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Environment
describes the surroundings or conditions (including living or non living components) in which any given organism exist
Environmental science
a field of research that is used to understand the natural world and our relationship to it
Relies on a range of natural sciences such as ecology, geology, chemistry, and engineering
Along with social science such as anthropology, psychology, and economics
Empirical science
scientifically investigates the natural world through systematic observations and experimentation
Applied science
use its findings to inform our actions and bring positive change
Environmental literacy
ability to understand environmental problems
Trade-offs
exchange for something of value, compromise
Triple bottom line
solutions must be good for the environment, good for society, and affordable
Traditional ecological knowledge
learn to access and use available resources and to do so within the means of the environment
Sustainable development
allow them to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same
Anthropocene
the age of humans -> distinctive geological evidence of our existence is accumulating and left behind long after we are gone
renewable energy
energy that comes from an infinitely available or easily replenished source
Vast majority -> sun is the resource
Nonrenewable resources
supply is finite or is not replenished in a timely fashion
Ex: fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil
Higher biodiversity
greater number of species and more variation between individuals within a species
social traps
decisions by individuals or groups that seem good at the time and produce a short-term benefit but hurt society in the long run
Tragedy of the commons
a social trap that often emergers when many people are using commonly held resource, such as water or public land. Each person will act in a way to maximize his or her benefits, but as everyone does this, the resource becomes overused or damaged
Environmental ethic
how they interact with their natural environment or respond to environmental problems
Anthropocentric worldview
one where humans' lives and interests are most important
instrumental value
only valued for benefit to humans
Biocentric worldview
values all life; every organism has a right to exist regardless of its benefit or harm to humans
intrinsic value
inherent worth or value that a living organism or ecosystem possesses in itself, independent of its usefulness to humans
Ecocentric worldview
value the ecosystem as an intact whole, including all of the ecosystems organisms and nonliving processes that occur within the ecosystem
Empirical observations
information about physical phenomena that can be detected with the five senses or with equipment used to extend those senses (microscopes)
Inferences
explanations of what else might be true
Hypothesis
proposed answer to the research question - an interference - based on previous knowledge and current observations
Experimental prediction
a statement that identifies what is expected to happen if the hypothesis being tested is correct
Peer review
reviewed by a group of third-party experts
Theory
a widely accepted explanation that has been extensively and rigorously tested, representing a higher level of certainty than a scientific explanation can attain
Observational study
one where scientists collect data in the real world without intentionally manipulating the subject of the study
Experimental studies
involve the intentional manipulation of experimental conditions
Red herring
extraneous information that is not relevant
Precautionary principle
acting in a way that leaves a safety margin when the data is uncertain or severe consequences are possible
Primary sources
sources that present original data or information, including novel scientific experiments and firsthand accounts of any given observation
Secondary source
one that presents and interprets information solely from primary sources, such as a science journalist who reviews a recent research article
Tertiary sources
that use one or more secondary sources, including textbooks and reports from the popular press
Logical fallacies
literary devices used to confuse or sway the audience to accept a claim or position in the absence of evidence or by twisting the evidence
Ad hominem attacks
discredit scientist or physician personally
