The Environment and Us

Topic  The
Environment
10 and Us
Dr Thirumeni T Subramaniam
thirumeni@oum.edu.my
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
1. State reasons for conserving the environment;
2. Describe major global environmental issues;
3. Explain the concept of green technology and its importance;
4. Discuss the concept of sustainability; and
5. Demonstrate ways to improve your ecological footprint.
 INTRODUCTION
This topic „The Environment and Us‰, aims to introduce key concepts and prompt
discussions which allow us to re-evaluate our position in the environment. We
begin by discovering the environment, its benefits and the importance of
conserving it. We need to appreciate the intricate inter-relations among various
components within the environment. We need to expand our view from an
individual perspective that is confined to us and our home to a collective
perspective that concerns the global world as our surroundings. We have to
expand our responsibilities to play a part in conserving the environment. We must
identify the factors that affect the environment. What are the major environmental
issues that we are facing today? Immediate collective actions are needed to address
them.
Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)

TOPIC 10 THE ENVIRONMENT AND US  207
Can we turn to technology for solution? What is green technology? You will learn
about the concepts of „green‰ and „green technology‰ in order to make informed
decisions. We shall also explore the concept of sustainability and the 17 sustainable
development goals (SDGs). You may recall a few SDGs from Topic 9. What do we
hope to achieve by 2030? What can be done from an individual perspective to
protect and conserve our environment? Do you know your own ecological
footprint? Let us explore these questions and do our part in creating a better
environment.
10.1 WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT THE

ENVIRONMENT?
The term „environment‰ refers to the surroundings or conditions in which a
particular activity is carried in. Our natural environment refers to the condition in
which human beings along with other living things live in a surrounding of crucial
aggregates of air, water, minerals and other non-living elements.
The environment which living and non-living things occupy is known as

biosphere. The only biosphere that exists in the universe is found on Earth. It is a
thin layer around the Earth that consists of lithosphere, hydrosphere and
atmosphere. Lithosphere is the solid part of the Earth which is made of soil and
rocks, while hydrosphere and atmosphere refer to the water and air that surrounds
the Earth, respectively. You may read more about biosphere by referring to
encyclopaedias such as the Britannica Encyclopaedia (the online version can be
found at: https://www.britannica.com/science/biosphere).
Ecology is the branch of science which studies how living things interact with one
another and with the surrounding physical environment. For convenience, a
segment of the biosphere is often identified as an ecosystem and is studied by
observing and analysing various interactions that exist within the system. An
ecosystem is a defined area where a community of living things (micro organisms,
plants and animals known as biotic components) interact with one another and
with non-living components (sunlight, temperature, water and others that are
referred to as abiotic components). An ecosystem:
(a) Has a community that lives and interacts with one another in a locale. The
term community in biology refers to an interacting group of various
organisms within a common location. A community can be broken down to
smaller groups by referring to populations which are characterised by the
number of organisms of a particular species.

208  TOPIC 10 THE ENVIRONMENT AND US
(b) Has an arbitrary boundary that is defined according to the nature of the
study being conducted. A well-defined or sharp boundary is not possible in
reality. Nevertheless, there is a classification of major communities called
biome.
(c) Is referred to by its type of biomes. There are various biome classifications.
View attractive visuals of biomes at:
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/biome/
(d) Are analysed by tracing the movement of energy and matter. The rules of
nature where matter and energy are conserved are:
(i) Matter is Recycled

Matter may move from one ecosystem to another but is never
destroyed. It is recycled from one form to another.
(ii) Flow of Energy

The incoming energy is absorbed by the ecosystem never diminishes.
The form of energy changes and eventually dissipates as heat and
radiation.
The cycle of matter and energy is best understood by analysing how the solar
energy that is absorbed by producers (plants including trees) is taken up by
primary consumers (herbivores and omnivores) and secondary and tertiary
consumers (carnivores). Dead and decaying materials are recycled by
decomposers. Energy in the form of heat is produced during the cycles and
conserved in the Food Web depicted in Figure 10.1.
Figure 10.1: Flow of energy among producer, consumer and decomposer (detritivores)
Source: https://ubisafe.org/explore/discomposition-clipart-food-
web/#gal_post_2175_discomposition-clipart-food-web-4.jpg

