Study Notes on Environmental Science and Environmental Justice

Science and Environmental Science

Introduction to Environmental Science

• Environmental science is a field that is constantly in the news, dealing with significant issues such as:

  • Natural resource use

  • Water rights and access

  • Loss of biodiversity

  • Soil conservation

  • Air and water pollution

  • Extreme weather events

• Global climate change is a central theme affecting these issues.

Module Overview

• This module includes:

  • Discussion of the scientific method and its application in understanding environmental issues.

  • Exploration of environmental justice, focusing on impacted communities.

  • Overview of interconnected Earth spheres: water, air, life, and rock/soils, using their scientific names.

Module Objectives

• Key skills to be developed include:

  • Definition of Environmental Justice:

  • Understand the concept and importance.

  • Disproportionate impacts of environmental issues on low-income and disadvantaged communities:

  • Include examples of such impacts.

  • Additional effects of environmental crises:

  • Explore indirect effects other than pollution exposure.

  • Identification of resources provided by Earth spheres necessary for life:

  • Understand interactions among spheres and resources.

  • Basic characteristics of each Earth sphere:

  • Develop a clear understanding of each sphere.

Activities in the Module

• Upcoming tasks to meet learning objectives include:

  • Study Guide: For quiz preparation.

  • Lessons and Activities: Comprising readings, videos, and interactive simulations.

  • Assignments:

  • In-lesson assignments focused on content learned in the course.

  • Discussion and lab assignments for practical application.

  • Environmental Justice Section (1.3): Examination of environmental justice issues.

  • Earth Spheres Section (1.4): Virtual tour of different Earth spheres.

  • Scientific Method Section (1.5): Lab assignment covering the scientific method.

• Module quiz assessing learning from lessons and activities:

  • Module Quiz (1.6): Evaluation of understanding.

Questions and Support

• Course Q&A:

  • Seek help by posting issues and questions related to:

  • Module number and lesson title.

  • Details of submitted exercises, web browser used, error messages received, and relevant links or screenshots.

• Importance of documentation:

  • Screenshots of submissions are recommended for confirmation of coursework.

• Technical support information:

  • Contact information provided for all courses at osu.education for technical problems.

Environmental Justice

Learning Objectives for Environmental Justice

• Define Environmental Justice in your own words:

• Describe the disproportionate impact of environmental issues on disadvantaged communities:

  • Inclusion of examples to illustrate the concept.

• Additional impacts of environmental crises beyond direct pollution exposure:

  • Examination of various regions and communities affected.

Definition of Environmental Justice

• Definition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

  • "Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies."

  • Goals include:

  • Equal protection from environmental and health hazards.

  • Equal access to decision-making processes for a healthy living environment for all.

  • Inclusion of equal access to wild and natural spaces as an additional consideration offered by the instructor.

Reflection on the Definition

• Discussion prompt:

  • Personal take on the definition of environmental justice.

• Engage with multimedia:

  • Videos featuring firsthand accounts of environmental justice issues.

  • Encourage connecting personal experiences to the issues presented in the videos.

• Questions to be answered after the videos to check understanding.