GEOS 130 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Natural Experiment, Ecological Stability, Garrett Hardin
19 Sep 2017
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Document Summary
Human activities have greatly increased concentrations of carbon dioxide/greenhouse gases over last 200+years. Climate models indicate that by 2100 global mean temperature will probably warm between about 2 and 6 degrees c. Very rapid population growth because we have resources available. Energy resources (natural gas, hydroelectric power, dung piles in africa) Conservation efforts are being taken (bio conserve=yosemite) In 1968, ecologist garrett hardin described the tragedy of commons . Tragedy of commons: the tendency of a shared, unregulated public resource to become depleted by people acting in self interest for short term gain. Something we need, but take advantage of. Ex: photosynthesis, carbon capture/atmospheric regulation, food/fuel, decomposition/nutrient cycling by decomposers, water purification, and temperature regulations by water bodies. Economists are trying to place value on services. Ex: the amount of carbon trees are taking in. Sustainability: a search for long term ecological stability and human progress.
