APES Chapter 1 Study Guide

Yosemite land grant

the first “parkland” set aside by the federal government

Man and Nature

published by George Perkins Marsh

Yellowstone National Park established

First NP in the world

Forest Reserve Act

allowed the President of the US to set aside land in the public domain as forest reserves, which soon became known as The National Forests

Lacey Act

wildlife conservation and protection; prohibits trade in wildlife, fish, and plants that have been illegally harvested/taken, possessed,, transported and/or sold; requires a permit to transport live or dead animal/ animal parts across state lines

US Forest Service established via Transfer Act

The Forest Reserves (National Forests) were transfered from the US Department of the Interior (General Land Office branch) to the US Department of Agriculture (Division of Bureau of Forestry); in March of that same year, the Bureau of Foresty was renamed the US Forest Service. For the record, the General Land Office merged the US Grazing Service to become te Bureau of Land Management(BLM) in

The Fires of 1910

nationwide, but especially destructive in the West; US Forest Managment Policy clearly changed, resulting in decades of Supperssion- Focused fire policy. Added the 10 am rule of putting firest out since the weather, winds, and patterns could start spread a flame.

Organic Act

established the National Park Service; note that National Parks existed prior to August 25th, 1916, when this network service was established

Taylor Grazing Act

better manage public spaces where livestock, with a small fee payed to the government so erosine loss is reduced.

Soil Conservation Act

A U.S. federal law enacted in 1935 aimed at combating soil erosion and promoting sustainable land management practices. It established a framework for federal assistance to farmers and landowners, encouraging the adoption of conservation techniques to preserve soil health and prevent degradation. The act led to the formation of the Soil Conservation Service, which provides resources and guidance on effective soil conservation methods.

FIFRA: Federal Insecticide Fungicide Rodenticide Act

This U.S. law regulates the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides. It aims to protect human health and the environment by ensuring that pesticides are safe and effective. The act requires that all pesticides be registered with the EPA before they can be sold or used.

IUCN is established in 1948 (International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

the first global enviromental union

Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac

“A Land Ethic”- moral responsibility to the natural world

Racheal Carson’s Silent Spring

started the climate movement

The US Wilderness Act

presercation of large, undeveloped land areas, and established a legal definition of wilderness: “ A wilderness, in constrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain”

Tragedy of the Commons essay by Garrett Hardin

addresses growing concern of overpopulation

Cuyahoga River burns

So polluted that it burned

Santa Barbara Oil Spill

third biggest oil spill in the US waters: Source+ blowout on offshore platform; approx 90,000 barrels of crude oil spilled into channel/beaches. there was lots of press and pushed to COngress, the national enviromental policy act was created (NEPA)

NEPA

This law was enacted in 1969 and mandates an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for major federal projects. It aims to ensure that all branches consider the environment before making decisions. Public involvement is also a key component of the process. Most applied piece of federal legislation. (Enviromental Nagna Carta) Also created the President’s Council of Enviromental Quality (CEQ)

EPA

The US Enviromental Protection Agency is formed, protect ppl and the envi from significant health issues if develops, regulates forces and regulations.

The first single day observance awarness generation event

Earth day

MMPA

The Marin Mammal Protection Act, Prohbited the take of marine mammals

OPEC Oil Embargo

Imports of oil cut by OPEC countries to the U, the of gas increases

ESA

The US Endangered Species Act signed into law by President Nixon to protect endangered species from risk of extinction

Sherwood Rowland and Mario Molina

Both at UCI, link CFCs to stratospheric ozone depletion and got a Nobel prize in chemistry 21 years later

The Clean Water Act

Officially known as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the CWA seeks to restore and maintain the “chemical, physical and biological integrity of the nation’s waters by preventing point and non point pollution sources, providing assistance to publicly owned Treatment works for the improvement of wastewater treatment, and maintaining the integrity of wetlands”(also CWA of 1977 and Amend)

RCRA

The Resource Conservative and Recovery Act: promotes a cradle-to-grave approach regarding solid and hazardous wastes

Three Mile Island

A combination of human error, design flaw, and mechanical malfunction contributed to a partial meltdown of one of TMI’s two nuclear reactors. While concern over nuclear energy had been growing in the US for a number of years, this emergency is often cited as significantly contributing to much greater concern.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

Superfund, abandoned hazardous waste sites; “pollution pays principle”

Chernobyl

Explosion of nuclear reactors, influenced US energy policy to this day, Montreal because of CFCs

Montreal Protocol

Adopted in 1987, it phases out the production and consumption of substances responsible for ozone depletion, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The agreement has led to significant reductions in harmful emissions and is considered a successful environmental treaty, with global cooperation to restore the ozone layer.