How about us, the human population? Where do we belong in the food web?
Within an ecosystem, we can identify several separate systems. A system

has a defined boundary and a surrounding environment. It can have various
components within the defined boundary. It can be classified as a closed system
with a closed boundary with no input and output. Or it can be classified as an open
system with open boundaries that allow exchanges of material and energy.
A tree is an example of an open system. It has a defined boundary and various

components (roots, trunk, branches, twigs, leaves). A tree absorbs sunlight, carbon
dioxide, water and other elements (input) to keep the tree healthy and strong. In
return, the tree produces oxygen and other matters (output).
ACTIVITY 10.1
A tree interacts with other biotic components and abiotic components.
Suppose your neighbour sprays insecticide in his garden, will it affect the
tree in your garden? Discuss this problem with your peers in the online
forum. Extend your discussion to consider the pollution caused by the
use of chemical pesticides at a farm in your neighbourhood. Discuss
whether you should be concerned about activities and development
projects in your city, municipality or district.
Ecological services include provision of necessary resources such as the air that
we breathe, drinking water, and food. A large number of herbs and plants are
also useful as medicinal resources. Another important provision from our natural
ecosystem is raw materials such as timber. In addition to these Provisioning
Services, there are other services. The list by The Economics of Ecosystems and
Biodiversity (TEEB) („Ecosystem Services‰, n.d.) includes: Regulating, Supporting
and Cultural Services. TEEB is hosted by the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP).
(a) Regulating Services include air quality control, pollination, biological

control, soil fertility, carbon sequestration and storage, soil erosion control,
wastewater treatment, climate control and extreme event buffer;
(b) Supporting Services include habitats and genetic diversity; and
(c) Cultural Services cover benefits for recreation, tourism, aesthetic and
spiritual purposes.

Your ability to describe the natural environment, the interactions among various
components/elements within our ecosystem and the factors/conditions that can
affect the ecosystem is important. We need to understand how the human
population have been interacting with the environment and how we have
contributed to the environmental issues we are facing today. In using the
ecosystem services afforded by our natural environment, we have failed to realise
that there are others in our ecosystem, and we have failed to behave in a
responsible manner.
SELF-CHECK 10.1
Answer the following questions.
(a) What is a biosphere?
(b) What are the features of an ecosystem and the services it offers?
(c) Choose an open system to illustrate the vulnerability of our current

environment.
(d) Why should we be concerned about the environment?
10.2 GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

As you become more aware of the close interactions between various biotic and
abiotic components in our environment, you realise that some environmental
issues have global significance. What are the measures that have been taken in
the past to resolve such issues? Have they been effective? Can we improve the
situation by making more accurate conclusions about the environmental issues?
In using our ecosystem services we have made tremendous changes to the

environment. We have cleared much of the forest, used raw materials extensively,
industrialised food production, built dams, and carried activities that resulted in
changes to the land cover and water surfaces. Can you illustrate the impact of our
societyÊs actions on nature?

10.2.1 Changing Land Cover and Water Surfaces

Land cover refers to our earthÊs surface covering, from bare to mosses, lichens,
grasses, scrublands and evergreen forests. The land cover classification is different
but connected to the land use classification which refers to the activities being
carried out in the area. Land cover changes are classified as either:
(a) Land conversion involving complete alteration such as deforestation to

facilitate agriculture expansion; or
(b) Land modification whereby changes occur but do not alter the type of land
cover due to activities such as logging.
Much of the worldÊs natural and semi-natural vegetated land cover (81%) was
turned into cropland between 1992 and 2015 (OECD, 2018). Deforestation is the
term used to describe the clearing of forest cover for other uses. Visit the Global
Forest Watch website to discover the current state of deforestation. You will learn
that Malaysia for example, has lost 25% of its tree cover (equivalent to 7.29 Mha)
since 2000.
Urbanisation (see sub-section 10.2.6) and Water Surface Changes are two other
drivers that cause land cover changes. We have lost our natural land and water
surfaces; and gained artificial land and water surfaces. Apart from the changes to
water surface caused by development of water dam (artificial water surfaces) and
land reclamation, the change in sea-level is also an alarming environmental issue.
What causes the sea-level to rise?
10.2.2 Climate Change

Climate change is the greatest environmental threat to the Earth today. Rise in the
global average temperature is shown at the NASA (National Aeronautical and
Space Administration) site:
https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/WorldOfChange/DecadalTemp

