Lecture(Human Impact Environment) Copy

8/14/2019 Lecture(Human Impact Environment) Copy

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Human Impact on theHuman Impact on the

BiosphereBiosphere


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What is Environmental Science?What is Environmental Science?

The goals of environmental science are toThe goals of environmental science are to

learn:learn:

how nature works.how nature works.

how the environment effects us.how the environment effects us.how we effect the environment.how we effect the environment.

how we can live more sustainably withouthow we can live more sustainably without

degrading our life-support system.degrading our life-support system.


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Human ImpactsHuman Impacts

Humans are using energy and alteringHumans are using energy and altering

the environment at astonishing ratesthe environment at astonishing rates

We are altering natural processes beforeWe are altering natural processes before

we even understand themwe even understand them


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Sustainability, is the ability of earthsSustainability, is the ability of earthsvarious systems to survive and adapt tovarious systems to survive and adapt toenvironmental conditions indefinitely.environmental conditions indefinitely.

The steps to sustainability must beThe steps to sustainability must besupported by sound science.supported by sound science.

Fi ure 1-Figure 1-

Sustainability: The IntegrativeSustainability: The Integrative

ThemeTheme


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Fig. 1-3, p.

Sound Science

A Path toSustainability

IndividualsMatter

Trade-OffsSolutionsNatural CapitalDegradation

Natural Capital


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Environmentally Sustainable SocietiesEnvironmentally Sustainable Societies

meets basic needs of its people in a justmeets basic needs of its people in a just

and equitable manner without degrading theand equitable manner without degrading the

natural capital that supplies these resources.natural capital that supplies these resources.

Fi ure 1-Figure 1-


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NATURAL RESOURCE SERVICESNATURAL RESOURCE SERVICES

Fig. 1-4, p.

+=NATURAL RESOURCES NATURAL SERVICES

NATURAL CAPITAL NATURAL RESOURCES NATURAL SERVICES

Air Air purification

Water purification

Water storage

Soil renewal

Nutrient recycling

Food productionConservation ofbiodiversity

Wildlife habitat

Grassland andforest renewal

Waste treatment

Climate control

Population control(species interactions

Pest Control

NATURAL CAPITAL = +

Water

Soil

Land

Nonrenewableminerals(iron, sand)

Life (Biodiversity)

Renewableenergysun, wind,water flowsNonrenewableenergy (fossilfuels, nuclear

power)

NATURAL RESOURCES NATURAL SERVICES


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Developing vs. DevelopedDeveloping vs. Developed

In developing countries, per capitaIn developing countries, per capita

resource use is high but growing,resource use is high but growing,as is population sizeas is population size

In developed countries, populationIn developed countries, population

growth has slowed but per capitagrowth has slowed but per capita

resource use is already highresource use is already high


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POPULATION GROWTH,POPULATION GROWTH,

ECONOMIC GROWTH, ANDECONOMIC GROWTH, AND

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Economic growth provides people withEconomic growth provides people with

more goods and services.more goods and services.

Measured in gross domestic product (GDP)Measured in gross domestic product (GDP)and purchasing power parity (PPP).and purchasing power parity (PPP).

Economic development uses economicEconomic development uses economic

growth to improve living standards.growth to improve living standards.

The worlds countries economic statusThe worlds countries economic status

(developed vs. developing) are based on their(developed vs. developing) are based on their

degree of industrialization and GDP-PPP.degree of industrialization and GDP-PPP.


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PollutantsPollutants

Substances with which an ecosystemSubstances with which an ecosystem

has had no prior evolutionary experiencehas had no prior evolutionary experience

No adaptive mechanisms are in place toNo adaptive mechanisms are in place to

deal with themdeal with them


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POLLUTIONPOLLUTION

Found at highFound at high

enough levels inenough levels in

the environment tothe environment tocause harm tocause harm to

organisms.organisms.

Point sourcePoint sourceNonpoint sourceNonpoint source

Fi ure 1-Figure 1-


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Air PollutantsAir Pollutants

Carbon oxidesCarbon oxides

Sulfur oxidesSulfur oxidesNitrogen oxidesNitrogen oxides

Volatile organic compoundsVolatile organic compounds

Photochemical oxidantsPhotochemical oxidants

Suspended particlesSuspended particles


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Reactant(s) Product(s)

carbon + oxygen carbon dioxide + energy

C + O2 CO2 energy+

energy+

black solid colorless gas colorless gas

+


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Chemistry 101Chemistry 101

Acid anhydrides: oxides of nonmetalsAcid anhydrides: oxides of nonmetals

COCO22, NO, NO22 and SOand SO33

These react with water to form oxyacids.These react with water to form oxyacids.

COCO2 +2 + HH22O ---> HO ---> H22COCO33 (carbonic acid)(carbonic acid)

HNOHNO33 and Hand H22SOSO44 are also formed inare also formed in

the atmospherethe atmosphere


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Acid Rain and ArchitectureAcid Rain and Architecture

On campus we have someOn campus we have somearchitectural damage attributable toarchitectural damage attributable toacid rain.acid rain.

The limestone lentils and pillars onThe limestone lentils and pillars onthe older building are dissolvingthe older building are dissolvingaway!away!