Exxon Valdez

In 1989, an oil tanker struck a reef off the coast of Alaska, releasing approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound. This environmental disaster caused extensive damage to marine life, local ecosystems, and the fishing industry. The event raised awareness about oil spill prevention and response, leading to regulatory changes in the industry.

Clean Air Act NAAQS

A federal law that establishes national standards for air quality, focusing on six major pollutants. It mandates states to develop plans to achieve and maintain these standards, ensuring safe air for all citizens.

conference of the Parties

Finally established climate change as a global wide issue

Environmentally Sustainable Society

A society that protects natural capital and lives on its income from renewable resources, ensuring future generations can meet their basic needs.

Precautionary Principle

Having a moral justification for an action

Urban Enviroments

Cities and towns

Sustainability

The ability of Earth's systems, including human cultural systems and economies, to survive and adapt to changing environmental conditions indefinitely.

Scientific Principles of Sustainability

Dependence on solar energy, biodiversity, and chemical cycling.

Ecology

A branch of biology that studies interactions between living organisms and their environment.

Environmental Science

An interdisciplinary study of how nature works, how humans interact with the environment, and how to live sustainably.

Environmental Ethics

The beliefs regarding right and wrong behavior toward the environment.

Planetary Management

The worldview that humans manage nature for their needs, believing resources will not run out due to technology.

Stewardship

The belief that while resources may not run out, they should not be wasted.

Environmental Wisdom

The perspective that humans are dependent on nature and should promote sustainable economic growth.

Biocapacity

The ability of an ecosystem to regenerate renewable resources.

Sustainable Yield

The maximum rate at which a renewable resource can be used indefinitely without depleting its supply.

Biosphere 1

The life support system of Earth, including air, water, and soil where life exists.

Biosphere 2

An artificial ecosystem created to study Earth's life systems, which failed to sustain human life adequately.

Natural Capital

The resources and ecosystem services produced by Earth's natural processes that support life and economies.

Less-Developed Country (LDC)

A country with low-to-moderate industrialization and GDP.

More-Developed Country (MDC)

A country that is highly industrialized with a higher GDP.

Environmental Degradation

The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources and destruction of ecosystems.

High-Throughput Economy

An economic system that increases resource flow to produce more goods, leading to waste and pollution.

Low-Throughput Economy

An economic system that emphasizes recycling and sustainable use of resources to minimize waste.

Biomimicry

Sustainable innovation inspired by nature, as promoted by Janine Benyus.

Private Lands

Lands owned by individuals or businesses.

Public Lands

Lands owned collectively by citizens and managed by the government.

Doubling Time

The period it takes for a population to double in size, which has been decreasing over time.

Economic Growth

An increase in a nation's capacity to provide goods and services.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

The total market value of all goods and services produced within a country.

Per Capita GDP

The average economic output per person, calculated by dividing GDP by the population.

Ecological Footprint

The biologically productive land and water area required to supply a population with resources and absorb waste.

Renewable Resources

Resources that can be replenished naturally, such as forests and clean water.

Potentially Renewable Resources

Resources that can be replenished but may be used faster than they are replaced, like wood.

Nonrenewable Resources

Resources that exist in fixed amounts and can be depleted, such as fossil fuels.

Perpetual Resources

Resources that are continuously available, like solar and wind energy.

Tragedy of the Commons

A situation where shared resources are overused and depleted due to individual self-interest.

Approaches to Prevent Tragedy of the Commons

Regulation, privatization, and community management of resources, and laws and education

Pollution Prevention

Strategies aimed at reducing or eliminating waste before it is created.

IPAT Equation

A model that describes the environmental impact as a product of population, affluence, and technology.

Julian Simon

An economist who viewed human ingenuity as the most valuable resource on Earth.

Paul Ehrlich

An ecologist who believed the planet's carrying capacity was limited and advocated for population control.

Hunter-Gatherer Societies

Societies that rely on foraging and hunting, characterized by small populations and mobility.

Industrialized-Agriculture Societies

Societies that rely on large-scale farming and technology, leading to population growth and environmental changes.

What is the formula to calculate doubling time?

