What is environment studies?

Finding solutions to problems is a key part of environment studies.

Definition of environment

The environment is a place or area where a person, plant or animal live. 

It can refer to the natural world in general and often refers to the natural world as it is affected by human activity.

Definition of environment studies

Environmental studies is a close look at the links between people and the natural world and the social world. It involves many different disciplines, for example, science, geography and social studies. It focuses on the complex interactions that lead from one action and its consequences for other parts of the same environment. It concentrates on the impact people have on the world and how the impact can be reduced.

The top 10 issues affecting our environment today.

1   Climate change

2   Sea level rise

3   Loss of biodiversity

4   Greenhouse gases

5   Deforestation

6   Desertification

7   Water depletion

8   Radioactive waste management

9   Disappearance of bees

10   Sea pollution

The Sahara desert is growing at an alarming rate. How will this be stopped and can it be reversed?

What is climate change?

Climate change is caused by the greenhouse effect. Some chemicals in the air help to trap the sun's energy down on Earth. These chemicals are increasing and so the Earth is getting hotter. 

What are the main greenhouse gases?

In order of size:

Water vapour   H2O

carbon dioxide    CO2

methane   CH4

Nitrous Oxide N2O

Ozone   O3

CFCs   

The greenhouse effect is a naturally occuring phenomenon that helps life to exist on Earth. The problem is that recently it has been strengthening and increasing rapidly in recent years. It shows no sign of slowing down or reversing back to previous norms.

Climate change pictures

A cause: burning fossil fuels

A consequence: melting ice

A solution: electric cars

Here we can see one of the causes and consequences of climate change. What other causes and consequences can you think of?