HH22SOSO4(aq)4(aq) + CaCO+ CaCO3(3(s)s) HH22OO(l)(l) ++COCO2(g)2(g) +CaSO+CaSO4(aq)4(aq)


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Industrial SmogIndustrial Smog

Gray-air smogGray-air smog

Forms over cities that burn largeForms over cities that burn large

amounts of coal and heavy fuel oils;amounts of coal and heavy fuel oils;

mainly in developing countriesmainly in developing countries

Main components are sulfur oxidesMain components are sulfur oxidesand suspended particlesand suspended particles


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Photochemical smogPhotochemical smog

Brown-air smogBrown-air smog

Forms when sunlight interacts withForms when sunlight interacts with

components from automobilecomponents from automobile

exhaustexhaust

Nitrogen oxides are the main culpritsNitrogen oxides are the main culprits

Hot days contribute to formationHot days contribute to formation


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Thermal InversionThermal Inversion

Weather pattern in which a layer ofWeather pattern in which a layer of

cool, dense air is trapped beneath acool, dense air is trapped beneath a

layer of warm airlayer of warm air

cool air

warm inversion air

cool air


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Cities Are Often Plagued withCities Are Often Plagued with

Thermal InversionsThermal Inversions


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Acid DepositionAcid Deposition

Caused by theCaused by the

release of sulfurrelease of sulfur

and nitrogen oxidesand nitrogen oxides

Coal-burning powerCoal-burning power

plants and motorplants and motor

vehicles are majorvehicles are major

sourcessources


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Effect of Ozone ThinningEffect of Ozone Thinning

Increased amount of UV radiationIncreased amount of UV radiation

reaches Earths surfacereaches Earths surfaceUV damages DNA and negativelyUV damages DNA and negatively

affects human healthaffects human health

UV also affects plants, lowersUV also affects plants, lowersprimary productivityprimary productivity


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Ozone ThinningOzone Thinning

In early spring andIn early spring and

summer ozone layersummer ozone layer

over Antarctica thinsover Antarctica thins Seasonal loss ofSeasonal loss of

ozone is at highestozone is at highest

level ever recordedlevel ever recorded

South

America

Antarctica


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Ozone in Earths AtmosphereOzone in Earths Atmosphere


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Ozone ConcentrationOzone Concentration

from 1962 to 1996from 1962 to 1996

http://www.igf.edu.pl/igf/atmosphere.htm


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Recipe for Ozone LossRecipe for Ozone Loss

The polar winter leads to the formation of theThe polar winter leads to the formation of the polarpolarvortex which isolates the air within it.vortex which isolates the air within it.

Cold temperatures form inside the vortex; cold enough forCold temperatures form inside the vortex; cold enough forthethe formation of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs).formation of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs).As the vortex air is isolated, the cold temperatures and theAs the vortex air is isolated, the cold temperatures and thePSCs persist.PSCs persist.

Once the PSCs form, heterogeneous reactions take placeOnce the PSCs form, heterogeneous reactions take placeandand convert the inactive chlorine andconvert the inactive chlorine andbromine reservoirs to more active formsbromine reservoirs to more active forms ofofchlorine and bromine.chlorine and bromine.

No ozone loss occurs untilNo ozone loss occurs until sunlight returnssunlight returns to the airto the airinside the polar vortex andinside the polar vortex and allows the production ofallows the production ofactive chlorineactive chlorine and initiates theand initiates the catalytic ozonecatalytic ozonedestruction cyclesdestruction cycles. Ozone loss is rapid. The ozone. Ozone loss is rapid. The ozonehole currently covers a geographic region a little biggerhole currently covers a geographic region a little biggerthan Antarctica and extends nearly 10km in altitude in thethan Antarctica and extends nearly 10km in altitude in thelower stratospherelower stratosphere

http://www.atm.ch.cam.ac.uk/tour/part3.html


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Protecting the Ozone LayerProtecting the Ozone Layer

CFCCFC production has been halted inproduction has been halted in

developed countries, will be phaseddeveloped countries, will be phased

out in developing countriesout in developing countries

Methyl bromide will be phased outMethyl bromide will be phased out

Even with bans it will take more thanEven with bans it will take more than50 years for ozone levels to recover50 years for ozone levels to recover


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Garbage Barge SolutionGarbage Barge Solution


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LandfillsLandfills


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Land UseLand Use

Almost 21 percent of Earths landAlmost 21 percent of Earths land

is used for agriculture or grazingis used for agriculture or grazing

About half the Earths land isAbout half the Earths land is

unsuitable for such usesunsuitable for such uses

Remainder could be used, but at aRemainder could be used, but at ahigh ecological costhigh ecological cost


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Green RevolutionsGreen Revolutions

Improvements in crop productionImprovements in crop production

Introduction of mechanized agricultureIntroduction of mechanized agriculture

and practicesand practices requires inputs ofrequires inputs of

pesticides, fertilizer, fossil fuelpesticides, fertilizer, fossil fuel

Improving genetic character of cropImproving genetic character of crop

plants can also improve yieldsplants can also improve yields


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Data From the UNData From the UN


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INDIA REACHING 1 BILLION ON AUGUST 15: NO CELEBRATIONINDIA REACHING 1 BILLION ON AUGUST 15: NO CELEBRATION

PLANNEDPLANNED

Lester R. Brown and Brian HalweilLester R. Brown and Brian Halweil Falling water tables are now alsoFalling water tables are now also

threatening India's food production.threatening India's food production. The International WaterThe International Water

Management Institute (IWMI)Management Institute (IWMI)estimates that withdrawals ofestimates that withdrawals ofunderground water are double theunderground water are double therate of aquifer recharge.rate of aquifer recharge.

