INTRODUCTION OF

ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENCE
 WHAT IS
ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENCE?
 Nature of
Environmental Science
 Environment (from the French environner: to encircle or
surround) can be defined as the circumstances or conditions
that surround an organism or group of organisms, or the
complex of social or cultural conditions that affect an individual
or community. Since humans inhabit the natural world as well as
the “built” or technological, social, and cultural world, all
constitute important parts of our environment
Environmental science, is the systematic study of
our environment and our proper place in it. A
relatively new field, it is highly interdisciplinary,
integrating natural sciences, social sciences, and
humanities in a broad, holistic study of the world
around us.
Interdisciplinary Approach- Environmental science combines insights
from biology, chemistry, geology, physics, ecology, sociology, economics,
and political science to understand how natural and human systems
interact. This helps address issues like pollution, climate change, resource
depletion, and biodiversity loss.
Focus on Sustainability: The field emphasizes sustainability by seeking
solutions that allow for the responsible use of natural resources while
preserving ecosystems for future generations. Environmental science
aims to balance human needs with environmental protection to ensure
long-term ecological health.
Major Fields of Study Related to Environmental
Science
Major Fields Subfields

Ecology: study of how organisms

interact with one another and with
Biology: study of living
their nonliving environment
things (organisms) Botany: study of plants
Zoology: study of animals

Chemistry: study of
Biochemistry: study of
chemicals and their
chemistry of living things
interactions
Major Fields of Study Related to Environmental
Science
Major Fields Subfields

Climatology: study of the earth’s atmosphere

and climate
Earth science: study of the Geology: study of the earth’s origin, history,
planet as a whole and its surface, and interior processes
Hydrology: study of the earth’s water
nonliving systems
resources
Paleontology: study of fossils and ancient life
Major Fields of Study Related to Environmental
Science
Major Fields Subfields
Anthropology: study of human cultures
Demography: study of the characteristics of
human populations
Geography: study of the relationships
between human populations
Social sciences: studies of
Economics: study of the production,
human society distribution, and consumption of goods and
services
Political Science: study of the principles,
processes, and structure of government and
political institutions
Major Fields of Study Related to Environmental
Science
Major Fields Subfields

History: study of information and ideas about

humanity’s past
Ethics: study of moral values and concepts
Humanities: study of the concerning right and wrong human behavior
aspects of the human and responsibilities
Philosophy: study of knowledge and wisdom
about the nature of reality, values, and human
conduct.
Major Fields of Study Related to Environmental
Science
Major Fields Subfields

History: study of information and ideas about

humanity’s past
Ethics: study of moral values and concepts
Humanities: study of the concerning right and wrong human behavior
aspects of the human and responsibilities
Philosophy: study of knowledge and wisdom
about the nature of reality, values, and human
conduct.
Barbara Ward emphasizes that while the remedies for many
environmental issues are well-understood, the challenge is
making them socially, economically, and politically feasible.
Effective solutions often require integrating natural science
with human social systems to address practical
implementation and equity issues.
 As you study environmental science, you should learn the
following:
 awareness and appreciation of the natural and built
environment;
 knowledge of natural systems and ecological concepts;
 understanding of current environmental issues; and
 the ability to use critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
on environmental issues.
Ecology, a key subfield of environmental science, focuses on how organisms
interact with each other and their environment, including the study of
ecosystems where living and non-living components interact. Organisms are
classified into species based on shared traits and reproductive capabilities,
such as humans being classified as Homo sapiens. Unlike environmental
science and ecology, environmentalism is a social movement aimed at
protecting Earth’s life-support systems and is more concerned with political
and ethical issues than scientific inquiry.
Natural resources and their
Importance
 CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Global Environmental Issues and Concerns
1. Population growth
2. Global climate change
3. Depletion of ozone layer
4. Habitat destruction and species extinction
5. Air pollution
6. Water pollution
7. Groundwater contamination and depletion
8. Chemical risk
9. Environmental racism
10.Energy production
 Philippine Major Environmental Issues and Concerns
A. Natural Disasters