DT=70/GR

Garrett Hardin

known for the concept of the "Tragedy of the Commons". An American ecologist and philosopher, he emphasized the conflict between individual interests and the common good in resource management. His work highlights how shared resources are often overused and depleted when individuals act in self-interest, leading to environmental degradation.

Public Service Functions of Nature

These are benefits provided by ecosystems that support human life and well-being. They include clean air and water, pollination of crops, climate regulation, soil fertility, and recreational opportunities. They play a crucial role in sustaining biodiversity and maintaining the balance of natural processes essential for survival.

Ecosytem Services

These are the various functions and contributions of natural ecosystems that support life, including provisioning (food, water), regulating (climate, disease), cultural (recreational, spiritual), and supporting services (nutrient cycling, soil formation). They are essential for human well-being and sustainable development.

Direct Costs

Expenses that can be directly attributed to the production of goods or services. These costs fluctuate with production levels and include items such as raw materials, labor directly involved in manufacturing, and manufacturing supplies. They are essential for calculating the total cost of production and determining pricing strategies.

Indirect Costs

Expenses that are not directly tied to a specific project or activity. These costs support overall operations and include items like administrative salaries, utilities, and office supplies. They are often allocated across multiple projects rather than assigned to one specific area. Understanding these costs is crucial for budgeting and financial planning in organizations.

Externalities

Effects of an activity that impact third parties not directly involved in the transaction. These can be positive or negative and often lead to market inefficiencies. Examples include pollution from a factory affecting nearby residents or community benefits from a new park. Addressing these can require government intervention or policy changes to align private costs with social costs.

Full Cost Pricing

Addressing external costs in the marketed value of the product or service

Marginal Costs

The additional expense incurred when producing one more unit of a good or service. It helps businesses determine the optimum level of production by analyzing how costs change with increased output. Understanding this concept is crucial for decision-making regarding pricing and production efficiency.

“optimum level of Pollution”

The ideal amount of contaminants in the environment that balances economic activity and ecological health. It represents the point where the benefits of pollution (e.g., industrial growth) are maximized without causing significant harm to human health or ecosystems. This level aims to minimize negative impacts while allowing for sustainable development.

Policy Instruments

Tools or mechanisms used by governments or organizations to influence behavior, achieve policy objectives, or implement regulations. These can include regulations, incentives, taxes, subsidies, and voluntary agreements. They aim to address issues such as economic growth, environmental protection, and social welfare. Effectiveness often depends on context, design, and stakeholder engagement.

Command and Control

A system or process that enables an organization to direct and manage resources effectively during operations. It involves decision-making, communication, and coordination to achieve objectives, often in complex or emergency situations. Key elements include situational awareness, strategic planning, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions.

Cap-and-Trade

A market-based environmental policy tool that sets a limit (cap) on the total level of greenhouse gas emissions and allows industries to buy and sell emission allowances (trade) to stay under that cap. Companies that reduce their emissions can sell their extra allowances to other companies that need more.

Sustainable Fisheries

Sustainable fisheries are managed in a way that maintains fish populations and their environments at healthy levels, ensuring that the fishing activity can continue indefinitely without depleting resources or harming the ecosystem.

Risk-Benefit Analysis Ex. DDT

Risk-Benefit Analysis is a decision-making process that involves comparing the potential risks and benefits associated with a particular action or policy to determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

Ecosystemic (Nature) Valuation and Landscape Aesthetics

Ecosystemic (Nature) Valuation is the process of assigning economic, social, and intrinsic value to the benefits that ecosystems provide to humans and the environment. This includes goods like clean water, air, and biodiversity, as well as services like pollination, climate regulation, and recreation.

Pigouvian Tax

A Pigouvian Tax is a tax imposed on activities that generate negative externalities, which are costs not reflected in the market price and borne by society. The tax is intended to correct the market outcome by making the cost of the negative externality part of the price of the activity, thus reducing its occurrence.

Pigouvian Subsidy

A Pigouvian Subsidy is a financial incentive provided by the government to encourage activities that generate positive externalities, which are benefits to society not reflected in the market price. The subsidy aims to increase the level of these beneficial activities to a socially optimal level.

Total Economic Value

Total Economic Value (TEV) is a comprehensive measure that captures the full range of benefits provided by a resource, including both its use value and non-use value. TEV is often used in environmental economics to assess the worth of natural resources or ecosystems.

what is the population growth for humans today?

1.1%

What is greatest sustainbility yeild?

accounts for both sustainability yeild and enviromental degredation