As a result, water tables are fallingAs a result, water tables are fallingalmost everywhere.almost everywhere.

http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1656


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Aquifer DepletionAquifer Depletion

http://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/EarthSC202Notes/Grndh2o.htm


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DeforestationDeforestation

Removal of all trees from large tracts ofRemoval of all trees from large tracts of

landland

38 million acres logged each year38 million acres logged each year

Wood is used for fuel, lumberWood is used for fuel, lumber

Land is cleared for grazing or cropsLand is cleared for grazing or crops


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Clear Cutting of ForestsClear Cutting of Forests


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Effects of DeforestationEffects of Deforestation

Increased leaching and soil erosionIncreased leaching and soil erosion

Increased flooding and sedimentation ofIncreased flooding and sedimentation of

downstream riversdownstream rivers

Regional precipitation declinesRegional precipitation declines

Possible amplification of the greenhousePossible amplification of the greenhouse

effecteffect


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Regions of DeforestationRegions of Deforestation

Rates of forest loss are greatest inRates of forest loss are greatest in

Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, andBrazil, Indonesia, Mexico, and

ColumbiaColumbia

Highly mechanized logging isHighly mechanized logging is

proceeding in temperate forests of theproceeding in temperate forests of the

United States and CanadaUnited States and Canada

A heavy duty tree chopper for cutting downA heavy duty tree chopper for cutting down


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A heavy duty tree chopper for cutting downA heavy duty tree chopper for cutting down

trees in a logging operation.trees in a logging operation.


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RainforestsRainforests


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Forests BurningForests Burning


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Reversing DeforestationReversing Deforestation

Coalition of groups dedicated toCoalition of groups dedicated to

saving Brazils remaining forestssaving Brazils remaining forests

Smokeless wood stoves have savedSmokeless wood stoves have saved

firewood in Indiafirewood in India

Kenyan women have planted millionsKenyan women have planted millionsof treesof trees


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NAIROBI (AFP) Feb 23, 2005NAIROBI (AFP) Feb 23, 2005

NAIROBI (AFP) Feb 23, 2005NAIROBI (AFP) Feb 23, 2005

Kenyan Nobel peace laureateKenyan Nobel peace laureate Wangari MaathaiWangari Maathai onon

Wednesday urged developing nations to help fight globalWednesday urged developing nations to help fight global

warming and support the Kyoto Protocol on climate changewarming and support the Kyoto Protocol on climate change

by joining her tree-planting campaign.by joining her tree-planting campaign.


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Destroying BiodiversityDestroying Biodiversity

Tropical rainforests have the greatestTropical rainforests have the greatest

variety of insects, most bird speciesvariety of insects, most bird species

Some tropical forest species may proveSome tropical forest species may prove

valuable to humansvaluable to humans

Our primate ancestors evolved in forestsOur primate ancestors evolved in forestslike the ones we are destroyinglike the ones we are destroying


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PrimatesPrimates

Many primate species are threaten orMany primate species are threaten or

endangered.endangered.


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DesertificationDesertification

Conversion of large tracts of grassland toConversion of large tracts of grassland to

desertlike conditionsdesertlike conditions

Conversions of cropland that result inConversions of cropland that result in

more than 10 percent decline inmore than 10 percent decline in

productivityproductivity


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Global Desertification VulnerabilityGlobal Desertification Vulnerability


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The Dust BowlThe Dust Bowl

Occurred in the 1930s in the GreatOccurred in the 1930s in the Great

PlainsPlains

Overgrazing and prolonged droughtOvergrazing and prolonged droughtleft the ground bareleft the ground bare

1934 winds produced dust storms1934 winds produced dust storms

that stripped about 9 million acres ofthat stripped about 9 million acres of

topsoiltopsoil


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Caption: "Dust Over Texas." Huge boiling masses of dustthat blocked out the sun were common sights in Texas duringthe Dust Bowl years. In: "To Hold This Soil", Russell Lord, 1938.Miscellaneous Publication No. 321, U.S. Departmentof Agriculture.

H T dH T d


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Human TragedyHuman Tragedy


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Ongoing DesertificationOngoing Desertification

Sahel region of Africa is undergoingSahel region of Africa is undergoing

rapid desertificationrapid desertification

Causes are overgrazing,Causes are overgrazing,

overfarming, and prolonged droughtoverfarming, and prolonged drought

One solution may be to substituteOne solution may be to substitutenative herbivores for imported cattlenative herbivores for imported cattle

Linear dunes of the Sahara Desert encroach on Nouakchott the capital ofLinear dunes of the Sahara Desert encroach on Nouakchott the capital of


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Linear dunes of the Sahara Desert encroach on Nouakchott, the capital ofLinear dunes of the Sahara Desert encroach on Nouakchott, the capital of

Mauritania. The dunes border a mosque at left (photograph by GeorgMauritania. The dunes border a mosque at left (photograph by Georg

Gerster).Gerster).

htt : ubs.us s. ov i deserts desertification


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Water Use and ScarcityWater Use and Scarcity

Most of Earths water is too salty forMost of Earths water is too salty for

human consumptionhuman consumption

Desalinization is expensive andDesalinization is expensive and

requires large energy inputsrequires large energy inputs

Irrigation of crops is the mainIrrigation of crops is the mainuse of freshwateruse of freshwater


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Mean Annual PrecipitationMean Annual Precipitation


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Water DistributionWater Distribution


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Negative Effects of IrrigationNegative Effects of Irrigation

Salinization, mineral buildup inSalinization, mineral buildup in

soilsoil

Elevation of the water table andElevation of the water table and

waterloggingwaterlogging

Depletion of aquifersDepletion of aquifers

S li i ti i l b ild i ilSalinization mineral buildup in soil


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Salinization, mineral buildup in soilSalinization, mineral buildup in soil

http://waterquality.montana.edu/docs/methane/irrigation_suitability.sht


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GroundwaterGroundwater

AquifersAquifers - Porous layers of sand, gravel, or- Porous layers of sand, gravel, orrock lying below the water table.rock lying below the water table.

ArtesianArtesian - Pressurized aquifer intersects the- Pressurized aquifer intersects thesurface. (Water flows without pumping)surface. (Water flows without pumping)

Recharge ZoneRecharge Zone - Area where water- Area where waterinfiltrates into an aquifer.infiltrates into an aquifer.

