Environmental Science

Environmental science is a multidisciplinary academic field that integrates physical, biological and
information sciences (including but not limited
to ecology, physics, chemistry, zoology, mineralogy, oceanology, limnology,soil
science, geology, atmospheric science, geography and geodesy) to the study of the environment,
and the solution of environmental problems. Environmental science provides an integrated,
quantitative, andinterdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental systems.
[1]

Related areas of study include environmental studies and environmental engineering. Environmental
studiesincorporates more of the social sciences for understanding human relationships, perceptions
and policies towards the environment. Environmental engineering focuses on design and technology
for improving environmental quality in every aspect. Environmental scientists work on subjects like
the understanding of earth processes, evaluating alternative energy systems, pollution control and
mitigation, natural resource management, and the effects of global climate change. Environmental
issues almost always include an interaction of physical, chemical, and biological processes.
Environmental scientists bring a systems approach to the analysis of environmental problems. Key
elements of an effective environmental scientist include the ability to relate space, and time
relationships as well as quantitative analysis.
Environmental science came alive as a substantive, active field of scientific investigation in the
1960s and 1970s driven by (a) the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to analyze complex
environmental problems, (b) the arrival of substantive environmental laws requiring specific
environmental protocols of investigation and (c) the growing public awareness of a need for action in
addressing environmental problems. Events that spurred this development included the publication
of Rachael Carson's landmark environmental book Silent Spring
[2]
along with major environmental
issues becoming very public, such as the1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, and the Cuyahoga River of
Cleveland, Ohio, "catching fire" (also in 1969), and helped increase the visibility of environmental
issues and create this new field of study.
Contents
[hide]
 1 Terminology
 2 Components
 3 Regulations driving the studies
 4 Notable environmental scientists
 5 See also
 6 References
 7 External links
Terminology[edit]
In common usage, "environmental science" and "ecology" are often used interchangeably, but
technically, ecology refers only to the study of organisms and their interactions with each other and
their environment. Ecology could be considered a subset of environmental science, which also could
involve purely chemical or public health issues (for example) ecologists would be unlikely to study. In
practice, there is considerable overlap between the work of ecologists and other environmental
scientists.
The National Center for Education Statistics in the United States defines an academic program in
environmental science as follows:
A program that focuses on the application of biological, chemical, and physical principles to the
study of the physical environment and the solution of environmental problems, including subjects
such as abating or controlling environmental pollution and degradation; the interaction between
human society and the natural environment; and natural resources management. Includes
instruction in biology, chemistry, physics, geosciences, climatology, statistics, and mathematical
modeling.
[3]

Components[edit]
Atmospheric sciences focuses on the Earth's atmosphere, with an emphasis upon its interrelation
to other systems. Atmospheric sciences can include studies ofmeteorology, greenhouse
gas phenomena, atmospheric dispersion modeling of airborne contaminants,
[4][5]
sound propagation
phenomena related to noise pollution, and even light pollution.
Taking the example of the global warming phenomena, physicists create computer models of
atmospheric circulation and infra-red radiation transmission, chemists examine the inventory of
atmospheric chemicals and their reactions, biologists analyze the plant and animal contributions
to carbon dioxide fluxes, and specialists such as meteorologists and oceanographers add additional
breadth in understanding the atmospheric dynamics.


Biodiversity of a coral reef. Corals adapt and modify their environment by forming calcium carbonate skeletons. This
provides growing conditions for future generations and forms a habitat for many other species.
Ecology is the study of the interactions between organisms and their environment. Ecologists might
investigate the relationship between a population of organisms and some physical characteristic of
their environment, such as concentration of a chemical; or they might investigate the interaction
between two populations of different organisms through some symbiotic or competitive relationship.
For example, an interdisciplinary analysis of an ecological system which is being impacted by one or
more stressors might include several related environmental science fields. In an estuarine setting
where a proposed industrial development could impact certain species by water and air
pollution, biologists would describe the flora and fauna, chemists would analyze the transport of
water pollutants to the marsh, physicists would calculate air pollution emissions
and geologists would assist in understanding the marsh soils and bay muds.
Environmental chemistry is the study of chemical alterations in the environment. Principal areas of
study include soil contamination and water pollution. The topics of analysis include chemical
degradation in the environment, multi-phase transport of chemicals (for example, evaporation of
a solvent containing lake to yield solvent as an air pollutant), and chemical effects upon biota.
As an example study, consider the case of a leaking solvent tank which has entered the habitat soil
of an endangered species of amphibian. As a method to resolve or understand the extent of soil
contamination and subsurface transport of solvent, a computer model would be implemented.
Chemists would then characterize the molecular bonding of the solvent to the specific soil type, and
biologists would study the impacts upon soil arthropods, plants, and ultimately pond-dwelling
organisms that are the food of the endangered amphibian.
Geosciences include environmental geology, environmental soil science, volcanic phenomena and
evolution of the Earth's crust. In some classification systems this can also include hydrology,
including oceanography.
As an example study of soils erosion, calculations would be made of surface runoff by soil scientists.
Fluvial geomorphologists would assist in examining sediment transport in overland flow. Physicists
would contribute by assessing the changes in light transmission in the receiving waters. Biologists
would analyze subsequent impacts to aquatic flora and fauna from increases in water turbidity.