The world has warmed since 1860 from the period of the Industrial Revolution
(Harris, 2004). It is unlikely that the unusual rise in global average temperature is
due to natural forces alone. The global average temperature is expected to increase
at a much higher rate over the following decades along with other climatic
variables. Global warming is a symptom of climate change. Other signs of climate
change include droughts, storms and flash floods, snow melts and rising sea levels.
The sign of climate change are different from region to region. Climate change and
accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere bring about direct and
indirect impacts which include:
(a) Heat waves, cold waves and other extreme weather events such as flash
floods, droughts, landslides and wildfires;
(b) Increased morbidity and mortality rates;
(c) Water contamination and other natural biophysical disruptions;
(d) Disruption and contamination of food; and
(e) Disruption of energy and other human socio-economic systems.
An important development in managing climate change is the adoption of the

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992,
adoption of Kyoto Protocol in 1997, and the establishment of the International
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988. The IPCC was formed by the World
Meteorological Organisation and the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP). It is an international collaboration of scientists which conducts regular
assessments of the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts and future risks,
and options for adaptation and mitigation. You may read IPCCÊs annual
assessment reports online at www.ipcc.ch. What is the trend depicted in the latest
report? How well have we been mitigating this issue?
10.2.3 Loss of Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variability that exists among all living things including
genetic variability within a species. It is of great biological, societal, ethical to
economic values to us. You should be able to list the specific values that
biodiversity offers us (see Table 5.1 on page 96, Harris, 2004). Global distribution
of the biodiversity on earth is uneven. Malaysia is one of the few countries with a
rich biodiversity. Other countries in the region include Indonesia, Thailand, India,
China, and Australia. Madagascar is another biodiversity hotspot with 90% of
plants and animals endemic to the country alone. Other hotspots are located in
South America (Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru). The uneven
distribution is one of the many complications in managing the loss of biodiversity.

Why are we losing our biodiversity? Land cover and water surface changes,
climate change, tourism, and pollution are some of the threats to the environment.
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) developed at the 1992 Earth
Summit in Rio de Janeiro is one of earliest and most important global initiatives to
conserve our biodiversity. What are other efforts? How can we mitigate the loss of
biodiversity effectively?
10.2.4 Population and Development

The world human population exceeded 7.7 billion people in 2019. Our socio-
economic development is steep and unbalanced, with wide disparity. Our demand
for water, food, energy and space has increased and largely exceeded supply.
Problems such as water scarcity, unsustainable food production (and the land
cover change), consumption and wastage, aggravated by inequity, and unequal
global energy consumption must be addressed. The call from the Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for a collective action on water,
food and energy nexus is timely. Development of the human society has led to the
change in land cover and land use, especially from natural forest to cropland, in
particular to support our food demand. Buildings and artificial surfaces have
grown vertically and horizontally (see the next sub-section on Urbanisation).
Artificial water zones such as water dams have been built to support our
increasing demand for water. Our coastal zones are overdeveloped. These have
resulted in other environmental problem: soil erosion and degradation. Discuss
the steep, unbalanced, and wide disparity of our socio-economic development.
A good read for this sub-topic is Chapter 2 from Environment and Society:
A Critical Introduction (2014).
10.2.5 Pollution
Pollution refers to the introduction of substances by humans that causes harmful
effects. Apart from air, water and soil pollution, we are also concerned about
pollution in the form of excessive heat, radiation, noise, and light. Human beings
are largely responsible for causing severe environmental pollution worldwide.
Why do we pollute our environment?
Pollution is pervasive and affects every being on earth, from the carbon dioxide
(CO2) in our atmosphere, to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCP) in our bodies to acid
on our land (Speth & Haas, 2006). Extensive use of chemicals is a major problem
in our environment. The sources of chemical pollutants vary from agriculture and
industries to transportation and households. For example, emissions from coal-
fired power plants pollute the air, and transforms into acid rain which then
pollutes the water and the soil. Acid rain is an example of transboundary pollution.

Air pollutants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), CO2 and oxides of nitrogen