Recharge rate is often very slow.Recharge rate is often very slow.Presently, groundwater is being removed fasterPresently, groundwater is being removed faster

than it can be replenished in many areas.than it can be replenished in many areas.


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Depleting GroundwaterDepleting Groundwater

Groundwater is the source of nearlyGroundwater is the source of nearly

40% of fresh water in the US.40% of fresh water in the US.

On a local level, withdrawing waterOn a local level, withdrawing water

faster than it can be replenished leads tofaster than it can be replenished leads toaa cone of depressioncone of depression in the water table,in the water table,On a broader scale, heavy pumping canOn a broader scale, heavy pumping can

deplete an aquifer.deplete an aquifer.

Ogallala AquiferOgallala Aquifer Mining non-renewable resource.Mining non-renewable resource.


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Depleting GroundwaterDepleting Groundwater


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Ogallala AquiferOgallala Aquifer

Extends from southern South DakotaExtends from southern South Dakota

to central Texasto central Texas

Major source of water for drinkingMajor source of water for drinking

and irrigationand irrigation

Overdrafts have depleted half theOverdrafts have depleted half thewater from this nonrenewable sourcewater from this nonrenewable source


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Ogallala AquiferOgallala Aquifer

The Ogallala Aquifer within theThe Ogallala Aquifer within the

boundaries of the North Plainsboundaries of the North Plains

Groundwater Conservation District isGroundwater Conservation District is

declining at an average of 1.74 feetdeclining at an average of 1.74 feetper year (1,082,631 acre ft).per year (1,082,631 acre ft).

The aquifer is cut off fromThe aquifer is cut off from

natural recharge sources.natural recharge sources.

http://www.npwd.org/Ogallala.htm


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Aquifer ProblemsAquifer Problems


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Sink Holes and Karst TopographySink Holes and Karst Topography

CaCO3

+ H2SO

4 CaSO

4+ H

2O +CO

2

http://www.soils.umn.edu/academics/classes/soil2125/doc/1-snkle.htm


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Water PollutantsWater Pollutants

SewageSewage

Animal wastesAnimal wastes

FertilizersFertilizers

PesticidesPesticides

Industrial chemicalsIndustrial chemicals

Radioactive materialRadioactive material

Excess heat (thermal pollution)Excess heat (thermal pollution)


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Groundwater PollutionGroundwater Pollution


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Wastewater TreatmentWastewater Treatment

Primary treatmentPrimary treatment

Use of screens and settling tanksUse of screens and settling tanks

Addition of chlorine to kill pathogensAddition of chlorine to kill pathogens

Secondary treatmentSecondary treatment

Microbes break down organic matterMicrobes break down organic matter

Tertiary treatment removes additionalTertiary treatment removes additionaltoxic substances; rarely usedtoxic substances; rarely used


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Sewage TreatmentSewage Treatment

More than 500 pathogenic bacteria,More than 500 pathogenic bacteria,

viruses, and parasites can travelviruses, and parasites can travel

from human or animal excrementfrom human or animal excrement

through water.through water.Natural ProcessesNatural Processes

In many areas, outdoor urination andIn many areas, outdoor urination and

defecation is the norm.defecation is the norm.When population densities are low, naturalWhen population densities are low, natural

processes can quickly eliminate waste.processes can quickly eliminate waste.


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Municipal Sewage TreatmentMunicipal Sewage Treatment

Primary TreatmentPrimary Treatment - Physical separation- Physical separation

of large solids from the waste stream.of large solids from the waste stream.

Secondary TreatmentSecondary Treatment - Biological- Biologicaldegradation of dissolved organicdegradation of dissolved organic

compounds.compounds.

Effluent from primary treatment transferredEffluent from primary treatment transferred

into trickling bed, or aeration tankinto trickling bed, or aeration tankEffluent from secondary treatment is usuallyEffluent from secondary treatment is usually

disinfected (chlorinated) before release intodisinfected (chlorinated) before release into

nearby waterway.nearby waterway.


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Tertiary TreatmentTertiary Treatment - Removal of plant- Removal of plant

nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) fromnutrients (nitrates and phosphates) from

secondary effluent.secondary effluent.

Chemicals, or natural wetlands.Chemicals, or natural wetlands.

In many US cities, sanitary sewers areIn many US cities, sanitary sewers are

connected to storm sewers.connected to storm sewers.

Heavy storms can overload the system,Heavy storms can overload the system,

causing by-pass dumping of raw sewagecausing by-pass dumping of raw sewage

and toxic runoff directly into watercourses.and toxic runoff directly into watercourses.


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CSO Tunnels and TreatmentCSO Tunnels and Treatment


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CSO Tunnels and TreatmentCSO Tunnels and Treatment

Facilities (Atlanta, GA 2005)Facilities (Atlanta, GA 2005)The tunnel is part of a storage and treatment system thatThe tunnel is part of a storage and treatment system that

involves capturing and storing combined sewer overflows.involves capturing and storing combined sewer overflows.The overflows are stored in a large underground tunnel inThe overflows are stored in a large underground tunnel inbedrock similar to the rock that comprises Stone Mountain.bedrock similar to the rock that comprises Stone Mountain.When a storm is over, the captured CSO volume isWhen a storm is over, the captured CSO volume isconveyed to a separate treatment system for removal ofconveyed to a separate treatment system for removal of

pollutants and reduction of harmful bacteria with sodiumpollutants and reduction of harmful bacteria with sodiumhypochlorite disinfection followed by dechlorination withhypochlorite disinfection followed by dechlorination withsodium bisulfite before discharge to receiving waters. Thesodium bisulfite before discharge to receiving waters. TheCity is building two facilities, the West Area CSO storageCity is building two facilities, the West Area CSO storagetunnel and the East Area CSO underground linear storagetunnel and the East Area CSO underground linear storagefacility to handle the overflows.facility to handle the overflows.

