Environmental Literacy for Administrators and Educators - Environmental Issues

ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY FOR LITERACY FOR

ADMINISTRATORS AND ADMINISTRATORS AND EDUCATORSEDUCATORS

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Author: Partha Das Sharma, E.mail: [email protected]

Website: http://saferenvironment.wordpress.com

Environmental IssuesEnvironmental IssuesThe Top Ten :The Top Ten :

nn How bad is the damage to ecosystems? How bad is the damage to ecosystems? nn Is the Earth overpopulated?Is the Earth overpopulated?nn Are we running out of Energy Resources?Are we running out of Energy Resources?Can we feed ourselves, sustainably?Can we feed ourselves, sustainably?

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nn Can we feed ourselves, sustainably?Can we feed ourselves, sustainably?nn What’s the “truth” about climate change?What’s the “truth” about climate change?nn Why are we so wasteful?Why are we so wasteful?nn Are we poisoning our air?Are we poisoning our air?nn Ditto for our waterDitto for our waternn Are we causing the extinction of species?Are we causing the extinction of species?nn What can you do to help?What can you do to help?

A Conceptual FrameworkA Conceptual Framework

qq The ultimate goal of environmental The ultimate goal of environmental education is to produce individuals who education is to produce individuals who exhibit the “4 A’s.”exhibit the “4 A’s.”


Awareness Awareness Appreciation Appreciation Advocacy Advocacy ActivismActivism

Founding PrinciplesFounding Principles

nn Everything is connected to everything else.Everything is connected to everything else.qq We depend on the environment for all of our food, water, energy, shelter, and We depend on the environment for all of our food, water, energy, shelter, and


qq We depend on the environment for all of our food, water, energy, shelter, and We depend on the environment for all of our food, water, energy, shelter, and economic resources.economic resources.

nn There is no such thing as a free lunch.There is no such thing as a free lunch.qq There is an environmental cost whenever we extract resources from the Earth.There is an environmental cost whenever we extract resources from the Earth.

nn Our lives on Earth must be sustainable.Our lives on Earth must be sustainable.qq We can’t spend Earth’s capital. We need to learn how to live only on the interest.We can’t spend Earth’s capital. We need to learn how to live only on the interest.

How bad is damage to ecosystems?How bad is damage to ecosystems?

nn Deforestation and other habitat destruction Deforestation and other habitat destruction is the number one human impact on the is the number one human impact on the


is the number one human impact on the is the number one human impact on the planet.planet.

qqReduces oxygen production by plantsReduces oxygen production by plantsqqReduces available habitat for organismsReduces available habitat for organismsqq Increases rates of erosion and soil damageIncreases rates of erosion and soil damageqq Increases rates of extinction of speciesIncreases rates of extinction of species

Is the Earth overpopulated?Is the Earth overpopulated?

nn The answer depends on how you define The answer depends on how you define overpopulated, but most scientists overpopulated, but most scientists believe that the Earth has reached or is believe that the Earth has reached or is very near to the limit that is very near to the limit that is


very near to the limit that is very near to the limit that is sustainablesustainable. .

In other words, the impacts of a human population of 7 Billion or In other words, the impacts of a human population of 7 Billion or more will harm the processes and resources of the planet to the more will harm the processes and resources of the planet to the point where we will not be able to depend on them indefinitely.point where we will not be able to depend on them indefinitely.

