Module 1.1 Environmental Literacy - Video Notes
Page 1
Quote: "Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." — Albert Einstein
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Module 1.1 Environmental Literacy: Learning Objectives
Identify current environmental issues
Define environmental science
Identify fields of study under environmental science
Define environmental literacy and [blank]
Identify examples of “ [blank] ”
Define the triple-bottom line
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Sea level rise scenario
The National Snow and Ice Data Center predicts that if the world’s largest ice sheets (Antarctica and Greenland) melted completely, sea level would rise by more than 70\ \text{m}.
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Map/Context (regional sea level context):
Visual shows U.S.-Mexico region with cities and coastal areas; emphasizes sea-level impact on various locations.
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Sea Level Rise projections (U.S. coastline)
On average, rise of 10-12\ \text{inches} (0.25-0.30\ \text{m}) in the next 30 years (2020–2050)
This increase will be as much as the rise measured over the last 100\ \text{years} (1920–2020)
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Environmental Science fundamentals
Studies all aspects of environment including biotic, abiotic, and human factors
Draws from science and \text{social science} disciplines to understand the natural world and our relationship to it.
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Interdisciplinary nature and fields within Environmental Science
NATURAL SCIENCES
Questions: What is the climate like? Which plants and animals live here? Which crops or animals can be raised here? How can soil erosion be prevented? What energy sources are available, and how do they impact the environment?
Note: Environmental Science is highly interdisciplinary.
Prompt: How could you use your major to help address an environmental problem?
HUMANITIES
Questions: How do religion and tradition influence choices? How can people express their love, fears, and hopes for their homeland (literature, theatre, music)?
SOCIAL SCIENCES
Questions: How have indigenous people lived here? What environmental policies would best fit this culture and place? Will residents accept changes to their lifestyle that might benefit the environment? Which energy sources are most cost-effective?
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Environmental Science vs. Environmentalism
Environmental Science = knowledge base (science) used to study the environment
Environmentalism = advocacy/movement for environmental protection (often political and social action)
Visual cue: LIS (science) vs. POLIS (policy/advocacy)
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Environmental literacy
Understanding how ecosystems function
Understanding the impact of humans on the environment
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Triple Bottom Line
Solutions must be good for the People (Social)
Good for the Planet (Environmental)
Good for Profit (Economic)
Expressed as: \text{People},\ \text{Planet},\ \text{Profit}
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Module 1.1 Environmental Literacy Wrap-up
You should be able to:
Identify current environmental issues
Define environmental science
Identify fields of study under environmental science
Define environmental literacy and why it is important
Identify examples of “wicked problems”
Define the - [text missing]