Cordero_What is environmental science

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Feb 20, 2024

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Mod1Asst1_EnvironmentalScience 1 Module 1 Assignment 1: What is Environmental Science? (80pts) Submit by 11:59pm AZ Time on Sunday Submit to: D2L/Assignments/Mod1Asst1 as file name “lastname_environmental” Learning Outcomes: In this learning activity, you will: 1. Compare/Contrast the roles of environmental scientists, social scientists and environmentalists/activists. 2. Describe the concepts of “systems thinking” and “sustainability” in the environmental science context. 3. Differentiate between positive and negative feedbacks, and abiotic versus biotic environmental changes in the environmental science context. Step 1: Consider the following five questions as you read through your assigned reading; then return to this document and answer these questions in short essay format using/typing in a dark blue font as shown in the sample to distinguish your typed responses from the questions. There is no word minimum, just be sure to answer the question and support your answers with specific examples. • Do not alter the document, just add your answers on this document, and feel free to add as much space as needed to answer the questions completely. Step 2: Save this document as directed above, then answer the questions below in dark blue typed text and submit the document to D2L under “Assignments”. Q1A. (8pts) In your own words, create your own definition to explain the roles of: an “environmental scientist”“ a “social scientist” and an “environmentalist/environmental activist” as all three roles overlap, and are significant. Environmental scientists apply scientific principles to analyze environmental issues and the impact of human actions on ecosystems. They conduct research and take into account quantitative data. Social scientists investigate the social, cultural, and behavioral aspects of humans and the environment. They could be investigating similar topics to an environmental scientist but would explore the impact of these statistics on society and social behaviors. Environmental activists are passionate about protecting and preserving the environment. They advocate for conservation and sustainable practices. All 3 perspectives form a holistic approach to tackling environmental issues.

Mod1Asst1_EnvironmentalScience 2 Q1B (8pts) After defining what each is, give an example of 1 specific environmental issue that an environmental scientist, a social scientist, and an environmentalist/environmental activist would all be concerned about and explain their similar yet different viewpoints (or even their opposing viewpoints) on how the issue might be solved. Support your position with specific examples. sample text in blue font Climate change Environmental scientist: would analyze data on rising temperatures, gas emission levels etc. Social scientist: would investigate human impacts on climate change focusing on the aspects of equitable policies to address the issue Environmental activist: Would focus on promoting awareness toward climate change. Environmental scientists provide the data for climate change, social scientists then highlight the importance of societal disparities and may argue for a more equitable approach and activists will advocate for the issue with urgency. Ultimately all viewpoints recognize the urgency of the issue by highlighting different disciplinary points of view. Q2. (16pts) In your own words, define “abiotic” and biotic” and explain the differences between biotic and abiotic environmental changes and provide examples of each type of change. Abiotic factors encompass all nonliving, physical, and chemical compounds of an ecosystem Ex. Increase or decrease in global temperature. Biotic factors refer to all living or once-living components in an ecosystem. Ex. Removing different predators from a food chain Biotic factors investigate predation, competition for resources, and disease while abiotic factors consider natural processes and weather patterns. Q3. (16pts) In your own words, explain what a positive and negative feedback is – specifically in the context of environmental change and provide an example of each type of feedback to demonstrate the differences. Positive feedback refers to change in a system that leads to more change in the same direction. It does not refer to a positive impact but rather an amplification of the initial change. Ex amplify global warming by further heating or vice versa

Mod1Asst1_EnvironmentalScience 3 Negative feedback loop can help control the weight of a positive feedback loop and maintain a steady state. They decrease the direct effects of the original processes. Ex. in the case of global warming a negative feedback loop would create a cooling effect. Q4. (16pts) In your own words, explain the concept of “systems thinking” and specifically describe how systems thinking supports sustainability. Ex. in the case of global warming a negative feedback loop would create a cooling effect. Systems thinking is an approach to understanding and solving complex problems by examining interactions rather than solely focusing on individual components in isolation. When addressing sustainability it allows us to consider actions and decisions while considering the unintended consequences, It also helps us identify feedback loops in a system. Q5. ( 16pts) After watching the “How Science Works” video and thinking about the way environmental scientists may spend their average work day versus how a social scientist, and an environmental activist or environmentalist, would you rather be an “environmentalist/environmental activist”, a “social scientist” studying the societal and cultural role of humans and their treatment of the environment” or an “environmental scientist” studying the physical aspects of the environment and how humans play a role in that – state your preference for one aspect and then explain in detail, and with 2 or 3 examples so we understand why you personally would choose that option. I personally would prefer to be an environmental scientist over an activist or social scientist. As a biology major, I enjoy conducting research and analytical practices. In the video, I enjoyed watching them collect core samples from the ocean and can picture myself involved in similar work. My brain is very wired to understanding equations, algorithms, and numbers rather than being more on the creative and abstract side.

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