What can we learn from the graph?What can we learn from the graph?

nn It is only in the last 200 years that human It is only in the last 200 years that human population exploded!!population exploded!!

qq Modern medicine is the main causeModern medicine is the main causeqq Closely followed by modern agricultureClosely followed by modern agriculture


nn Human population is projected to level off at Human population is projected to level off at about 12 to 14 Billion??about 12 to 14 Billion??

nn Fertility rates are expected to decrease.Fertility rates are expected to decrease.qq People are already making the choice to have fewer children. (the People are already making the choice to have fewer children. (the

Demographic Transition)Demographic Transition)

Can Earth Support 12 Billion Can Earth Support 12 Billion People?People?

nn Yes, but only IF we reduce our use of nonYes, but only IF we reduce our use of non--renewable renewable resources and switch to renewable ones whenever we resources and switch to renewable ones whenever we


resources and switch to renewable ones whenever we resources and switch to renewable ones whenever we can.can.

nn Resource consumption is a more important way to Resource consumption is a more important way to gauge population impact than simply the size. gauge population impact than simply the size.

nn Number x consumption = impact (or footprint) Number x consumption = impact (or footprint)

Are we running out of Energy Are we running out of Energy Resources?Resources?

nn In the short term, not really, but in the In the short term, not really, but in the long term, yes.long term, yes.

qq Despite recent price increases in oil, we still have Despite recent price increases in oil, we still have substantial reserves left.substantial reserves left.


substantial reserves left.substantial reserves left.qq Our current fossil fuels are nonOur current fossil fuels are non--renewable. They will run renewable. They will run out in 50 to 200 years.out in 50 to 200 years.

nn If we switch to renewable energy (solar, If we switch to renewable energy (solar, wind power and other types) we will wind power and other types) we will never run out.never run out.

Oil = 39%; Coal = 27%; Gas = 23%; Nuclear = 7%; Hydro = 3%; Others = 1%

Energy Use in the Global Economy


3%; Others = 1%

Industrial = 38%; Residential and Commercial = 36%; Transportation = 26%

What can we learn from the data?What can we learn from the data?

nn We are addicted to fossil fuels!We are addicted to fossil fuels!


nn What we do in our industry and homes is What we do in our industry and homes is more important than what we do in our cars.more important than what we do in our cars.

nn We are not making use of renewable energy We are not making use of renewable energy sources.sources.

Can we feed ourselves, Sustainably?Can we feed ourselves, Sustainably?

nn That’s a hard one to judge. The cost of That’s a hard one to judge. The cost of food is skyrocketing and the food is skyrocketing and the environmental impacts of raising food are environmental impacts of raising food are going up as well.going up as well.


going up as well.going up as well.

nn Can we feed a future population of 12 B Can we feed a future population of 12 B using the same meansusing the same means? ?

nn Answer would be ‘No’Answer would be ‘No’..

nn Population growth rate is Population growth rate is fasterfaster than “food growth.”than “food growth.”

nn Food prices are rising now.Food prices are rising now.nn Per capita grain supplies Per capita grain supplies

nn World food production World food production tripled since 1950.tripled since 1950.

nn Overall food prices fell.Overall food prices fell.nn World grain supplies were World grain supplies were

at near record highs at near record highs

Good News and Bad NewsGood News and Bad News


nn Per capita grain supplies Per capita grain supplies are are fallingfalling at 1% per year.at 1% per year.

nn 2 billion people in the world 2 billion people in the world are are undernourishedundernourished..

nn Damage to soils and Damage to soils and pollution are pollution are increasingincreasing..

at near record highs at near record highs because of technological because of technological innovations.innovations.

nn Diets in MDCs are at an Diets in MDCs are at an allall--time caloric high.time caloric high.

nn Per acre production is Per acre production is very high.very high.

What’s the “truth” about climate What’s the “truth” about climate change?change?

nn Global Warming is real.Global Warming is real.

nn Estimates of its likely impacts vary Estimates of its likely impacts vary


nn Estimates of its likely impacts vary Estimates of its likely impacts vary widely:widely:qq Best case: mild Best case: mild -- moderate warmingmoderate warmingqq Worst case scenarios see oceans rising to Worst case scenarios see oceans rising to inundate large areas of coastlines, severe inundate large areas of coastlines, severe disruptions in weather and climate, and mass disruptions in weather and climate, and mass extinction.extinction.

