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EVS 205 – 803 Global Environmental Issues

Instructor: Ms. Bacher
Contact Email: bacherk@uncw.edu

  • Recommended as the best way to contact the instructor.

Required Textbook

  • Title: EVS 205 Cunningham Environmental Science 25e

    • Authors: Amy Long, William Cunningham, Mary Cunningham

    • Access: Custom pack includes Connect LearnSmart Semester Online Access. Contains two webbook components:

    • Icon: EVS 205 - Amy Long icon (seedling growing) leads to course material.

    • Icon: Red McGraw-Hill icon leads to introductory lecture material.

    • Action: Students are advised to read the introductory lecture material first.

  • Additional Resources:

    • Readings and video links will be provided on the Canvas course website.

Course Objectives

  • Overall Goal: Enhance environmental literacy among students.

  • By course completion, students should:

    • Develop a basic vocabulary within environmental science.

    • Acquire factual knowledge about principles, concepts, and trends related to environmental issues.

    • Understand current major environmental issues, including historical causes.

    • Appreciate various cultural perspectives on environmental issues.

    • Recognize their role in addressing environmental problems and the consequences of inaction.

Course Overview

  • Foundations:

    • Introduction to Environmental Science & The Anthropocene

    • Climate Systems & Science

    • Geology & Earth’s Resources

    • Conventional Energy

  • Critical Concerns:

    • Air Pollution

    • Farming: Conventional & Sustainable Practices

    • Waste Management

    • Environmental Health & Toxicology

    • Understanding Species and Landscape Diversity

  • Solutions:

    • Sustainable Energy

    • Reducing Carbon through Technology

    • Sustainable Cities

    • Education & Conservation

Copyright and Academic Integrity

  • Prohibition on Distribution:

    • Students may not share lecture slides, recordings, handouts, quizzes, or exams without instructor permission per UNCW policy.

    • Class notes and related materials are regarded as derivative works owned by the instructor.

    • Unauthorized commercial use or publishing of class materials constitutes copyright infringement.

  • Reference Policy:

    • Access the UNCW Copyright Use and Ownership Policy online for more detailed information.

Syllabus Highlights

  • Assessment Policies:

    • No make-up exams or extra assignments are allowed.

    • Valid excuses for missing assessments do not include personal events or minor illnesses.

  • Late Submission Policy:

    • Assignments submitted late incur a penalty of 10% per day (not applicable to exams).

  • AI Use Policy:

    • The use of AI or similar generative software for academic work is prohibited and will result in penalties based on AI-generated content ratio.

Course Workload

  • Assignment Submission Schedule:

    • Assignments are due every Friday by 11:59 PM EST. A week-long timeframe is provided for module completion beginning Friday prior.

Grading Criteria

  • ** Total Points:** 525

  • Grading Scale:

    • A: 100 – 93%

    • A-: 92 – 90%

    • B+: 89 – 87%

    • B: 86 – 83%

    • B-: 82 – 80%

    • C+: 79 – 77%

    • C: 76 – 73%

    • C-: 72 – 70%

    • D+: 69 – 67%

    • D: 66 – 63%

    • D-: 62 – 60%

    • F: <59%

  • Evaluative Components:

    • Exams (best 3 of 4): 300 points

    • Connect Orientation Exercises: 15 points

    • Chapter assignments (6 at 15 points each): 90 points

    • SmartBook reviews (best 10 at 5 points each): 50 points

    • Survey Assignments (4 at 10 points each): 40 points

    • Waste Tracker activity & paper: 30 points

Supplemental Material

  • Guided Reading Slides:

    • Complementary to the webbook.

    • Students are expected to review webbook and posted lecture slides thoroughly to prepare for exams.

    • Important to check the ‘note’ view and presentation mode of the downloaded files for animations and hyperlinks.

Introductory Lecture Material

  • First Read:

    • Access information via the red McGraw-Hill icon for introductory lectures.

Agenda for Introductory Concepts

  • Introduction to Environmental Science

  • Key Terms

  • The Anthropocene

  • The Great Acceleration

  • Need for Stewardship

Understanding Environmental Challenges

  • Discussion Questions:

    • What persistent environmental challenges do we face today?

    • Do you consider yourself to be an environmentalist?

Scientific Evaluation of the Environment

  • Methodology:

    • Interdisciplinary experts evaluate environmental challenges through the Scientific Method.

    • Setting standards for ‘certainty’ is critical, rooted in iterative study processes across disciplines.

  • Components:

    • Quantitative Data: Numeric, observable, and measurable information tested through various hypotheses.