Open-pit coal mining at Garzweiler, Germany
Regulations driving the studies[edit]


Environmental science examines the effects of humans on nature (Glen Canyon Dam in the U.S.)
In the U.S. the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 set forth requirements for analysis
of major projects in terms of specific environmental criteria. Numerous state laws have echoed these
mandates, applying the principles to local-scale actions. The upshot has been an explosion of
documentation and study of environmental consequences before the fact of development actions.
One can examine the specifics of environmental science by reading examples of Environmental
Impact Statements prepared under NEPA such as: Wastewater treatment expansion options
discharging into the San Diego/Tijuana Estuary, Expansion of the San Francisco International
Airport, Development of the Houston, Metro Transportation system, Expansion of the
metropolitan Boston MBTA transit system, and Construction of Interstate 66 through Arlington,
Virginia.
In England and Wales the Environment Agency (EA),
[6]
formed in 1996, is a public body for
protecting and improving the environment and enforces the regulations listed on the communities
and local government site.
[7]
(formerly the office of the deputy prime minister). The agency was set
up under the Environment Act 1995 as an independent body and works closely with UK Government
to enforce the regulations.
Notable environmental scientists[edit]
 Philip Weller, executive secretary of the International Commission for the Protection of the
Danube River
 John Hartley Lawton, British ecologist
 Aydar Akhatov, Russian ecologist, chairman of the Commission of experts of the Higher
Ecological Council at the State Duma of the Russian Federation


























WHY STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE?
We humans are currently undergoing a non-sustainable population explosion, numbering over 6.5 billion people and
growing. Most scientists are convinced that this is an unsustainable population size and that we must reduce our
growth rate. While many developed countries have reduced their population growth rates, most developing countries
have high birth rates. The United States is the only developed country that is still rapidly increasing in population size,
mostly due to immigration rates.
The prodigious increase in the human population has had and is still having devastating effects on the environment.
This is especially true of non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels, and the output of excessive carbon dioxide
and other greenhouse gases as a consequence. And there is great inequity in the amount of resources used by
developed versus developing countries. In the U.S., for example, the per capita use of energy and other resources is
approximately 15 times that of a developing country such as Mexico, and five times that of most European countries.
Thus, what we humans do, especially those of us in developed countries, will have a big impact on the future of
humanity and the world.
Environmental Science offers the opportunity to study and work with these and other exciting, rewarding, and often
controversial topics. The study of Environmental Science promotes the development of problem-solving skills. Also,
because solving our environmental problems requires a broad knowledge base, teams of specialists also must be
able to work together. Team skills, including leadership abilities, are vital to the environmental scientist and are
developed by participation in the Environmental Science and Policy Program at Hartwick College. Both problem-
solving and team/leadership skills enhance success in all professions.
The study of Environmental Science and Policy prepares students for careers in industry, consulting, research, and
academics, as well as federal, state, and local government and many other areas. The Hartwick College program
prepares you for further graduate study, which often is required for many of these professions. Working in the field of
environmental science provides a wide variety of subjects and problems to challenge and expand your skills, as well
as the satisfaction of knowing you are helping to improve the quality of our lives and of the planet.




Environmental problems
List of environmental problems and related issues as described on our website
We all know the world has its problems, particularly where the environment is concerned. But not too
many of us know the details, and the stories behind those problems. On our website, many
environmental problems, effects and disasters are described. Here, these are summarized. The links
will bring you to related informational pages.
Acid deposition
Air pollution
Air pollution news
Climate change
Development environmental movement
Drinking water pollution
Environmental disasters
Environmental effects and toxicology
Environmental impact of volcanic eruption
Environmental effects of warfare
Eutrophication
Filamentous bacteria
Floods
Global warming and the greenhouse effect
Groundwater pollution
Heavy metals
Irrigation water pollution
Legionella
Matter cycles and pollution
Odour
Ozone toxicology
Particulate matter
Periodic table, including environmental effects
Population growth
Recent environmental disasters
Water pollution
Feeling knowledgeable on environmental problems? Try our environmental quiz!
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List of 30 Top Environmental Concerns

