Ecocentric
Life centered. Integrates:
-social, spiritual, & environmental decisions
- ecology and nature are center to life
- prioritizes: biorights, importance of education, self restraint in human behavior
Anthropocentric
(Human centered)
- argues that humans must sustainably manage the global system
- done thru taxes, regulation, & legislation
- encourages that we reach a consensual, pragmatic approach to environmental problems
- believes that humans are not dependent on nature, but nature is there to benefit mankind
Technocentric
(Planetary management)
- argues that we can solve the world’s problems with technological developments
- optimistic view on the role of humans improving humanity
- scientific research is encouraged to form policies and understand how system function and how they then can be manipulated
Open system
Exchanges matter and energy w the environment
Closed system
Exchanges energy but not matter w the environment
Isolated
Exchanges neither matter nor energy w the environment
Ecological footprints
Takes into account the area needed to provide ALL resources and the area to get rid of waste
First law of thermodynamics
Energy is neither created nor destroyed.
- energy in an isolated system is constant
- energy can only change form thru transfers and transformations
Second law of thermodynamics
The entropy (chaos) in an isolated system, not in equilibrium, will tend to increase over time
More entropy=less order
Steady-state system
Open systems:
Continuous inputs and outputs
Static state system
No change over time, when equilibrium is distributed, the system adapts a new equilibrium
Stable state system
The ecosystem returns to the same equilibrium after disturbances
Unstable state system
System returns to a new equilibrium after disturbances
Primary pollutant
Active emissions
EX: carbon monoxide from fossil fuels
Secondary pollutant
Formed by primary pollutants undergoing physical or chemical change
EX: acid rain forms nitrous oxide when reacted w water
Persistent Organic pollutants (POP)
Previously manufactured as pesticides
Takes long time to break down
EX: DDT
Pollution mitigation
Changing the way human activity produces it (campaigns, education, legislation)
Regulating or preventing the release of the pollutant (legislation/regulating emissions, developing technology for extracting pollutant from emissions)
Cleaning up or restoring the damaged ecosystem (removing pollutant from ecosystem, replanting)
DDT
Insecticide, used to combat malaria, starting causes health issues.
Pro: non toxic, safe if used properly, alternatives not as effective
Con: lead to premature birth, affects wildlife, loss and degradation of soil
