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INTRODUCTION TO …… ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PART II. What are our Main Environmental Problems?. Environmental problems can generally be grouped into 3 categories: Resource Depletion Pollution Loss of Biodiversity. Resource Depletion.
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What are our Main Environmental Problems? Environmental problems can generally be grouped into 3 categories: Resource Depletion Pollution Loss of Biodiversity
Resource Depletion Natural Resources - natural materials that are used by humans Depleted - most of the resource has been used up Nonrenewable resources - take millions of years to be replaced if depleted. (Oil, natural gas, metals) Renewable resources - replaced pretty quickly (Trees, water, air)
Pollution caused by the introduction of substances that are harmful to living organisms. Air, Water, Wastes heat, noise, light, radiation
Loss of Biodiversity Biodiversity - variety of organisms. Dependence: food, oxygen, & for their potential economic, scientific, aesthetic, & recreational value.
Developed and Developing Countries Developed Developing lower average incomes rapid population growth simple agriculture-based economies • higher incomes • slower population growth • industrial economies
A Sustainable World Sustainability- human needs are met in such a way that a human population can survive indefinitely (FOREVER!). Problem? developed countries are using resources faster than they can be replaced.