Milestone Completion Date forMilestone Completion Date for


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Milestone Completion Date forMilestone Completion Date for

West Tunnel October 2007West Tunnel October 2007

These will collect storm water for

treatment.http://www.cleanwateratlanta.org/CSOTunnels/


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Oxygen-Demanding WastesOxygen-Demanding Wastes

Water with an oxygen content > 6 ppm willWater with an oxygen content > 6 ppm willsupport desirable aquatic life.support desirable aquatic life.

Water with < 2 ppm oxygen will support mainlyWater with < 2 ppm oxygen will support mainly

detritivores and decomposers.detritivores and decomposers.

Oxygen is added to water by diffusion fromOxygen is added to water by diffusion fromwind and waves, and by photosynthesis fromwind and waves, and by photosynthesis from

green plants, algae, and cyanobacteria.green plants, algae, and cyanobacteria.

Oxygen is removed from water by respiration andOxygen is removed from water by respiration and

oxygen-consuming processes.oxygen-consuming processes.


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Oxygen-Demanding WastesOxygen-Demanding Wastes

Biochemical Oxygen DemandBiochemical Oxygen Demand - Amount- Amountof dissolved oxygen consumed byof dissolved oxygen consumed byaquatic microorganisms.aquatic microorganisms.

Dissolved Oxygen ContentDissolved Oxygen Content - Measure of- Measure of

dissolved oxygen in the water.dissolved oxygen in the water. Effects of oxygen-demanding wastes onEffects of oxygen-demanding wastes on

rivers depend on volume, flow, andrivers depend on volume, flow, andtemperature of river water.temperature of river water.

Oxygen SagOxygen Sag - Oxygen levels decline- Oxygen levels declinedownstream from a pollution source asdownstream from a pollution source asdecomposers metabolize waste materials.decomposers metabolize waste materials.


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Oxygen SagOxygen Sag

?


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Water Wars?Water Wars?

Per capita amount of freshwater availablePer capita amount of freshwater available

is decreasingis decreasing

International conflicts over water use andInternational conflicts over water use and

quality have already occurredquality have already occurred

Building dams or dumping pollutantsBuilding dams or dumping pollutants

effect countries downstreameffect countries downstream

Weiss Lake Organization DeclaresWeiss Lake Organization Declares


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Weiss Lake Organization DeclaresWeiss Lake Organization Declares

War!War!

Weiss Lake Improvement Association is the environmentaland ecological watchdog for Weiss Lake and againstMetro Atlanta from taking our WATER.(Coosa River Drainage)

E UE U


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Energy UseEnergy Use

Only 10 percent of energy used inOnly 10 percent of energy used in

developed countries is fromdeveloped countries is from

renewable sourcesrenewable sources Less developed countries rely moreLess developed countries rely more

heavily on renewable sourcesheavily on renewable sources

(primary biomass)(primary biomass)

F il F l


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Fossil FuelsFossil Fuels

Coal, oil, natural gasCoal, oil, natural gas

Main energy source ofMain energy source of

developed countriesdeveloped countries

Burning of fossil fuelsBurning of fossil fuels

contributes to global warmingcontributes to global warming


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http://faculty.virginia.edu/setear/courses/globwarm/images.htm


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OilOil


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OilOil

Reserves are decliningReserves are declining

Many reserves are in ecologicallyMany reserves are in ecologically

fragile wilderness areasfragile wilderness areas

Environmental costs of extractingEnvironmental costs of extracting

and transporting reserves from suchand transporting reserves from suchareas are highareas are high

T t l E C tiT t l E C ti


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Total Energy ConsumptionTotal Energy Consumption

D ti P d tD ti P d t


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Domestic ProductDomestic Product


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Cuba claims massive oil reservesBBC 17 Oct 2008

Cuba currently produces 60,0000 barrels of oil a dayThe state-owned Cuban oil company says the country may havemore than 20bn barrels of oil in its offshore fields - more than

double the previous estimate.

Such reserves would place Cubaamong the top 20 oil producingnations.

Oil d G I j ti W llOil d G I j ti W ll


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Oil and Gas Injection WellsOil and Gas Injection Wells

Typically, when oil and gas are extracted,Typically, when oil and gas are extracted,large amounts of salt water (brine) are alsolarge amounts of salt water (brine) are also

brought to the surface. This salt water canbrought to the surface. This salt water can

be very damaging if it is discharged intobe very damaging if it is discharged into

surface water.surface water.

C lCoal


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CoalCoal

Extensive reserves existExtensive reserves exist

Mining is very destructiveMining is very destructive

Burning coal releases sulfurBurning coal releases sulfur

dioxides that cause aciddioxides that cause acid

depositiondeposition

C l St i Mi iCoal Strip Mining


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Coal Strip MiningCoal Strip Mining

htt : en.wiki edia.or wiki Surface minin

EPA targets utilitiesEPA targets utilities


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gg

mercury pollutionmercury pollution

Coal-burning power plantsCoal-burning power plants in thein theUnited States now emit an estimatedUnited States now emit an estimated

48 tons a year of mercury, and the48 tons a year of mercury, and the

EPA rule aims to reduce that to 31.3EPA rule aims to reduce that to 31.3tons in 2010, 27.9 tons in 2015, andtons in 2010, 27.9 tons in 2015, and

24.3 tons in 2020.24.3 tons in 2020.

