] They also

maintain the health of plants and spread their seeds. The actual



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processes that take place between species and the environment

are extremely complex and vulnerable. If humanity causes the

extinction of one speciesit's really the extinction of many species

and the decline of our life-support system for ourselves and future

generations. God's gift must not be taken for grantedit must be

cared for. If not, humanity will face the grim consequences of its

actions.

Humanity has neglected to factor into the economic equation the

tremendous benefits nature provides. Because the environment is

our life-support system, it's impossible to truly estimate its value

(it's priceless). However, economists and environmental scientists

have estimated in dollars what it would cost us to accomplish the

services nature provides. Using multiple databases, they estimate

that nature provides $33 trillion dollars worth of services everyyearthat's nearly twice the annual Gross National Product or GNP

of all the countries in the world combined. For example, forests

prevent soil erosion, landslides, and flooding; maintain the purity

of the air and water; affect local and global rainfall; temper climatic

fluctuations; and promote watersheds and biodiversity. By

retaining the proper moisture content within their foliage and soil,

healthy forests prevent local fires from becoming widespread.

Unfortunately, this moisture content is declining from over

harvesting and fragmentation. Consequently, large-scale fires are

becoming increasingly prevalent throughout the world. Other

ecosystems like mangroves, wetlands, grasslands, shrubs, deserts,

oceans, coral reefs, tundra-arctic regions, and so on provide similar

and unique benefits. [16]

Biodiversity provides problem-solving raw materials for shelter and

useful products, creates medicines, and allows us to pollinate and

maintain healthy crops from being infested with harmful insects

and diseases (without the need or hazards of chemicals or genetic

engineering, which kill beneficial insects, additional wildlife, andplants). Although tropical forests contain some of the highest

concentration of biodiversity on the planet, we destructively log

more than 10 million acres of these forests each year (thats



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approximately the size of a football field every 4 seconds) and

efforts to promote sustainable forestry are largely failing.

Scientists agree that the best way to protect biodiversity is to

protect and maintain habitat large enough to accommodate a

healthy ecosystemtolerating small fragmented habitats will not

preserve ecosystems or their biodiversity.

Approximately 40% of all prescriptions in the U.S. are either based

on or synthesized from natural compounds found in

microorganisms, plants, and animals. The economic value provided

by just plant-based anticancer drugs in the U.S. is over $250 billion

annually. In addition to nature providing us with penicillin, aspirin,

morphine, and steroids; the medicine Taxol, which fights breast

and ovarian cancer, comes from the bark of the pacific yew tree;

the foxglove plant provides the drug digitalis which boosts thepumping action of weak hearts; and the rosy periwinkle plant is

used to fight Hodgkins disease and childhood leukemia. Other

candidates providing promising medicines include deep-sea

sponges, tropical cone snails, dogfish sharks, the bark of the

Holarrhena tree (found in Asia and Africa), and the plant

Chonemorpha macrophylla (located in the foothills of the

Himalayas). A microbe found in the hot springs of Yellowstone

National Park provided an enzyme for mass-producing DNA.

Physician and biochemist Michael Zasloff, "Theres so much we

dont know about the natural worldAnd were destroying large

parts of it before we even appreciate our ignorance."

The National Geographic Society writes:

The fragile balance of plants and animals that share the Earth took

millions of years to develop. Some life-forms have persisted in

nearly their original state, surviving episodes of mass extinction.

Some, like ourselves, are relative newcomers. The ones that have

perished will not return. Neither will the thousands of species that

are disappearing each year due in large part to such human

influences as habitat destruction, introduction of invasive species,



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and overharvesting. If we continue reducing Earths biodiversity at

this rate, the consequences will be profound. The web of life

connects the smallest bacterium to the giant redwood and the

whale. When we put that web in peril, we become agents of

calamity. [17]

Furthermore, religions around the world have long understood that

the beauty, diversity, and wonder of nature are humanity's physical

link with Godencouraging us to develop a spiritual relationship

with our Creator. The destruction of this link and our life-support

system should enrage all of humanityespecially religious groups

stewards of God's creation.