    • Qualitative Data: Descriptive information based on human perception and experience.

  • Gold Standard of Certainty: 95% certainty is deemed acceptable; absolute proof is unattainable in scientific inquiries.

  • Peer Review Process: Critical for maintaining research validity, performed by qualified peers with similar expertise.

Philosophical Considerations about the Environment

  • Aldo Leopold Quote:

    • How individuals perceive land impacts their relationship to it.

    • View land as a community, leading to love and respect in usage.

Key Terms in Environmental Science

  • Environmental Science:

    • The multidisciplinary study of human interactions with the living and nonliving world.

  • Ecology:

    • Focus on how organisms interact among themselves and with their environment.

  • Environment:

    • The abiotic components affecting organisms, including both physical and chemical aspects.

  • Ecosystem:

    • The combined living and nonliving components of a particular area.

  • Environmentalism:

    • A movement committed to ecological conservation and sustainable living.

  • Degradation:

    • Refers to detrimental changes in the environment, resulting in resource depletion, species extinction, or pollution.

  • Pollution:

    • Any substance that threatens organism health, either present in excess or in unintended locations.

  • Sustainability:

    • Responsible usage of natural resources to avoid depletion, benefiting both current and future generations.

  • Ecological Footprint:

    • Measure of land needed for a population's goods and waste accommodation.

  • Carbon Footprint:

    • Total carbon emissions from resource use and consumption.

  • Renewable Resources:

    • Resources replenishable in the short term through natural processes.

  • Non-Renewable Resources:

    • Finite resources that cannot be replenished within a human lifetime.

  • Perpetual Resources:

    • Resources available in unending supply (e.g., solar, wind).

Interconnectedness of Environmental Issues

  • Environmental problems such as climate change, pollution, depletion of resources, and biodiversity loss are increasing and affect both human health and welfare as well as wildlife.

  • These issues span local, regional, national, and global scales, primarily being a consequence of human activity.

  • Closing Thought:

    • Reflect on the personal mark and impacts on the environment one leaves.

The Anthropocene Epoch

  • Definition:

    • Anthropocene refers to the geological age characterized by significant human impact on the Earth’s geology and ecosystems.

  • The Great Acceleration:

    • A period within the Anthropocene marked by rapid human-induced changes since the mid-20th century, primarily due to fossil fuel use.

  • Distinct Phases:

    • Begins around 15,000 years ago, with significant events noted from the start of the atomic age (July 16, 1945).

  • Impact Visibility:

    • Evidence includes increased atmospheric CO2 levels, rising temperatures, sea levels, and loss of biodiversity and freshwater resources.

Reflection on Human Impact

  • Questions Raised for Consideration:

    • Can human activities physically and chemically influence the planet significantly enough to leave a distinct mark in geological history?

    • Are we currently living in the Anthropocene epoch?

The Cultural Narrative in Environmentalism

  • Critique:

    • Environmental literature often focuses on problems and negative impacts, resulting in potential inaction due to perceived helplessness.

  • Traditional Perspectives:

    • Traditional messaging often entails an ethos of sacrifice, suggesting individuals must give up luxuries, which may not be viable for everyone.

  • Collective Action:

    • Solutions require collective action rather than solely individual efforts.

Mismatched Attitudes and Behaviors

  • Survey of Actions and Attitudes:

    • Many people recycle and use energy-efficient products; however, few self-identify as environmentalists.

    • This discrepancy raises questions about the societal perception of environmentalism and what it means to be an environmentalist.

The Necessity of Stewardship

  • Definition of Stewardship:

    • Merriam-Webster Definition: A steward is one who acts as a supervisor or administrator for others, making decisions that impact the environment.

  • Importance:

    • Recognizing oneself as a steward promotes responsible environmental behavior and reduces negative impacts.

Embracing Pragmatic Environmentalism

  • Definition:

    • The practical approach to addressing environmental issues employing sensible and realistic measures rather than purely theoretical constructs.

Pillars of Sustainability

  • Key Elements:

    • Balancing the environment, sustainability, society, and economy is crucial for long-lasting solutions.

Principles of Sustainability

  • Definition:

    • Planning for longevity ensures resources are available for future generations, aligning with environmental, economic, and societal needs.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

  • Framework:

    • The course content aligns with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the multifaceted nature of environmental concerns on both local and global scales.

Final Thoughts

  • Reflections:

    • Consider the role of human activity on Earth's geologic record and whether we currently exist within the Anthropocene, explored through changes observed in natural landmarks like the Aral Sea.

    • Refer to visual data: Historical images from NASA showing transformation over years (1977 vs. 2023).