1. Typhoons
2. Floods
3. Landslides
4. Volcanic eruptions
5. Earthquakes
6. Tsunamis
 Human-caused Environmental Degradation
1. High annual population growth rate
2. Loss of agricultural lands
3. Deforestation
4. Soil erosion
5. Air and water pollution
6. Improper disposal of solid and toxic wastes
7. Loss of coral reefs
8. Mismanagement and abuse of coastal resources
9. Overfishing
 Human-caused Environmental Degradation
1. High annual population growth rate
2. Loss of agricultural lands
3. Deforestation
4. Soil erosion
5. Air and water pollution
6. Improper disposal of solid and toxic wastes
7. Loss of coral reefs
8. Mismanagement and abuse of coastal resources
9. Overfishing
 Types of Natural Resources
Renewable Resources:
Solar Energy: Powers solar panels and can be used for electricity, reducing
dependence on fossil fuels.
Wind Energy: Harnessed to generate electricity with wind turbines.
Water: Crucial for agriculture, human consumption, and industrial use, as well as
hydropower.
Forests: Provide timber, food, and medicinal resources, while also maintaining
biodiversity and carbon storage.
Biodiversity: Key for ecosystem health, pollination, and genetic diversity in crops.
 Types of Natural Resources

Non-Renewable Resources:
Fossil Fuels: Coal, oil, and natural gas are critical for
energy production, transportation, and industrial
processes, though their use contributes to
environmental issues like climate change.
Minerals and Metals: Vital for the production of
machinery, electronics, construction, and various
consumer goods.
 Importance of Natural Resources:
Economic Development: Natural resources are foundational to global economies. Energy resources
(e.g., oil, coal) drive industrialization, transportation, and technological advancements. Countries rich in
resources can generate significant revenue through extraction and trade (World Bank, 2020).
Human Survival: Resources like clean water, fertile soil, and air are essential for sustaining life.
Agriculture relies on water, soil nutrients, and sunlight, while clean air and water are necessary for public
health (FAO, 2019).
Environmental Services: Natural ecosystems provide essential services like carbon sequestration,
water purification, and erosion control. Forests, wetlands, and oceans act as carbon sinks, mitigating the
impacts of climate change (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005).
Energy Production: Fossil fuels and renewable resources are crucial for powering industries, homes,
and transportation systems. The shift toward renewable resources (solar, wind) is critical for sustainable
energy and combating global warming (IEA, 2021).
Cultural and Social Value: Many natural resources have cultural, spiritual, and recreational significance.
Indigenous communities often rely on natural resources not only for survival but for maintaining their
cultural heritage and practices (UNESCO, 2017).
Cultural and Worldviews
 Cultural Values and Environmental Ethics
Different cultures interact with nature in their own unique ways. For example, many
Indigenous communities see themselves as caretakers of the land, while industrialized
societies often view nature primarily as a resource for development. Environmental
ethics can vary too: some perspectives focus on how nature benefits humans
(anthropocentric), while others value nature simply for its own sake (ecocentric).
Worldviews and Nature:

In Western cultures, influenced by industrialization, there's often a focus on controlling

nature and using its resources for growth, which can lead to exploitation. In contrast,
many Eastern and Indigenous perspectives emphasize living in harmony with nature,
supporting sustainability and a balanced approach to how we interact with the
environment.
 Environmental Justice:
Environmental justice focuses on the unfair way environmental harm is often
distributed, hitting marginalized communities the hardest. Some worldviews see the
environment as a shared responsibility and advocate for fair and sustainable practices,
while others might prefer solutions based on market principles.