By Sandra Ketcham
The media, public, and scientific communities are focusing more and
more on the top 30 environmental concerns the Earth is currently
facing.
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Top 30 Environmental Concerns
From water pollution to global warming, environmental issues affect
every person, animal, community, and nation on the planet. As
increasing evidence supports the devastating effect humans have on
the environment, more people are taking steps to protect the
environment and educate others about environmental problems by
looking at the top 30 environmental concerns.
Top 5 Public Concerns
According to a series of Gallup polls conducted between 1997 and
2008, Americans are most concerned about the following five
environmental issues:
1. Contamination of Drinking Water: Contamination of fresh water
used for household needs, including pollution of oceans, rivers, lakes,
and reservoirs, ranks top on the list of environmental concerns for
many Americans. More than half of respondents stated they worry
about the safety of their drinking water a great deal.
2. Water Pollution: General worry over water pollution and
associated environmental issues greatly concerns half of all Americans
who participated in the 2008 poll. Related issues include acid rain,
ocean dumping, urban runoff, oil spills, ocean acidification, and
wastewater.
3. Soil Contamination: Soil erosion, soil conservation, soil salination,
and soil contamination by waste, pesticides, and lead worries 50
percent of Americans.
4. Wildlife Conservation: More than 40 percent of Americans
expressed concern about wildlife conservation and associated
environmental issues, such as endangered species, animal and plant
extinction, coral bleaching, introduction of invasive species, poaching,
and loss of natural animal habitats resulting in relocation and a break
in the food chain.
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5. Air pollution: Concerns over air pollution have remained steady
over the last decade, with more than 40 percent of Americans worried
about indoor and outdoor air quality, carbon emissions, tropospheric
ozone, particulate matter, sulfur oxides, volatile organic compounds,
radon, refrigerants, and methane emissions.
Other Top Concerns (in Alphabetical Order)
6. Biological pollutants, including bacteria, viruses, molds, mildew,
dander, dust, mites, pollen, ventilation and infection.
7. Carbon footprint and the responsibility of individuals to reduce
their effect on the environment, including the use of renewable energy
sources (solar power, geothermal heat pumps), recycling, and
sustainable living.
8. Climate change and issues related to global warming, such as the
greenhouse effect, global dimming, and the gradual rise in sea level.
9. Consumerism and over-consumption and their effect on the
planet.
10. Dams and the impact of dams on the environment.
11. Ecosystem destruction and associated environmental concerns,
such as aquaculture, estuaries, shellfish protection, landscaping,
wetlands, and ecological restoration.
12. Energy conservation issues, including renewable energy for
home and business, energy efficiency, and fossil fuel depletion.
13. Fishing and its effect on marine ecosystems, blast fishing,
cyanide fishing, bottom trawling, whaling, and over-fishing.
14. Food safety concerns and the effects of hormones, antibiotics,
preservatives, toxic contamination, and lack of quality control on
health.
15. Genetic engineering, including concerns about genetically
modified foods and genetic pollution.
16. Intensive farming, irrigation, overgrazing, monoculture,
methane emissions, and the damaging environmental effects of
deforestation for farming and cattle.
17. Land degradation and related problems, such as desertification
and soil and land pollution.
18. Land use, urban sprawl, lack of free space, and habitat
destruction and fragmentation.
19. Logging, deforestation, clear-cutting, destruction of wildlife
habitats, and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global
warming.
20. Mining and its role in global warming, acid mine drainage, and
soil and air pollution resulting from toxic emissions and heavy metals.
21. Nanotechnology and the future effects of nanopollution and
nanotoxicology.
22. Natural disasters and their impact on all aspects of the
environment.
23. Nuclear issues, including the effects of nuclear fallout, nuclear
meltdown, radioactive waste, and the population's reliance on nuclear
power.
24. Other pollution issues, such as light pollution and noise pollution,
and their effects on human health and behavior.
25. Overpopulation concerns, such as continued building and burial.
26. Ozone depletion and damage to the Earth's ozone layer caused
by CFC.
27. Resource depletion, the need for newer, cleaner energy sources,
and exploitation of natural resources.
28. Sustainable communities and issues such as reducing reliance
on fossil fuels, supporting local farmers and merchants, encouraging
green practices and building, consideration of native wildlife, and
adoption of mass transportation and cleaner methods of commuting.
29. Toxins, including chlorofluorocarbons, heavy metals, pesticides,
herbicides, toxic waste, PCB, DDT, bioaccumulation, endocrine
disruptors, asbestos, and poorly implemented hazardous waste
management.
30. Waste and associated environmental issues, such as
litter, landfills, recycling, incineration, marine debris, E-waste, and
contamination of water and soil caused by improper disposal and
leaching toxins.
Turning Concern into Action
Environmental protection and preservation of the planet is the
responsibility of every individual and community on Earth. If you share
any of the above top 30 environmental concerns, you must take action
to reduce your personal and household impact on the planet and to
educate other members of your community on environmental issues.
 The United States Environmental Protection Agency offers a
host of valuable information on environmental issues, solutions,
and research.
Related Topics
 Environmental Problems: Landfills
 Seven Biggest Environmental Threats
 Non Renewable Resources
 What are the Main Causes of Global Warming?
 Causes of Environmental Degradation
 Environmental Issues with Fishing
 Effects of Water Pollution
 Effects of Land Pollution
 How Do Humans Affect the Environment?
 Impacts of Environmental Degradation


Pictures of Global Warming's Effects


Pictures of Current Environmental Issues
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