AP Environmental Science Notes

AP Environmental Science Overview

  • AP Environmental Science studies the interactions between Earth's natural systems and human systems.
  • The course progresses from the Earth itself to living systems, and finally to human populations.
  • Key topics: land and water use, energy, pollution, climate change.
  • The course emphasizes the practices of science and what it means to be an environmental scientist.
  • Environmental science seeks the truth about human interaction with the environment.
  • Environmentalism is a belief system focused on lobbying and policy to protect the environment.
  • Environmental science follows the science, even if it suggests controversial solutions.
  • Understanding human impact on the environment is crucial.
  • The human population exceeds 7 billion, putting significant pressure on the Earth.
  • Sustainability is living within Earth's boundaries.
  • Exceeding these boundaries may lead to dramatic consequences.
  • Human society may not survive in current numbers, highlighting the importance of environmental study.
  • A better slogan than "Save Our Planet" is "Save Our Society".

Planetary Boundaries

  • Humans are exceeding planetary boundaries (Johan Rockstrom).
  • Boundaries: climate change, ocean acidification, ozone depletion, altered biogeochemical cycling (N, P), freshwater use, deforestation, biodiversity loss, particle pollution, chemical pollution.
  • Pre-industrialization levels were within safe boundaries, but current levels exceed these for many factors, like climate change, leading to consequences for society.
  • Exceeding these boundaries is putting pressure on Earth.
  • Many scientists believe we are heading into a "sixth extinction" caused by humans.
  • Rachel Carson brought environmental science into the modern age with her study of DDT and its negative consequences, illustrated in her book Silent Spring.
  • Solving sustainability challenges often requires an economical driver.
  • Industry needs to help bring solutions, with the economy often at the center.

Ecological Footprint and Course Integration

  • People in developed countries use more resources than those in developing countries.
  • As developing countries grow, this increases pressure on the planet.
  • AP Environmental Science integrates natural sciences with social sciences and humanities, like ethics, law, and politics.

Scientific Practices and Case Studies

  • Students should act like environmental scientists.
  • Practices: asking questions, conducting investigations (field and lab), analyzing data, using mathematics.
  • Case studies are important for making connections.
  • Examples: Deepwater Horizon oil spill; understanding long-term ramifications.

AP Exam Structure

  • Section 1: Multiple Choice
    • 100 questions in 90 minutes.
    • Discrete questions or sets based on maps/data.
  • Section 2: Free Response
    • Multiple question types.
    • One question is data set based.
    • Data analysis is critical for both multiple choice and free response.
    • One question is document-based (e.g., Fremont Gazette).
  • Calculations are required, but calculators are not allowed.
  • Students must solve simple problems using mathematics, dimensional analysis, and scientific notation.