EVST 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1-2: Garrett Hardin, Endangerment, Physical Law
Document Summary
C h a p t e r 1. Environmental activists argue that we"re one step away from the apocalypse, while politicians and businessmen hem and haw about the true impact of theses kinds of events and who bears responsibility. Ozone- a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms; considered a pollutant in the lower atmosphere, but in the upper atmosphere it shields against potentially harmful rays from the sun. Ultraviolet (uv) light- shorter-wavelength, higher-frequency rays from the sun that can damage living tissue. An ozone hole would lead to problems in human health (skin cancer and cataracts), agricultural problems (damage to crops), and ecological problems (harm to marine life around the antarctic) Environment- the physical, chemical, and biological factors that affect an organism. Abiotic- physical and chemical components of the environment. Physical abiotic- temperature, humidity, and cloud cover, seasonal changes in temperature or daylight, and noise. Chemical abiotic- composition of air, water, and soil; pollutants; odor; gases.
