BIO 112 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Brundtland Commission, Environmental Governance, Ecosystem Approach
Document Summary
An ecosystem approach: ecosystem: region in which organisms and physical environment form an interacting unit with interrelationships, some have recognizable boundaries. Political boundaries (environmental governance: often involve several political jurisdictions. Ex: global climate change, increased intensity & frequency of storms, rising sea levels, colder winters, hotter summers, droughts/ oods, species extinction rates increased, limited safe drinking water. Population growth: most growth in poor countries, pressure on resources/degradation of environment, locks a circle of poverty, poor health, malnutrition, lack of healthcare. Maintaining functional ecosystems: conversion to agriculture/cities/impermeable surfaces, extinction (ripple effect, biodiversity, ecosystem services (provision, regulating, cultural, supporting, world"s poorest affected rst. Currently produce enough food: better farming methods improved seeds more sustainable. Environment and security: security means having stable and reliable access to resources and the ability to be secure from natural and human disasters. Environment and health: the world health organization estimates that 13 million deaths worldwide could be prevented every year by environmental improvement.