Updated: 3:03 p.m. ET March 15, 2005 (AP)Updated: 3:03 p.m. ET March 15, 2005 (AP)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6448213/did/7185001

How Mercury Gets into the FoodHow Mercury Gets into the Food


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yy

ChainChain

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6448213/did/7185001

Top 10 Sources of Mercury AirTop 10 Sources of Mercury Air


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p yp y

Pollution in the USPollution in the US

(No. 2) Alabama Power Co(No. 2) Alabama Power Co..'s's Miller Steam Plant in Jefferson,Miller Steam Plant in Jefferson,Ala. is a coal-fired power plant. Alabama Power is a subsidiaryAla. is a coal-fired power plant. Alabama Power is a subsidiary

of Atlanta-based Southern Companyof Atlanta-based Southern Company, one of the largest utilities, one of the largest utilities

in the U.S., whichin the U.S., which generates 68% of its electricity from burninggenerates 68% of its electricity from burning

coalcoal. Also on the Top 100 list of mercury air polluters are. Also on the Top 100 list of mercury air polluters are

Georgia Power's Monroe, Ga. plant (No. 5)Georgia Power's Monroe, Ga. plant (No. 5) and Alabamaand Alabama

Power's Gaston (No. 9) and Greene, Ala. plants (No. 81).Power's Gaston (No. 9) and Greene, Ala. plants (No. 81).

Read more:Read more:

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/mercury-http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/mercury-

EPAsEPAs Cap and Trade PolicyCap and Trade Policy
http://www.alabamapower.com/http://www.alabamapower.com/http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/mercury-pollution-47103003http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/mercury-pollution-47103003http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/mercury-pollution-47103003http://www.alabamapower.com/


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EPA sEPA s Cap and Trade PolicyCap and Trade Policy

EPA sets yearly limits on mercury emissionsEPA sets yearly limits on mercury emissions

Industry is assigned a quantity of tradable mercuryIndustry is assigned a quantity of tradable mercuryemissions certificatesemissions certificates

These are bought and sold by power companies (bid/askThese are bought and sold by power companies (bid/ask

system).system).

Some companies over pollute and some under polluteSome companies over pollute and some under pollute

Each year the EPA reduces allowable emission quantitiesEach year the EPA reduces allowable emission quantitiesleading to anleading to an economic solution to pollutioneconomic solution to pollution

Nuclear EnergyNuclear Energy


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Nuclear EnergyNuclear Energy

Used extensively in some energy-Used extensively in some energy-

poor developed countriespoor developed countries

Little support in the United StatesLittle support in the United States

Emits fewer air pollutants thanEmits fewer air pollutants than

burning coal, but createsburning coal, but creates

radioactive wastesradioactive wastes Potential for meltdownPotential for meltdown

Nuclear Changes: RadioactiveNuclear Changes: Radioactive


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gg

DecayDecay

Natural radioactive decay: unstableNatural radioactive decay: unstableisotopes spontaneously emit fastisotopes spontaneously emit fast

moving chunks of matter (moving chunks of matter (alphaalphaororbeta particlesbeta particles), high-energy radiation), high-energy radiation

((gamma raysgamma rays), or both at a fixed rate.), or both at a fixed rate.Radiation is commonly used in energyRadiation is commonly used in energy

production and medical applications.production and medical applications.

The rate of decay is expressed as aThe rate of decay is expressed as a half-half-lifelife (the time needed for one-half of the(the time needed for one-half of the

nuclei to decay to form a different isotope).nuclei to decay to form a different isotope).

Nuclear Changes: FissionNuclear Changes: Fission


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Nuclear Changes: FissionNuclear Changes: Fission

Nuclear fission:Nuclear fission:

nuclei of certainnuclei of certain

isotopes with largeisotopes with large

mass numbers aremass numbers aresplit apart intosplit apart into

lighter nuclei whenlighter nuclei when

struck bystruck byneutrons.neutrons.

Figure 2-9Figure 2-9

Chernobyl Accident 1986Chernobyl Accident 1986


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Chernobyl Accident - 1986Chernobyl Accident - 1986

Core meltdown at a nuclear powerCore meltdown at a nuclear power

plant in the Ukraineplant in the Ukraine

31 immediate deaths, radiation31 immediate deaths, radiation

sickness and death for otherssickness and death for others

Cloud of radiation spread by windsCloud of radiation spread by winds

across Europeacross Europe Long-term health impacts downwindLong-term health impacts downwind

Map of Chernobyl RegionMap of Chernobyl Region


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Map of Chernobyl RegionMap of Chernobyl Region

Nuclear Power in FranceNuclear Power in France


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Nuclear Power in FranceNuclear Power in France

When the Civaux nuclear power plant comes on lineWhen the Civaux nuclear power plant comes on linesometime in the next 12 months, France will have 56sometime in the next 12 months, France will have 56

working nuclear plants, generating 76% of her electricity.working nuclear plants, generating 76% of her electricity.

(Frontline)(Frontline)

htt : www.ic t.or n drzava. h ?drzava=8


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Some AlternativesSome Alternatives

Solar Hydrogen EnergySolar Hydrogen Energy


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Solar-Hydrogen EnergySolar-Hydrogen Energy

Photovoltaic cells use sunlight energyPhotovoltaic cells use sunlight energy

to split waterto split water

Hydrogen gas produced in this wayHydrogen gas produced in this way

can be used as fuel or to generatecan be used as fuel or to generate

electricityelectricity

Clean, renewable technologyClean, renewable technology

Fuel CellsFuel Cells


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Fuel CellsFuel Cells

Farmed HydrogenFarmed Hydrogen


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Farmed HydrogenFarmed Hydrogen

Photobiological HydrogenPhotobiological HydrogenProductionProduction

Aquatic algae bio-engineered toAquatic algae bio-engineered to

produce hydrogen gas rather thanproduce hydrogen gas rather thansugars via photosynthesissugars via photosynthesis

Place algae in a clear tube, reducePlace algae in a clear tube, reduce

sulfur, place in sunlight, and collectsulfur, place in sunlight, and collectthe hydrogen!the hydrogen!

