1: Introduction to Environmental Science
- Page ID
- 185080
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)The objective of this unit is to not only get you acquainted with what this book will cover but to also introduce the rigors and structure of science and how mathematics plays a crucial role in helping scientists interpret results in the most unbiased way possible. Science and mathematics are not just for scientists. A basic understanding of these subjects is crucial in our complex modern world. Without a solid understanding of how science and mathematics play a role in our everyday lives, we cannot respond appropriately in everyday situations, know how to vote on scientific laws, or hold public representatives responsible for their decisions on scientific policy.
Figure \(\PageIndex{a}\) People doing science. Image by Yaroslav Shuraev (CC)
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- 1.1: The Process of Science
- This page highlights the importance of observations in the scientific method, leading to testable hypotheses and the design of studies with control groups. It discusses the analysis of results, evidenced by studies on Agent Orange's health effects. Additionally, it covers the transformative impact of groundbreaking scientific theories, such as Darwin's evolution, and emphasizes how advancements build on prior knowledge while introducing new techniques.
- 1.2: What is Science?
- This page discusses the principles and methods of environmental science, emphasizing the use of scientific methods like observation and experimentation to gain knowledge about the natural world. It highlights the importance of objective evidence and quantitative measurements to reduce bias.
- 1.3: Empirical and Applied Science
- This page explores the difference between basic and applied science, highlighting how basic science seeks knowledge for its own sake while applied science focuses on solving real-world problems. It emphasizes that basic science, despite appearing less practical, underpins applied science. Historical examples, like DNA research and the Human Genome Project, demonstrate how foundational discoveries contribute to practical advances in fields like genetics and medicine.
- 1.4: Human Impact on the Planet
- This page examines the significant environmental impact of humans, highlighting that despite their relatively recent appearance, they have caused extinction rates to rise dramatically due to industrialization, population growth, and resource use. Technology has enhanced production and waste, introducing synthetic chemicals that threaten both health and the environment. The content emphasizes the unsustainable consumption practices of today and their future repercussions.
- 1.5: Environmental Science
- This page discusses environmental science as an interdisciplinary field studying interactions between living and non-living components and human impacts. It integrates physical, life, social sciences, and humanities, addressing critical issues like climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
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Attributions
Thumbnail image - "Women doing science". Image by Yaroslav Shuraev (CC)