Some predictions are already Some predictions are already happeninghappening

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Why are we so wasteful?Why are we so wasteful?

nn Affluent societies treat waste as something Affluent societies treat waste as something to throw away. to throw away.

nn Less affluent societies reuse every last bit Less affluent societies reuse every last bit


nn Less affluent societies reuse every last bit Less affluent societies reuse every last bit they can. they can.

nn Our culture of consumerism is what fuels Our culture of consumerism is what fuels our wasteful ways. our wasteful ways.

nn Some scientists call this ‘Throwaway Some scientists call this ‘Throwaway Culture’.Culture’.

Our Waste StreamOur Waste Stream

nn 38 % paper products38 % paper productsnn 13 % yard waste13 % yard wastenn 10 % food wastes10 % food wastesnn 9 % plastics9 % plasticsnn 8 % metals8 % metals


nn 8 % metals8 % metalsnn 6 % glass6 % glassnn 5 % wood5 % woodnn 10 % other10 % other(Nearly all of these wastes could be recycled, but (Nearly all of these wastes could be recycled, but

only about 25% actually are done)only about 25% actually are done)nn A Total Haul of over 200 MILLION tons per year; A Total Haul of over 200 MILLION tons per year;

2/3 of a ton per person per year!2/3 of a ton per person per year!

Main sources of hazardous wasteMain sources of hazardous waste

nn Industrial chemicals Industrial chemicals –– metals, solvents, paints, etc.metals, solvents, paints, etc.nn Mining wastes Mining wastes –– metals, cyanide, acidsmetals, cyanide, acidsnn Agricultural chemicals Agricultural chemicals –– pesticides, fertilizers, etc.pesticides, fertilizers, etc.nn Military wastes Military wastes –– warfare agents, old munitions, etc.warfare agents, old munitions, etc.nn Certain household chemicals Certain household chemicals –– cleaners, solvents, etc.cleaners, solvents, etc.


nn Certain household chemicals Certain household chemicals –– cleaners, solvents, etc.cleaners, solvents, etc.nn Consumer products Consumer products –– batteries, electronics, etc.batteries, electronics, etc.nn Radioactive wastes Radioactive wastes –– from power plants and certain industriesfrom power plants and certain industriesnn Medical wastes Medical wastes –– hospital waste, old medicines, etc.hospital waste, old medicines, etc.

nn Each year millions of tons of chemicals are produced Each year millions of tons of chemicals are produced around the world.around the world.

Are we poisoning our air?Are we poisoning our air?

nn Air pollution, especially in cities of Air pollution, especially in cities of developing countries, is getting worse. developing countries, is getting worse.


nn This is largely due to burning of coal This is largely due to burning of coal and other fuels for electricity production and other fuels for electricity production and industry and the burning of oil for and industry and the burning of oil for transportation. transportation.

Sources of Air PollutionSources of Air Pollution

nn Natural Natural –– volcanoes, terpenes from conifers, etc.volcanoes, terpenes from conifers, etc.nn Anthropogenic Anthropogenic –– since the industrial revolutionsince the industrial revolution

qqCombustion of fossil fuels Combustion of fossil fuels


qqCombustion of fossil fuels Combustion of fossil fuels qq Industrial processes Industrial processes qqAgricultural processes Agricultural processes qqMining and Nuclear Power Generation Mining and Nuclear Power Generation qqHomes and businessesHomes and businesses

Major Categories of Air PollutionMajor Categories of Air Pollution

nn Global Climate Change Global Climate Change –– carboncarbonnn Acid Rain Acid Rain –– nonmetallic oxidesnonmetallic oxidesOzone Depletion Ozone Depletion –– CFCsCFCs


nn Ozone Depletion Ozone Depletion –– CFCsCFCsnn Smog Smog –– VOCs, oxides, particulatesVOCs, oxides, particulatesnn Indoor Air Pollution Indoor Air Pollution –– VOCs, etc.VOCs, etc.

