ENV100H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Systems Theory, Eutrophication, Environmental Science

• School: UTSG
• Department: School of Environment
• Course: ENV100H1
• Professor: Barbara Murck

Document Summary

Conceptual framework for how we approach this course. Central case: the plight of the st. lawrence belugas. Estuary where river meets the sea and freshwater and saltwater mix. Population has decreased dramatically over the past few decades: vulnerable to endangered flux. Pollutants from great lakes: agrochemicals (pollutants and pesticides) hypoxia (low oxygen), eutrophication. Organic matter will decay and use up oxygen. Look at all the connections and influences on the system. A system is a portion of the universe that can be separated from the rest, for the purpose of studying changes that occur within it, under changing conditions. Scientist is who defines the scope and boundaries of a system. Environemtnal entities are complex systems that interact with each other. Lets use look at network of relationships among components that interact with and influence one another. To solve environmental problems, all appropriate systems must be considered. Many other disciplines also use a systems approach and general systems theory.