Env Sci Ch.

1 INTERRELATIONSHIPS
The Nature of Env. Sci. Presently evolving. Multidiscipline.
Current interest in the environment began in April 1970.
The environment everything that affects an organism
during its life time.
Science the study of the natural world, utilizing a mixture
of traditional science, social values, economics and politics.
Through formulating a hypothesis and testing it. It is important for
solving environmental problems.
Interrelatedness is a core concept. As John Muir statestug
on anything and you will find it connected to everything else in
the Universe. Darwin exemplified this same kind of thinking.
To understand the subject, an ecosystem approach is used. The
world is organized into units (ecosystems) where organisms and
the physical environment form an interacting unit with
boundaries. Few ecosystems have easily recognizable boundaries.
Most boundaries are indistinct.
The political and economic issues are addressed, because
decisions are made within political jurisdictions, and
environmental issues do not stop at such artificial boundaries.
Examples are air pollution, and declining fish stocks.

Emerging Global issues include weather conditions, declining

biodiversity, etc. But we have the ability to make development
sustainable Brundtland Commission Report. The Commission
reports that progress is very slow. The issues of Trade, Economic
Development, good Governance, Technology transfer, Science
and Education policies and Globalization are linked together in
Sustainable development.

The difficulty in Environmental governance is exemplified in the

issue of declining fish stocks in the Pacific NW of the US. This
illustrates the political and economic friction associated with a
resource that crosses political boundaries.

Human Well-Being and the Environment. To achieve

sustainable development, one must consider the relationship
between the environment and development and its end pointHuman well-being
Defining Human Well being. Can be classified according to three
view points.
The environment can contribute to development only as a
means to promote economic growth.
People value the environment for its traditional and
cultural aspects.
The environment is appreciated beyond its role as an
income generator and is seen as multi- dimensional.
Services provided by ecosystems include: Provisioning (food),
Regulating (disease control), Cultural (spiritual, recreational,
cultural), and Supporting (maintaining conditions for life on
earth).
Changes in these services due to environmental changes affect
human well-being. The poorest peoples who depend primarily on
environmental goods and services, are most vulnerable when
changes occur.
Environment and Human Health. WHO notes that almost 25% of
all diseases are the result of environmental exposure. Examples:
Cancer, Malaria, Heart Diseases, Diarrhea, Pollution both air and
water, and emerging diseases

Environment and Security. Security incorporates economic,

political, cultural, social and environmental aspects.
Environmental changes can also cause changes in provisioning
services. Armed conflicts result from resources accessibility,
human migration, natural disasters can all change the
environment.
Environment and Globalization. Globalization has lead to trade,
spread of diseases, introduction of exotic species.
Concerns are addressed through the Earth Summits, such as:
Rio 1992- Agenda 21. On sustainable development.
Kyoto on Climate Change. GHG cut by 5% that in 1990
Millennium ecosystem Assessment 2005. Examined
ecosystem services. Conclusion- negative except for food
production. (Soil erosion, over consumption, conversion of natural
ecosystems)
Environment and Energy. Inadequate and insecure supplies at
affordable prices. Demand is increasing. Over 66% in developing
countries. There is a need to curb growth.