Hydrogen from AlgaeHydrogen from Algae


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Hydrogen from AlgaeHydrogen from Algae

Chlamydomonas reinhard

MIT Algae PhotobioreactorMIT Algae Photobioreactor
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Chlamydomonas+reinhardtiihttp://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Chlamydomonas+reinhardtii


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MIT Algae PhotobioreactorMIT Algae Photobioreactor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnOSnJJSP5c&feature=related


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Wind EnergyWind Energy


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Wind EnergyWind Energy

An indirect use of solar energyAn indirect use of solar energy

Wind farms are arrays of turbinesWind farms are arrays of turbinesCan supplement needs of someCan supplement needs of some

regions but is not dependableregions but is not dependable

enough on it ownenough on it own

Giant wind turbines at Aapua,Giant wind turbines at Aapua,


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SwedenSweden

http://www.xahlee.org/Whirlwheel_dir/windturbine.html

San Gorgonio Field Near PalmSan Gorgonio Field Near Palm


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Springs, CASprings, CA

Overview of Wind Energy inOverview of Wind Energy in


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CaliforniaCalifornia

the year 2004, wind energy in Californiathe year 2004, wind energy in Californiaproduced 4,258 million kilowatt-hours ofproduced 4,258 million kilowatt-hours ofelectricity, about 1.5 percent of the state's totalelectricity, about 1.5 percent of the state's totalelectricity.electricity.

According to the Electric Power ResearchAccording to the Electric Power ResearchInstitute, the cost of producing wind energy hasInstitute, the cost of producing wind energy hasdecreased nearly four fold since 1980. Thedecreased nearly four fold since 1980. Thelevelized cost of energy from wind turbines inlevelized cost of energy from wind turbines in1993 was about 7.5 cents per kilowatt/hour. With1993 was about 7.5 cents per kilowatt/hour. Withcurrent wind research and development efforts,current wind research and development efforts,the Energy Commission estimates that newerthe Energy Commission estimates that newertechnologies can reduce the cost of wind energytechnologies can reduce the cost of wind energyto 3.5 cents per kilowatt-hour.to 3.5 cents per kilowatt-hour.

http://www.energy.ca.gov/wind/overview.html

Electricity Costs (2003)Electricity Costs (2003)


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Electricity Costs (2003)Electricity Costs (2003)

FusionFusion


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FusionFusion

Energy is released when atomic nucleiEnergy is released when atomic nuclei

fusefuse

This process produces solar energyThis process produces solar energy

Attempts to mimic this process onAttempts to mimic this process on

Earth require use of lasers, magneticEarth require use of lasers, magnetic

fieldsfields

Not yet a commercially viable energyNot yet a commercially viable energy

sourcesource

Fusion ReactionFusion Reaction


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Fusion ReactionFusion Reaction

Note: Fusion tutorial available atNote: Fusion tutorial available atwebsite below.website below.

http://hif.lbl.gov/tutorial/tutorial.html

Changes in the World of LifeChanges in the World of Life


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Changes in the World of LifeChanges in the World of Life

Adaptations of species haveAdaptations of species have

changed the environmentchanged the environment

Photosynthetic organisms thatPhotosynthetic organisms thatarose during the Proterozoicarose during the Proterozoic

altered the atmosphere by addingaltered the atmosphere by adding

oxygenoxygen

Change is naturalChange is natural

Humans and ChangeHumans and Change


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Humans and ChangeHumans and Change

Unlike previous species, humanUnlike previous species, human

have the capacity to observe andhave the capacity to observe and

make decisions about the changesmake decisions about the changes

they bring about.they bring about.

A couple of examples of usingA couple of examples of using

misplaced resources.misplaced resources.

Gas for the GreenhouseGas for the Greenhouse


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Gas for the GreenhouseGas for the Greenhouse

"By transporting CO2 by pipeline"By transporting CO2 by pipelinefrom the Shell refineries in Pernis tofrom the Shell refineries in Pernis to

the cultivators in the Westland, thethe cultivators in the Westland, the

emission of greenhouse gas can beemission of greenhouse gas can begreatly reduced. At the same time,greatly reduced. At the same time,

the farmers can save a lot of money;the farmers can save a lot of money;

there is no more need for them tothere is no more need for them toproduce their CO2 themselves".produce their CO2 themselves".

http://www.radionetherlands.nl/features/science/051107rf

OCAP Waste COOCAP Waste CO22 Used inUsed in

G


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GreenhousesGreenhouses

6 CO2 + 6 H2O + sunlight C6H12 O6 + 6O2

Anything Into OilAnything Into Oil

Ch i W ld T h l i ICh i W ld T h l i I


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Changing World Technologies, Inc.Changing World Technologies, Inc.

Twenty tons of slaughterhouse turkey parts, freshlydumped by a truck, await processing into oil, gas,and minerals at the thermal conversion process plantin Carthage, Missouri. When the plant reaches fullcapacity in the fall, it will process 10 dump trucks ofleftovers, one tanker truck of blood, and one tankertruck of discarded restaurant grease every 24 hours.

