Concepts of Environmental Science
Introduction to Environmental Science
Environmental Science is the systematic study of our environment and our place in it.
- Interdisciplinary: draws on science and technology, social sciences, business, politics
and governance, education, etc.
- Mission-oriented: understand the different environmental problems so we can find
effective solutions
Environment is composed of the natural world and the “built” world. The natural world refers to
the living and non-living aspects of the biosphere. The “built” world refers to the man-made
structures and socio-cultural environment that man built over time. Humans are part of the
environment and must realize their role in the environment.
Persistent Environmental Challenges
1. Climate change – increase in global average temperatures due to natural and
anthropological activities; results to severe droughts and heat waves, population decline
in species, and rising sea levels
2. Hunger – uneven distribution of food resources; degrading agricultural lands; expensive
technology for poor farmers
3. Lack of clean water – depleting groundwater resource; diminishing watersheds; water
pollution
4. Lack of energy resources – increasing demand for energy; continuous use of non-
renewable energy resources; emissions from coal-fired power plants
5. Decreasing air quality – polluted air from industrial emissions and cars; toxic haze
6. Biodiversity loss – destruction of natural habitats; overexploitation of natural resources;
deforestation; introduction of foreign species
Though there are several environmental challenges, actions are being done to provide solutions
such as controlling population growth, improving healthcare by developing medicines and
vaccines, increasing awareness of environmental responsibility through information and
education, establishing forest and natural reserves, and protecting marine resources. These
movements bring hope for the protection of Earth.
Humans have contributed to the degradation of Earth. The affluence and continuous
consumption of humans deplete the Earth’s resources. Furthermore, the build-up and
inappropriate disposal of waste harm the environment. Humans caused problems but they too,
can provide solutions. Thus, humans are called to participate in saving the Earth.
The Role of Science for the Environment
Understanding the environment needs a systematic analysis of the different environmental
challenges. Thus, a scientific approach is necessary.
Science is a process for producing empirical knowledge by observing natural phenomena. It
also refers to the cumulative body of knowledge produced by many scientists. Science should
be methodical and unbiased. It also employs a peer-review process.
The scientific method is an orderly way to examine problems. The process involves critical
thinking, collection and analysis of data, and evaluation of a particular problem or phenomenon.
Examples of the scientific method being applied to environmental problems include finding out
the causes of water pollution in a river through mapping and chemical analyses, assessment of
damage in a natural habitat through field analyses and ecological surveys, and performing a
comprehensive environmental impact assessment before putting up a dam in a forest area.
Introduction to Environmental Science
Environmental Science is the systematic study of our environment and our place in it.
- Interdisciplinary: draws on science and technology, social sciences, business, politics
and governance, education, etc.
- Mission-oriented: understand the different environmental problems so we can find
effective solutions
Environment is composed of the natural world and the “built” world. The natural world refers to
the living and non-living aspects of the biosphere. The “built” world refers to the man-made
structures and socio-cultural environment that man built over time. Humans are part of the
environment and must realize their role in the environment.
Persistent Environmental Challenges
1. Climate change – increase in global average temperatures due to natural and
anthropological activities; results to severe droughts and heat waves, population decline
in species, and rising sea levels
2. Hunger – uneven distribution of food resources; degrading agricultural lands; expensive
technology for poor farmers
3. Lack of clean water – depleting groundwater resource; diminishing watersheds; water
pollution
4. Lack of energy resources – increasing demand for energy; continuous use of non-
renewable energy resources; emissions from coal-fired power plants
5. Decreasing air quality – polluted air from industrial emissions and cars; toxic haze
6. Biodiversity loss – destruction of natural habitats; overexploitation of natural resources;
deforestation; introduction of foreign species
Though there are several environmental challenges, actions are being done to provide solutions
such as controlling population growth, improving healthcare by developing medicines and
vaccines, increasing awareness of environmental responsibility through information and
education, establishing forest and natural reserves, and protecting marine resources. These
movements bring hope for the protection of Earth.
Humans have contributed to the degradation of Earth. The affluence and continuous
consumption of humans deplete the Earth’s resources. Furthermore, the build-up and
inappropriate disposal of waste harm the environment. Humans caused problems but they too,
can provide solutions. Thus, humans are called to participate in saving the Earth.
The Role of Science for the Environment
Understanding the environment needs a systematic analysis of the different environmental
challenges. Thus, a scientific approach is necessary.
Science is a process for producing empirical knowledge by observing natural phenomena. It
also refers to the cumulative body of knowledge produced by many scientists. Science should
be methodical and unbiased. It also employs a peer-review process.
The scientific method is an orderly way to examine problems. The process involves critical
thinking, collection and analysis of data, and evaluation of a particular problem or phenomenon.
Examples of the scientific method being applied to environmental problems include finding out
the causes of water pollution in a river through mapping and chemical analyses, assessment of
damage in a natural habitat through field analyses and ecological surveys, and performing a
comprehensive environmental impact assessment before putting up a dam in a forest area.