cause ozone depletion and greenhouse effects which also contribute to the Climate
Change. Pollution is also one of the factors which harm natural water resources
and the life associated with them. According to Speth & Haas (2006), pollution and
silt from runoff are some of the factors (apart from overfishing) that destroy
mangroves and coastal wetlands, affecting marine lives. Toxic pollutants such as
organic pollutants and heavy metals; and the threat these pose to humans and
other life forms are also one of our concerns. What can we do to mitigate pollution?
10.2.6 Urbanisation
Urbanisation refers to the process of changing social and environmental
landscapes („Urbanisation and Health‰, 2012). It is primarily driven by rural-
urban migration leading to the vertical and horizontal expansion of urban space
into buildings and artificial surfaces. Globally, an area in the size of the United
Kingdom (244 000km2) has been converted into built-up areas since 1990 (OECD,
2018). It might be difficult for some to see urban space (with clean and green
spaces) as an environmental issue. According to McGranahan and Satterthwaite
(2004), environmental burdens for maintaining such cities may well be in distant
locations, and displaced rather than eliminated. They highlighted the fact that „the
poorest urban population in the poorest countries tend to have the worst
environmental health conditions in and around their homes and also among the
lowest level of greenhouse gas emissions per person. The ambient environments
of heavily industrialised and motorised cities in the middle-income countries tend
to be highly distressed environmentally, with worst ambient air pollution
problems. And it is the populations of the wealthiest cities that have the largest
global environmental footprints, and that are the biggest per capita drivers of
climate change‰.
ACTIVITY 10.2
Select one global environmental issue, describe the issue, its causes, its
implications for the environment and human beings, and global policy
responses. Propose an initiative that your peers and you can do to
mitigate the issue. Working in a group allows sharing of resources and
covers more issues.

SELF-CHECK 10.2
„We have been unable to resolve environmental issues despite extensive

research, media attention, increased public awareness, campaigns by
environmental pressure groups and international agreements; and we
still pursue activities which perpetuate the problems‰, (Harris, 2004).
Discuss this statement in the online forum.
An important observation concerning these issues is the complex linkages

among them which emphasises the management of uncertainty and risk in global
policymaking (Speth & Hass, 2006). What are your thoughts on this observation?
Reflect and post your thought in the forum after watching the YouTube video
entitled Environmental Issues: Global Warming by Cracknell and Tam (2013) at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MVvnj-tS-s
Upon completing this sub-topic, you should be able to investigate and analyse the
global environmental issues; and conduct critical analysis of the mitigation efforts.
10.3 GREEN TECHNOLOGY AND

ENVIRONMENT
While technology and a techno-centric society have generated negative impacts in
the area of environmental issues, green technologies are seen as potential solutions
and an opportunity for greater innovations and reforms. Table 10.1 list selected
areas where green technology and sustainability have received much attention.
Technology in itself is often not the real issue. What matters is our understanding
of the „green‰ concept, awareness of environmental ethics, paradigm shift in our
thought processes, and change in our practices. The need to act responsibly lies in
moral relationship towards our fellow human beings and other aspects of our
natural environment. In order for us to act responsibly, we require a paradigm
shift into what we think is the nature and scope of our responsibility. To act, to
go „green‰ means „to pursue knowledge and practices that lead to more
environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions, and lifestyles
which can help to protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for its
current and future generations‰ (Going green, n.d); within which the concept of

green technology lies. Green technology refers to the use of science and technology
to conserve and protect the environment. It can lead to reduction of greenhouse
gases, and is an essential component of Green Growth Strategy. Green growth
refers to the fostering economic growth and development while ensuring that
natural assets continue to provide the resources and environmental services on
which our well-being relies (OECD, 2018).
Table 10.1: Trends in Green Technology and Sustainable Solutions by Sector
Energy Renewable (Alternative) energies

Food Production Sustainable Agriculture Practices, Organic Farming
Water Water Treatment/ Purification Technology
Built Environment Green Building
Manufacturing Industry Design for Environment, Green Engineering
Transport Sector Green transportation
Waste Recycling, Other Waste Management Technologies
Environment Remediation and Conservation Efforts
ACTIVITY 10.3
Discuss among your colleagues how green technology can emerge as a
solution for an improved environment. You may read the case study
provided under useful resources. In addition, you may share such
materials in the forum to enrich your discussion.
SELF-CHECK 10.3
1. What is meant by „go green‰?
2. What is green technology? Provide a few examples.
3. Discuss the roles of consumers in promoting green technology.
4. Explain the impact of green technology today.

10.4 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Sustainable Development Goals known as SDGs refer to the 17 goals along
with 169 targets developed by the United Nation in 2015 as an action plan for
people, planet, prosperity and peace (https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/).
The goals and targets are designed to stimulate actions by all for the next 15 years.
Refer to Table 10.2.
Table 10.2: Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nation
Goal 1 End poverty in all forms everywhere

Goal 2 End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote
sustainable agriculture
Goal 3 Ensure healthy lives and promote well being for all at all ages
Goal 4 Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong
learning opportunities for all
Goal 5 Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Goal 6 Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for
all
Goal 7 Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 8 Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and
productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 9 Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable
industrialisation and foster innovation
Goal 10 Reduce inequality within and among countries
Goal 11 Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Note: Acknowledging that the UNFCCC is the primary international,

intergovernmental forum for negotiating the global response to climate
change.
Goal 14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for
sustainable development

