The document discusses various topics related to Earth and the environment, including ecology, biodiversity, climate change, and conservation. It provides background on these topics, threats like habitat destruction and pollution, and potential solutions through renewable energy, education, and international cooperation on issues like the Kyoto Protocol. Specific examples are given ranging from the fragility of Antarctica's ecosystem to challenges facing developing nations.
26. The Whole process can ONLY be replenished by Green Plants ’ exposure to the SUN … Eventually if undisturbed the Ecosystem or Biome goes through a process of Succession ….
30. Ecological Crisis Occurs when there is a loss of the adaptive capacity and resilience of the environment, species or population. They evolve in an unfavourable way OR they can’t cope with a disturbance in the Ecosystem.
33. Endangerment Can cause Extinction but will definitely affect quality of life of remaining individuals (reduction in air quality, living space, famine, disease ) Examples: HABITAT DESTRUCTION INTRO EXOTIC SPECIES OVEREXPLOITATION
49. Pseudo Extinction A daughter species survives but doesn’t carry all the original DNA
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53. 4. Co-Extinction The loss of one species may lead to the inevitable loss of another. Damming a river, the beaver creates a niche for several other animals dependant on the created lake. If the beaver is lost so too are the dependant animals or fish. Parasitic insects losing their host is another example. If Bees become extinct it is widely believed that it would precipitate our co-extinction shortly after
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57. 3 Levels of Biodiversity 1. Genetic DNA are the building blocks and represent the Raw material for evolution. More diverse the DNA the more it evolves and adapts
58. 2. Species Focus because it’s easier to work with (Leopard)
59. 3. Ecosystem Very Complex -deals with species’ distribution, community, associations - examines levels on the Food chain and species on each - difficult to define Transitions Shift gradually not sharp
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61. Island could be a lake or an isolated patch of unique habitat Anton Valley
74. ACID RAIN : an end result From Sulfur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide released into atmosphere by industry 1960 recognized 1980’s acted upon 1990 U.S. Clean Air Act 1995 43% reduction 1980 BUT… acid precipitation will continue to damage sensitive ecosystems even if all targets are met
75. Exotic Species By bringing goats to the Galapagos Islands, man introduced 2+ species that never would have met under natural circumstances
84. CLIMATE CHANGE Climate: long term statistical expression of Short term weather Climate Change Change in a region’s average temperature and weather patterns or basically the expected weather
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91. Glaciers and the Ice Cap reflect light and heat back into space. Without them we can absorb more heat from the sun
92. FACT: Ocean Variability The Ocean and Atmosphere are constantly interacting exchanging energy, Co2 etc. Anomalies such as El Nino can drastically alter weather around the World.
93. FACT: Climate Memory Climate Variance can stem from the history of how it got there . Long Droughts in areas can lead to diminished rainfall for years after the drought is finished. Ethiopia
94. Non Climate Factors Driving Warming 1. Greenhouse Gases Co2 absorbed by Forests & Ocean Radiative Forcing
126. Implementing Kyoto: Developed Country OVERVIEW AUSTRALIA Renewable and non-renewable Export coal =economics Air quality pollution issues Solar, Wind, Biomass Water Crisis compared to American Dustbowl of Thitrties try implement Wave Power
138. Montreal Protocol: ... 1982 signed …1999 success The Antarctic Convergence CFC’s were killing Ozone (filters radiation) effect on microscopic marine life, skin cancer, immunity
151. Continued Research: International Polar Year From March 2007, 10 000 Scientists began conducting 2 year study of the polar regions (most sensitive) co-ordinate research initiative and inspire new scientists. They will reconvene on August 2009 to present their findings
152. Green Energy Initiatives Renewable Energy Sources that do not damage the environment
153. Brazil: Ethanol from Sugar Cane Excellent subsidies for farmers but Low EROI
154. BIOMASS Power Wood & Animal Dung FACT The potential energy wasted every year from wood and paper being thrown away by North Americans could supply 5 million people for 200 years !
155. WIND Power Enough Wind Resources to meet twice the Global Need in 2020 New Windmills Stay aloft in the Jet Stream powerful untapped resource
156. TIDE Power Lumkara in Russia Bay of Fundy in Canada
163. Education: A lesson from Bhutan Their Practical Zen
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165. In a recent study Kyoto and Beyond it has been proven that we can cut Greenhouse Gases in half with existing technology while maintaining our quality of life and economic growth in a business as usual policy. The Key is Motivation and Knowledge. SUSTAINABILITY Planned Cities William Macdonough
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171. It’s All About Cycles Natural Cycles (recycling) Causal Cycles (Feedback Loops) Perpetual Motion and Getting The Ball Rolling
172. We Need To Take Serious Stewardship Of Our Planet. Natural Systems work because there Are No Design Flaws. We are Solely Responsible for introducing those flaws to the Planet. Ergo It is our Duty To Remove Them EQUILIBRIUM