Introduction to Environmental Science | Module 1

Science as Practice and Perspective

Science is not just a body of facts; it is a way of knowing.

Science as a Practice

Active process of inquiry. Involves using a shared set of tools and methods to investigate problems and answer questions.

Science as a Perspective

A mindset built on critical thinking. Being open to new counterintuitive ideas and subjective all ideas to rigorous, skeptical scrutiny.

Critical Thinking

The ability to think clearly, actively, skillfully, and rationally when provided information, then making logical choices, decisions, and opinions.

Essence of Critical Thinking

For students to be able to reason logically.

Critical Thinking Is All About

Being an active learner rather than a passive participant.

Ecological Thinking (Hes & Du Plessis, 2014)

Ecological thinking is teaching us that humans are not separate from nature, but are members of the web of life.

Ecology

Ecosystems are not just a collection of species but are also relational systems that connect humans, as organic systems, with animals and plants.

Requirement of Ecological Thinking

Ecological thinking requires a broadening of identity in how we see ourselves in relationship to the world around us.

Engaging with the world from an Ecological Perspective

“We need to see ourselves as part of (rather than above) nature — to engage with the ‘human’ aspects of our context in relationship to the biophysical context.

Empathy

Refers to the ability to relate to another person’s pain vicariously, as if one has experienced that pain themselves.

Humility (Gordon Hinckley)

Recognizing we are not on earth to see how important we become, but to see how much difference we can make in the lives of others.

Humility

See others as your equal and not as someone below you

A Collaborative Effort

Science is largely a social exercise

Collaboration

Brings together diverse ideas, perspectives, expertise, and skills.

Environmental Science is Interdisciplinary

Draws on both natural and social sciences to solve complex problems. An essential approach because environmental issues are linked to human decisions and social systems.

Science

A systematic process of inquiry based on testable hypotheses, repeatable experiments, and evidence that can be independently verified.

Vaccine Development

An example of Science as the process is transparent, evidence-based, and constantly monitored.

Pseudoscience

Consists of claims, beliefs, or practices presented as scientific but lacking supporting evidence and failing to adhere to the scientific method.

Astrology

A form of pseudoscience as its claims are not falsifiable, (cannot be proven wrong) the results are not repeatable under controlled conditions, and there is no known physical mechanism to support its assertions.

What is Environment?

Consists of all living and nonliving things around us.

Environment

Includes the complex webs of social relationships and institutions that shape our daily lives.

What is Environmental Science?

The science that explores the relationship between human activities and natural ecology to research and develop measures for preventing and controlling environmental pollution.

The Scientific Method

This framework is not linear but iterative and collaborative.

Natural Resources, Ecosystem Services, Homeostasis

Philosophical Concepts for Environmental Study

Natural Resources “Environmental Goods”

These are the substances and energy sources we take from the environment to survive.

Ecosystem Services

These are the benefits that arise from the normal functioning of natural systems, such as air and water purification, pollination, and climate regulation.

Homeostasis

Natural systems are governed by homeostatic mechanisms. Any change is often counterbalanced by responses to maintain stability or equilibrium.

Systems Thinking

Seeks to understand how different elements within a system interact and influence one another.

Why Study the Environment?

Understanding the environment empowers us to act.

Species Restoration

Efforts to save species from extinction are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Resource Management

Involves the sustainable use of natural resources like land, water, air, and forests.

Environmental Laws

Legal Frameworks are necessary to protect the environment and regulate human impact.

Sustainability

The ultimate goal is to meet our present needs without compromising the ability, of future generations to meet theirs, balancing environmental, economic, and social factors.

System

A set of interconnected elements that work together to form a functioning whole.

Organization as a system

People Involved, Who do they work with, Goals of the Organization

Community as a system

Stakeholders, What resources do they have, Vision of the community

EcoSYSTEM

Biotic and Abiotic Components, Roles of Matter and Energy, Function of an Ecosystem

Big Picture Thinking

Boundaries, Structures, Trends, Feedbacks, Interconnections

Deep Thinking

Patterns, Events, Root Causes

Feedback & Systems Thinking

The overall behavior of a system is a product of feedback mechanisms in the structure.

Feedback Loops

When an output of an actions “loops back” to influence the next action.

Positive Feedback (Reinforcing)

Amplifies change, pushing the system further in the same direction.

Negative Feedback (Balancing)

Stabilizes a system, counteracting change to maintain equilibrium.

“How can we counteract this?”

Negative (Balancing) Feedback