What Is Environmental Science?
What Is Environmental Science?
People in different disciplines of science use the term environmentally friendly differently. Radioactive environment is radio waves, x-rays and other radiation emitted by manmade sources and naturally occurring magnetic fields. The environment of universe refers to large places of empty space and very high gravitational field. The term “green” can apply to any living thing or the atmosphere wherein life forms thrive. The ozone layer acts as a green house for earthworms and other forms of microscopic creatures that needs oxygen.
The global warming alarmist groups raise the concern on human induced changes in the environment. They claim that “human activities are the chief cause of global warming.” And because the causes and effects of global warming are still unclear; the only certainty is that we are presently in the early stages of climate change. If climate change is not taken seriously and actions are not implemented to mitigate its effects, drastic changes may occur. Rapid changes are expected especially in areas with high population density.
The physical environment plays an important role in the stability of ecosystems. It controls the ecosystems development. The food supply depends on the ability of ecosystems to transform food chains among living organisms. This process creates a balance in the ecosystems and the survival of the species can be assured through the balance in the ecosystems.
The natural environment provides a home to all forms of animals and plant species. A well designed ecosystem would provide for the continued existence of many different animal species and plants, as well as many types of birds and insects. However, the natural world is not static. It continually evolves through the interaction of living organisms with their physical surroundings. The composition and structure of the earth’s soil, air, and water, along with the weather, determine the success or failure of an ecosystem.
A non-abiotic environment is a condition where everything that is alive does not have to die or be eaten to survive. Examples of non-abiotic conditions include a condition where all plant life is non-domesticated (plant grown without the help of humans), where most fish are omnivorous (eating both plants and fish), and where all animal life is carnivorous (eating both plants and animals). Abiotic conditions are a condition where everything that is living is able to survive by using other sources such as bacteria or geothermal heat to obtain food.
There are many types of changes that affect the environment. These include climate change, global warming, biodiversity loss, acidification of the earth’s atmosphere, extinctions, and glacier retreat. Changes in the earth’s climate have been instrumental in increasing air temperatures, resulting in drought, snowfall, and wild fire. Global warming has increased carbon dioxide levels, contributing to climate change. Extinction is a natural result of rapid climate change, and rapid climate change is being facilitated by human activities. The remaining ecosystems on earth are being threatened by the effects of these environmental issues.