Sustainability Perspectives:

Different cultures have their own takes on sustainability. Some focus on boosting
economic growth, while others emphasize protecting the environment and preserving
cultural traditions. Indigenous communities bring valuable insights through their
Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), which helps guide sustainable living in
harmony with nature.
 Global Environmental Governance:
How countries engage in global environmental governance often reflects their
perspectives. Wealthier nations tend to back market-based solutions, like carbon
trading, while developing countries push for protections that incorporate traditional
knowledge. Climate talks frequently highlight the tension between pursuing economic
growth and taking responsibility for environmental protection.
Religious and Spiritual Worldviews:
Religious beliefs have a big impact on how people view the environment. Some
traditions focus on human control over nature, while others see nature as sacred and
deserving of respect. Eco-theology is a growing trend that combines spirituality with
environmental activism, shaping how people connect with and act on environmental
issues.
 Impact on Environmental Policy and Action:

Cultural attitudes and worldviews play a big role in shaping

environmental policies. Some countries focus on extracting
resources for economic gain, while others push for sustainable
practices. How people see issues like climate change is
influenced by cultural stories, media, and education.
 Environmental Ethics
Environmental ethics is a branch of philosophy that examines the moral relationship
between humans and the environment, emphasizing the ethical responsibility to protect
and preserve ecosystems. It challenges anthropocentric views, advocating for the
intrinsic value of all living and non-living entities, and promotes sustainability,
conservation, and intergenerational justice. Environmental ethics is central to shaping
policies and practices that aim to reduce environmental degradation and ensure the
well-being of both nature and future human generations (Callicott, 1999; Leopold,
1949).
 Sustainable Development
Sustainable development is all about finding a balance between growing the
economy, protecting the environment, and ensuring people's well-being today, without
taking away from future generations. It focuses on creating long-term solutions that
keep ecosystems healthy, give everyone fair access to resources, and create
opportunities while reducing harm to the planet. A big part of this is the United Nations’
17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which tackle issues like poverty,
inequality, climate change, and preserving the environment for the future.
Economic sustainability is about growing the economy in a way that’s efficient with
resources and reduces harm to the environment. Social sustainability ensures that
everyone has access to essential services like healthcare and education, while also
working to reduce inequalities within and between communities. Environmental
sustainability focuses on protecting ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources to
keep them healthy for future generations.
THANK YOU!
 REFERENCES:
World Bank. (2020). The Role of Natural Resources in Economic Development. Retrieved from Cultural attitudes and worldviews influence
environmental policies, with some nations prioritizing resource extraction and others advocating for sustainability. Public perceptions of
environmental issues like climate change are shaped by cultural narratives, media, and education.
FAO. (2019). Water Use in Agriculture. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Retrieved from Cultural attitudes and
worldviews influence environmental policies, with some nations prioritizing resource extraction and others advocating for sustainability.
Public perceptions of environmental issues like climate change are shaped by cultural narratives, media, and education.
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. (2005). Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Synthesis. Retrieved from Cultural attitudes and
worldviews influence environmental policies, with some nations prioritizing resource extraction and others advocating for sustainability.
Public perceptions of environmental issues like climate change are shaped by cultural narratives, media, and education.
International Energy Agency (IEA). (2021). World Energy Outlook 2021. Retrieved from Cultural attitudes and worldviews influence
environmental policies, with some nations prioritizing resource extraction and others advocating for sustainability. Public perceptions of
environmental issues like climate change are shaped by cultural narratives, media, and education.
UNESCO. (2017). Cultural and Natural Heritage of Indigenous Peoples. Retrieved from Cultural attitudes and worldviews influence
environmental policies, with some nations prioritizing resource extraction and others advocating for sustainability. Public perceptions of
environmental issues like climate change are shaped by cultural narratives, media, and education.
Callicott, J. B. (1999). Beyond the Land Ethic: More Essays in Environmental Philosophy. State University of New York Press.
Leopold, A. (1949). A Sand County Almanac. Oxford University Press.
United Nations. (2015). Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org.