CLIMATOLOGY, ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, and LANDSCAPE

OBJECTIVES
To understand the issues of built environment related to environmental sustainability. To understand the systematic relationships between buildings and settlements with natural ecosystems and natural resources. To understand Climatology in the context of climate and weather as determinants of design. To understand form of habitat and landscape through the ages at macro and micro levels.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION
Environmental degradation is deterioration of environment through depletion of resources such as air, water and soil; the destruction of ecosystems and the extinction of wildlife.
It is defined as any change or disturbance to the environment perceived to be deleterious or undesirable. Environmental degradation is one of the Ten Threats officially cautioned by the High Level Threat Panel of the United Nations. The World Resources Institute (WRI), UNEP (the United Nations Environment Programme), UNDP (the United Nations Development Programme) and the World Bank have made public an important report on health and the environment worldwide on May 1, 1998. The United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction defines environmental degradation as The reduction of the capacity of the environment to meet social and ecological objectives, and needs.

Eighty-plus years after the abandonment of Wallaroo Mines (Kadina, South Australia), mosses remain the only vegetation at some spots of the site's grounds

TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

When the environment becomes less valuable or damaged, environmental degradation is said to occur; naturally or through human processes. Environmental degradation is of many types:
When natural habitats are destroyed, When biodiversity is lost or When natural resources are depleted. The largest areas of concern at present are: The loss of rain forests Air pollution and smog Ozone depletion, CFC being the main reason Destruction of marine environment Exposure of natural environment to hazardous waste.

Disasters such as oil spills.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

Environmentalists are working hard to combat environmental degradation. There are countless organizations located all over the world that are dedicated to preventing the global destruction of the environment.

CFCs, or CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS
The primary cause of ozone depletion. When industrial processes release these chemicals, they rise into the stratosphere and degrade the ozone.

AIRPOLLUTION
Acid rain, smog and poor air quality have been the result of air pollution. Both industrial operations and automobiles have released gigantic amounts of emissions that have intensified these problems.

DEFORESTATION
Deforestation and the logging industry have destroyed many tropical rain forests around the world. This has destroyed many natural habitats, and the plants and animals native to the areas.

GREENHOUSE EFFECT
Greenhouse gases, such as carbon, are emitted into the atmosphere and are destroying the ozone layer, causing the earth to reach higher temperatures. However, some unique and endangered species of plants and animals are also destroyed in the process