People who believe exponential growth can go on forever in a finite

world are either a madman or an economist. Kenneth Boulding

What is Biodiversity?

The variety of life on Earth, its biological diversity is commonly

referred to as biodiversity. [18]

The number of species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, the

enormous diversity of genes in these species, the different

ecosystems on the planet, such as deserts, rainforests and coral

reefs are all part of a biologically diverse Earth.

Appropriate conservation and sustainable development strategies

attempt to recognize this as being integral to any approach topreserving biodiversity. Almost all cultures have their roots in our

biological diversity in some way or form.

Declining biodiversity is therefore a concern for many reasons.



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Why is Biodiversity Important?

Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity where each species, no

matter how small, all have an important role to play.

For example,

A larger number of plant species means a greater variety of

crops

Greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all

life forms

Healthy ecosystems can better withstand and recover from a

variety of disasters.

And so, while we dominate this planet, we still need topreserve the diversity in wildlife.

A healthy biodiversity offers many natural services. [19]

Ecosystems such as the Amazon rainforest are rich in diversity.

Deforestation threatens many species such as the giant leaf frog,

shown here. (Images source: Wikipedia)

A healthy biodiversity provides a number of natural services foreveryone:

Ecosystem services, such as

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Protection of water resources

Soils formation and protection

Nutrient storage and recycling

Pollution breakdown and absorption

Contribution to climate stability

Maintenance of ecosystems

Recovery from unpredictable events

Biological resources, such as Food

Medicinal resources and pharmaceutical drugs

Wood products

Ornamental plants

Breeding stocks, population reservoirs

Future resources

Diversity in genes, species and ecosystems

Social benefits, such as

Research, education and monitoring

Recreation and tourism

Cultural values [20]

That is quite a lot of services we get for free!

The cost of replacing these (if possible) would be extremely

expensive. It therefore makes economic and development sense to

move towards sustainability.

A report from Nature magazine also explains that genetic diversity

helps to prevent the chances of extinction in the wild (and claims to

have shown proof of this).



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To prevent the well known and well documented problems of

genetic defects caused by in-breeding, species need a variety of

genes to ensure successful survival. Without this, the chances of

extinction increases.

And as we start destroying, reducing and isolating habitats, thechances for interaction from species with a large gene pool

decreases.

While there might be survival of the fittest within a given

species, each species depends on the services provided by other

species to ensure survival. It is a type of cooperation based on

mutual survival and is often what a balanced ecosystem refers

to. [21]

Soil, bacteria, plants; the Nitrogen Cycle

The relationship between soil, plants, bacteria and other life is also

referred to as the nitrogen cycle:



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As an example, consider all the species of animals and

organisms involved in a simple field used in agriculture. As

summarized from Vandana Shiva, Stolen Harvest (South End

Press, 2000), pp 6162:

Crop byproducts feed cattle

Cattle waste feeds the soil that nourish the crops

Crops, as well as yielding grain also yield straw

Straw provides organic matter and fodder

Crops are therefore food sources for humans and animals

Soil organisms also benefit from crops

Bacteria feed on the cellulose fibers of straw that farmers

return to the soil

Amoebas feed on bacteria making lignite fibers available for

uptake by plants

Algae provide organic matter and serve as natural nitrogen

fixers

Rodents that bore under the fields aerate the soil and improve

its water-holding capacity

Spiders, centipedes and insects grind organic matter from the

surface soil and leave behind enriched droppings.

Earthworms contribute to soil fertility [22]

They provide aerage, drainage and maintain soil structure.

According to Charles Darwin, It may be doubted whether there are

many other animals which have played so important a part in the

history of creatures.

The earthworm is like a natural tractor, fertilizer factory and dam,

combined!



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Industrial-farming techniques would deprive these diverse species

of food sources and instead assault them with chemicals,

destroying the rich biodiversity in the soil and with it the basis for

the renewal of the soil fertility.

Shiva, a prominent Indian scientist and activist goes on to detailthe costs associated with destroying this natural diversity and

why is the environment so important auto saved)

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