Sustainability & ConservationObj: Discuss the importance of sustainability and conservation in relation to humans.

Ray Farm

Sustainable Living Sustaining Life: The process of meeting

the needs of living things. Includes providing food, water and shelter. These are called sustenance.

Sustainable Resource Use: The use of resources so they last a long time.

Sustainable Development: The use of development practices that benefit people without damaging the environment.

Sustainable Living Sustainable Agriculture: The use of

agricultural practices that assure the future production of crops and livestock.

Conservation: The wise use of natural resources.

Quality of Life: The degree of satisfaction people derive from their environment.

Design for the Environment “Dfe” is the concept of including

environmental considerations in manufacturing and construction. Both design and redesign of products and systems are included.

Design for the Environment Business leaders are encouraged to

consider the environment when making decisions about: Product design-possible environmental

impact? Materials- using environmentally friendly

materials? Purchases- buying materials either recycled

or recyclable, and produced with minimum environmental impact?

Life Needs 1. Food2. Water3. Air 4. Space 5. Shelter & Protection

Life Needs: Food Material consumed and needed to carry

out life processes Nutrient is a substance needed for an

organism to live and grow Ex) Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals

and vitamins

Life Needs: Water Essential for all of life’s processes Humans need about 2 quarts per day

Life Needs: Air All living things need some part of air to

survive Animals need oxygen & plants need carbon

dioxide Respiration is the process an organism uses

to provide its cell with oxygen so energy can be released from digested foods

Plants provide oxygen for animals, and animals provide carbon dioxide for plants, thus the relationship is interdependent.

Life Needs: Space All living organisms need and occupy

space Space is the area around an organism

that is used for living Territory is the area an animal used

and protects as its own

Life Needs: Shelter & Protection Organisms need protection from certain

elements in the environment that can injure or destroy them

Some animals adapt, some hibernate and some migrate

Plants generally only grow in an environment that is suited to them

Roles of Humans Humans have three major roles in

maintaining the quality of the environment…1. Users- humans use the resource to support

life functions2. Decision makers- humans decide which

resources are used, and how they are used3. Conservationists- humans can prevent

waste. Humans should not be an abuser of the environment.

EPA at RTP

http://www.ncgreenbuilding.org/site/ncg/public/show_project.cfm?project_id=120

Visit this site to learn more about how the EPA is at work in conserving in the RTP!

What is our future like? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc4HxPxNrZ0

The Environment as Home Every living organism requires an

environment that sustains life Ecosystem: a natural environment has

many ecosystems, which are all components of a particular environment

Habitat: the physical area where a plant or animal lives under natural conditions Proper arrangement of 4 essential

elements: food, water, shelter, and space

Energy Transfer Ecosystems need energy to exist Energy is the ability to be active and do work An ecosystem has a complex process for

transferring energy that originates from the sun to organisms, specifically from one organism to another

Food Chain is the ranking of species into successive levels where each feeds on the one below

Food Web is all the interconnected food chains of an ecosystem

Conservation VS. Preservation Conservation: Wise use of a natural

resource Prevent unnecessary damage/loss

Preservation: Nonuse of a natural resource

Human Effects on the Environment Can have positive & negative effects on

environment Symbiotic relationship

Different species of organisms live together and benefit each other

Debated issue One problem…humans give little thought

to the resources they use each day, including where the resource came from, and where it ends up

Planning Ahead Humans must plan to preserve and

protect our resources 1. Human Impact2. Chemicals are not always bad 3. Maintaining Habitats 4. Abuse of Resources 5. Conservation Measures

Human Impact Humans affect all natural resources Often, we only consider the aesthetic

benefits Plants not only have aesthetic value, but

keep hot areas cooler and provide shelter from winds as well

Chemicals are not always bad… For example, fertilizer

Provides nutrients for plant growth Problems come from overuse or misuse One chemical that caused

environmental problems is the insecticide DDT. The major problem with it was that it did not break down and, therefore; it accumulated in the food chains

Maintaining Habitats The major affect humans have had on

the environment has been habitat destruction

Resource most effected=wildlife Some species can adapt to changes in

their habitat

Abuse of Resources When resources are abused, they are

depleted

Conservation Measures Many conservation measures have be

put in place Measures must be proven not only for

conservation of the resource, but for economic and productive purposes as well Example) Flow restrictor on a

showerhead…saves $$ and conserves water

Developing Personal Beliefs About the Environment How one feels about the environment is

influenced by: Age Gender Culture Education Other factors

Become properly and thoroughly informed from various sources

Human Population Growth World population is “exploding”

More people being born, living longer, wanting more things

Increase in demand for life’s necessities Currently 6.2 billion people US=284 million people NC=8,050,000 (11th in the nation)

How does human population growth effect ecological systems and society? Read this article on global changes to learn more about the impacts that population growth is having on our world today.

Welcome to CURRENT EVENTS WEEK!

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Explore human population growth and the demand it is having on the environment and natural resources.

Issues1. Desertification2. Deforestation3. Endangerment 4. Malnourishment/Hunger5. Waste disposal 6. Atmospheric damage 7. Soil degradation

Current Events Week Gallery Walk Thursday, December 20 1st block Must include a visual For example: 3 fold board, Powerpoint presentation, model, etc.