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The Human Element. In Understanding our Environment. Humans in the Environment. Since humans live in both the natural and social worlds and since out technology has become a dominant force on the planet we have to take the human condition into account. The World’s Wealth.
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The Human Element In Understanding our Environment
Humans in the Environment • Since humans live in both the natural and social worlds and since out technology has become a dominant force on the planet we have to take the human condition into account
The World’s Wealth • We live in a world of haves and have nots. • A few live in luxury while many others lack the basic necessities • The top 2% wealthiest people own 50% of the world’s capital.
How does this Affect our Environment? • The poorest people are often forced to meet short-term survival needs at the cost of long term sustainability. • No way to remove garbage - contamination • Over fishing • Over cultivating • This aides the cycle of poverty
What about the Wealthy? • Generally, those who are the wealthiest use the more natural resources. • The U.S. has 5% of the world’s population but consumes 25% of the world’s resources. • And they produce a quarter to a half of the world’s industrial wastes.
Sustainability • Sustainability is the search for ecological stability and human progress that can last over the long term. • “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”
Journal • In your journals write about the affect technology has on our environment. Is it a good thing, a bad thing, or both and why? • Level 2 – at least ¾ of a page • Level 3 – at least ½ of a page