Are We Poisoning our water?Are We Poisoning our water?

nn Most of the Global rivers are polluted Most of the Global rivers are polluted due to the presence of fecal coliform due to the presence of fecal coliform bacteria and other contaminants. bacteria and other contaminants.

nn Similar problem rivers exist on every Similar problem rivers exist on every


nn Similar problem rivers exist on every Similar problem rivers exist on every continent. continent.

nn Water is life. Water is life. nn If we poison our water, we poison If we poison our water, we poison ourselves.ourselves.

The Major Categories of PollutantsThe Major Categories of Pollutants

nn DiseaseDisease--causing organisms : infectious agentscausing organisms : infectious agents

nn Inorganic chemicals : salts, acids, metalsInorganic chemicals : salts, acids, metals

nn Synthetic organic compounds : pesticides, etc.Synthetic organic compounds : pesticides, etc.

Fertilizers : agricultural runoffFertilizers : agricultural runoff


nn Fertilizers : agricultural runoffFertilizers : agricultural runoff

nn Sediments : sand, silt and clay from erosionSediments : sand, silt and clay from erosion

nn OxygenOxygen--demanding wastes : sewage and manuredemanding wastes : sewage and manure

nn Radioactive wastes : natural or manRadioactive wastes : natural or man--mademade

nn Thermal pollution : heat from power plants, etc.Thermal pollution : heat from power plants, etc.

Are we causing the extinction of Are we causing the extinction of species?species?

nn Throughout geologic time the Earth Throughout geologic time the Earth has experienced five mass extinctions has experienced five mass extinctions due to drastic climate change, meteor due to drastic climate change, meteor


due to drastic climate change, meteor due to drastic climate change, meteor impacts, and rampant volcanism. impacts, and rampant volcanism.

nn Now, Scientists consider the impacts Now, Scientists consider the impacts of humans to be the start of a sixth of humans to be the start of a sixth mass extinction.mass extinction.

Can’t We All Get Along?Can’t We All Get Along?

nn Some of the things that humans do Some of the things that humans do disrupt other organisms’ lives.disrupt other organisms’ lives.qqHabitat destruction Habitat destruction qqOverOver--fishing, excess hunting fishing, excess hunting


qqOverOver--fishing, excess hunting fishing, excess hunting qqEnvironmental pollution Environmental pollution qq Introduction of nonIntroduction of non--native species native species qqClimate change Climate change qqCommercial exploitationCommercial exploitation

Intrinsic / Extrinsic Value of Intrinsic / Extrinsic Value of BiodiversityBiodiversity

nn IntrinsicIntrinsic –– everything has a right to exist of its everything has a right to exist of its own accord.own accord.


nn ExtrinsicExtrinsic –– we derive food, medicines and many we derive food, medicines and many other products from wild things. Biodiversity other products from wild things. Biodiversity adds beauty and interest to our lives. adds beauty and interest to our lives. Biodiversity keeps the world’s natural processes Biodiversity keeps the world’s natural processes going.going.

What can YOU do about all this?What can YOU do about all this?

nn Consume less of EVERYTHINGConsume less of EVERYTHINGnn Reduce your FOOTPRINTReduce your FOOTPRINTnn SPEAK for the treesSPEAK for the trees


nn SPEAK for the treesSPEAK for the treesnn Learn and CARE about the earthLearn and CARE about the earthnn Make a DIFFERENCEMake a DIFFERENCEnn Don’t WASTE what you were givenDon’t WASTE what you were given

Some specificsSome specifics

nn Drive less Drive less –– Drive smart to get better Drive smart to get better mileagemileage

nn Raise your thermostatRaise your thermostatnn Switch to fluorescent bulbsSwitch to fluorescent bulbsnn Try a vegetarian dietTry a vegetarian diet


nn Try a vegetarian dietTry a vegetarian dietnn Install a solar water heaterInstall a solar water heaternn Insulate your homeInsulate your homenn Plant a butterfly gardenPlant a butterfly gardennn Recycle everything you canRecycle everything you cannn Be careful with chemicals at home and at Be careful with chemicals at home and at workwork

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