Goal 15 Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems,

sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land
degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Goal 16 Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,
provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive
institutions at all levels
Goal 17 Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global
Partnership for Sustainable Development
Source: United Nations

https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/post2015/transformingourworld/publication
What do these goals mean to you? What are the causes of the unsustainable global
society that we live in today? Are we part of the problem? How can we be part of
the solution?
The term „sustainable development‰ was defined in the 1987 Brundtland Report
as „development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of the future generations to meet their own needs‰ (The World Commission
of Environment and Development). SDGs represent such aspirations in various
interconnected areas. The sustainability revolution connects communities
(livelihood, education and culture), ecology/environment, and economy. The
need for a collective action is embedded in SDG17. There are numerous
movements all around the world that promotes awareness, knowledge, and
support for the revolution towards a sustainable global society. The Natural
Step is an example of a Non-Profit Organisation with such commitment (see
https://thenaturalstep.org/).
We need to act and become an advocate for the change.
ACTIVITY 10.4
Select one SDG, identify its targets, and discuss how you can take
collective actions towards realising the goal in your community. You
may use any of the targets to plan and carry out a project for the
Community Service course.

SELF-CHECK 10.4
1. Explain the concept of sustainability.
2. Explain the nature of the unsustainable global society that we live

in today.
3. List all 17 SDGs and explain how we can be a part of the solution
towards creating a sustainable global society.
10.5 ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT AND YOU

At a personal level, we ought to look into our own ecological footprint. What is
ecological footprint? Ecological footprint is a resource accounting tool. It is used
by the Global Footprint Network to measure global ecological footprint, which
refers to demand on and supply of nature.
ACTIVITY 10.5
Measure your own ecological footprint using the online tool hosted by
the Global Footprint Network at:
https://www.footprintnetwork.org/our-work/ecological-footprint/
Discover your countryÊs and the worldÊs ecological deficits.
In considering you own ecological footprint, you need to evaluate your lifestyle in
many perspective, including your food consumption, purchases, production of
waste, energy consumption, accommodation and transportation.
If you like to review your food consumption, there are four fundamental questions
you must ask yourself.
(a) What is the percentage of fresh food in your daily food intake?
(b) What is the percentage of locally produced food in your daily food intake?
(c) What is the percentage of vegetables in your daily food intake?
(d) How much of your daily food is wasted?

Rationale
(a) Fresh food compared to processed food uses far less energy, water, material
and other resources; and produce far less waste. Buy fresh and seasonal food.
(b) Locally produced food required less storage and refrigeration compared to
imported food. Buy locally produced food.
(c) Livestock farming has a much larger carbon footprint than vegetable farms.
Eat more fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts. Opt for vegetarian diet.
(d) Buy and cook according to your need. Reduce your food waste.
Read the ecological footprint tips on food at:

https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/about-epa/publications/1219
Similarly, question your choices in terms of your purchases, production of

waste other than food waste, energy consumption, accommodation and
transportation. Make informed choices about these consumptions and seek for tips
for reducing your ecological footprint. There are many resources that provide
suggestions to reduce your ecological footprint. An example is found at
http://myfootprint.org/en/take_action/reduce_your_footprint/
SELF-CHECK 10.5
1. What is ecological footprint?
2. Why do we need to measure our own ecological footprint?
3. How can you reduce your own ecological footprint?
A community is a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm.

(Henrik Ibsen)

Ć Environment refers to our surrounding which consist of the land, water and
air that we share with other living things.
Ć The biosphere is a thin layer around the earth occupied by living and
non-living things. It consists of lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere.
Ć An ecosystem is an area where a community of living things interact with one

another along with non-living components.
Ć Land cover is the earthÊs surface covering, which ranges from bare to mosses,
lichens, grasses, scrublands, and evergreen forests.
 Climate change refers to changes in regional and global climate patterns.
 Biodiversity is the variability of all living things including genetic variability

within a species.
 Populations are characterised by the number of organism of a particular

species. The human population is an example.
 Pollution is the introduction of substances by humans that cause harmful

effects.
 Urbanisation is the process of changing social and environmental landscape in

urban areas („Urbanization and health‰, 2012).
 Green technology is the use of science and technology to conserve and protect
the environment.
 Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present

without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs
(Brundtland Report, 1987).
 Global ecological footprint measures the demand on and supply of nature.

