TheEnvironmentalMovement.ppt

Point-Source Pollution Early problems were obvious point-source pollution ... the “bad guys” were someone “else” ... but the battles were tough ... progress has a price High costs of changing/regulating industry litigation retooling Government Action Early Progress Earth Day 1970 EPA 1970 Clean Air Act 1970 Clean Water Act 1972 Marine Mammals Protection Act 1972 Endangered Species Act 1973 Safe Drinking Water Act 1974 The Scientific Method Voted greatest scientific advancement of the last Millennium Based on observation and fact Subject to verification by other researchers Scientific Method Theories Consistent with all observations Has been supported by repeated testing Junk Science Selective presentation (data omitted) Politically motivated distortion of scientifically sound papers Attribution of false information to a respected researcher or organization Wall street journal reports CDC finds organic foods can kill you Environmental Sciences: Towards a Sustainable Future Chapter 21 The Atmosphere: Climate and Climate Change Other Greenhouse Gases And Sources Water vapor Methane Nitrous oxide CFC’s and other halocarbons Hydrological cycle Animal husbandry Chemical fertilizers Refrigerants Global Surface Temperatures Hurricanes and Climate Change For hurricanes to occur, surface ocean temperatures must exceed 80 F. The warmer the ocean, the greater the potential for stronger storms. Rising sea levels, also caused in part by rising global temperatures, intensify storm damage along coasts. red indicates area of temp 84F Water Supply and Pollution ? Lake levels expected to decline, more evaporation ? Reduced summer water levels; small streams wetlands may dry up ? Pressure to increase water extraction from the Great Lakes ? Development and climate change will degrade the flood-absorbing capacities of wetlands and floodplains, resulting in increased erosion, flooding, and runoff polluted with nutrients, pesticides, and other toxins. Predictions for Ohio Agr