Carthage, Missouri, turkey plant accumulates1.3 million gallons a day of turkey grease,guts, fat, and feathers that is stored inlagoons and sent to waste treatment facilitiesEstimated production of fuel oil,

500 barrels a day.

http://www.perc.org/perc.php?id=290

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS:ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS:

CAUSES AND CONNECTIONSCAUSES AND CONNECTIONS


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CAUSES AND CONNECTIONSCAUSES AND CONNECTIONS

The major causes ofThe major causes ofenvironmental problems are:environmental problems are:Population growthPopulation growth

Wasteful resource useWasteful resource usePovertyPoverty

Poor environmental accountingPoor environmental accounting

Ecological ignoranceEcological ignorance

SOLAR


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Fig. 1-10, p. 1

Depletion of

nonrenewableresources

SOLARCAPITAL

Human Capital HumanEconomic

andCulturalSystems

Pollution and waste

Degradation ofrenewable resources

Heat

Goods and services

Natural Capital

EARTH

Natural capital degradationNatural capital degradation


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The exponential increasing flow ofThe exponential increasing flow ofmaterial resources through the worldsmaterial resources through the worldseconomic systems depletes, degradeseconomic systems depletes, degradesand pollutes the environment.and pollutes the environment.

Fi ure 1-Figure 1-


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Fig. 1-11, p. 1

auses of Environmental Problems

Trying tomanage and

simplify naturewith too little

knowledgeabout

how it works

Not including theenvironmental costsof economic goodsand services in theirmarket prices

PovertyUnsustainableresource use

Populationgrowth

Solutions: Prevention vs.Solutions: Prevention vs.

ClCl


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CleanupCleanup Problems with relying on cleanup:Problems with relying on cleanup:Temporary bandage without improvementsTemporary bandage without improvements

in control technology.in control technology.

Often removes a pollutant from one part ofOften removes a pollutant from one part of

the environment to cause problems inthe environment to cause problems inanother.another.

Pollutants at harmful levels can cost tooPollutants at harmful levels can cost too

much to reduce them to acceptable levels.much to reduce them to acceptable levels.


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Adequate

Number of people(% of world's population)

Lack ofaccess to


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Fig. 1-12, p. 1

1.1 billion (17%)

1.1 billion (17%)

1.1 billion (17%)

Enough foodfor good health

Adequatehealth care

Clean drinkingWater

Enough fuel forheating and

cooking

Electricity

AdequateSanitation

1.6 billion (25%)

2 billion (31%)

2.4 billion (37%)

Resource Consumption andResource Consumption and

Environmental ProblemsEnvironmental Problems


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Environmental ProblemsEnvironmental Problems

UnderconsumptionUnderconsumption

OverconsumptionOverconsumptionAffluenza: unsustainable addiction toAffluenza: unsustainable addiction to

overconsumption and materialism.overconsumption and materialism.

Connections betweenConnections betweenEnvironmental Problems andEnvironmental Problems and


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Environmental Problems andEnvironmental Problems and

Their CausesTheir Causes

Fi ure 1-Figure 1-

CULTURAL CHANGES AND THECULTURAL CHANGES AND THE

ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENT


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ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENT

Agricultural revolutionAgricultural revolutionAllowed people to stay in one place.Allowed people to stay in one place.

Industrial-medical revolutionIndustrial-medical revolution

Led shift from rural villages to urbanLed shift from rural villages to urbansociety.society.

Science improved sanitation and diseaseScience improved sanitation and disease

control.control. Information-globalization revolutionInformation-globalization revolutionRapid access to information.Rapid access to information.


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Which singleWhich single

advantage andadvantage and

disadvantage aredisadvantage are

the mostthe most

important?important?

Fi ure 1-Figure 1-

SUSTAINABILITY ANDENVIRONMENTALENVIRONMENTAL


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WORLDVIEWSWORLDVIEWS

Technological optimists:Technological optimists:suggest that human ingenuity will keepsuggest that human ingenuity will keep

the environment sustainable.the environment sustainable.

Environmental pessimists:Environmental pessimists:overstate the problems where ouroverstate the problems where our

environmental situation seems hopeless.environmental situation seems hopeless.

Four Scientific Principles ofFour Scientific Principles of

S i bili C NS t i bilit C N t


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Sustainability: Copy NatureSustainability: Copy Nature

Reliance on SolarReliance on SolarEnergyEnergy

BiodiversityBiodiversity Population ControlPopulation Control

Nutrient RecyclingNutrient Recycling

Fi ure 1-Figure 1-

Aldo Leopolds EnvironmentalAldo Leopolds Environmental

EthicsEthics


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EthicsEthics

Individuals matter.Individuals matter. land is to beland is to be

loved andloved and

respected is anrespected is anextension of ethics.extension of ethics.

We abuse landWe abuse land

because we regardbecause we regardit as a commodityit as a commodity

Fi ure 1-AFigure 1-A

Implications of the Four ScientificImplications of the Four ScientificPrinciples of SustainabilityPrinciples of Sustainability


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Principles of SustainabilityPrinciples of Sustainability

Fi ures 1-17 and 1-Figures 1-17 and 1-

SolutionsPrinciples of Sustainability

How Nature Works Lessons for Us


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Fig. 1-17, p. 2

Reduce human birthsand wasteful resourceuse to preventenvironmental overloadand depletion anddegradation ofresources.

Controls a speciespopulation size andresource use byinteractions with itsenvironment andother species.

Runs on renewablesolar energy.

Rely mostly onrenewable solar

energy.Recycles nutrientsand wastes. Thereis little waste innature.

Uses biodiversity tomaintain itself andadapt to newenviron-mental conditions.

Prevent and reducepollution and recycleand reuse resources.

Preserve biodiversity

by protectingecosystem services andhabitatsand preventingpremature extinction ofspecies.


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Fig. 1-18, p. 2

The Three RsThe Three Rs


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Individuals matter!Individuals matter!ReduceReduce

ReuseReuse

RecycleRecycle

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