Biodiversity Green Technology

Biosphere Land Cover and Land Use
Climate Change Pollution
Ecological Footprint Population Growth
Ecosystem Surface Water
Environment Sustainable Developmental Goals
Cracknell H., & Tam, R. (2013, Jan 10). Environmental issues: Global warming
(PSA). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MVvnj-tS-s
Ecological Footprint. (n.d.). Global Footprint Network. Retrieved from

https://www.footprintnetwork.org/our-work/ecological-footprint/
Ecosystem Services. (n.d.). The economics of ecosystem & biodiversity. Retrieved

from
https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/biodiversity/economics/index
_en.htm
Federal Office for Spatial Development ARE. (n.d.). (1987). Brundtland Report.
Retrieved from https://bit.ly/35J7FuT
Going green. (n.d.). Middletown thrall library (2008ă2017) Retrieved from

http://www.thrall.org/special/goinggreen.html
Harris, F. (ed.). (2004). Global environmental issues. West Sussex: John Wiley, &
Sons Ltd.
Manahan, S. E. (2007). Environmental science and technology: A sustainable

approach to green science and technology (2nd ed.). Florida, USA: CRC
Press.

McGranahan, G., & Satterthwaite, D. (2004). Urbanisation concepts and trends.

London: International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2014).

Global forum on environment: New perspectives on the water-energy-food
nexus. OECD Publishing. Retrieved from
https://www.oecd.org/env/resources/Global%20Forum%20on%20Enviro
nment%20-%20Background%20Note%20-%2019%20Nov%202014.pdf
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2018).

Monitoring Land Cover Change. Paris, France: OECD.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2018). What

is green growth and how can it help deliver sustainable development?
Retrieved from
https://www.oecd.org/greengrowth/whatisgreengrowthandhowcanithel
pdeliversustainabledevelopment.htm
Robbins, J., Hintz, J., & Moore, S. A. (2014). Environment and society: A critical
introduction (2nd ed.). West Sussex, UK: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Speth, J. G., & Haas, P. M. (2006). Global environmental governance. Washington,

DC: Island Press. Chapter II: Global-Scale Environmental Challenges.
United Nations. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/
Urbanization and health. (2012, October 25). Retrieved from

http://www.who.int/globalchange/ecosystems/urbanization/en/

The Environment and Us

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Environment and Us

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Topic  The

Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)

10.1 WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT THE

The environment which living and non-living things occupy is known as

Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)

(i) Matter is Recycled

(ii) Flow of Energy

Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)

Within an ecosystem, we can identify several separate systems. A system

A tree is an example of an open system. It has a defined boundary and various

(a) Regulating Services include air quality control, pollination, biological

(b) Supporting Services include habitats and genetic diversity; and

Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)

Answer the following questions.

(a) What is a biosphere?

(c) Choose an open system to illustrate the vulnerability of our current

(d) Why should we be concerned about the environment?

10.2 GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

In using our ecosystem services we have made tremendous changes to the

Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)

10.2.1 Changing Land Cover and Water Surfaces

(a) Land conversion involving complete alteration such as deforestation to

10.2.2 Climate Change

Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)

(b) Increased morbidity and mortality rates;

(c) Water contamination and other natural biophysical disruptions;

(d) Disruption and contamination of food; and

(e) Disruption of energy and other human socio-economic systems.

An important development in managing climate change is the adoption of the

10.2.3 Loss of Biodiversity

Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)

10.2.4 Population and Development

Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)

Air pollutants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), CO2 and oxides of nitrogen

Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)

„We have been unable to resolve environmental issues despite extensive

An important observation concerning these issues is the complex linkages

10.3 GREEN TECHNOLOGY AND

Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)

Table 10.1: Trends in Green Technology and Sustainable Solutions by Sector

Energy Renewable (Alternative) energies

1. What is meant by „go green‰?

2. What is green technology? Provide a few examples.

3. Discuss the roles of consumers in promoting green technology.

4. Explain the impact of green technology today.

Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)

10.4 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Table 10.2: Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nation

Goal 1 End poverty in all forms everywhere

Note: Acknowledging that the UNFCCC is the primary international,

Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)

Goal 15 Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems,

Source: United Nations

We need to act and become an advocate for the change.

Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)

1. Explain the concept of sustainability.

2. Explain the nature of the unsustainable global society that we live

10.5 ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT AND YOU

Discover your countryÊs and the worldÊs ecological deficits.

(c) What is the percentage of vegetables in your daily food intake?

(d) How much of your daily food is wasted?

Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)

Read the ecological footprint tips on food at: