Environment & Ecology
Common Core – Technologies
Introduction
Environmental issues are among the most pressing challenges of our time. This unit explores the relationship between human activities and ecological systems, focusing on sustainable solutions and technological innovations.
Key Concepts
• Ecosystems
• Biodiversity
• Sustainability
Challenges
Climate change
Pollution
Resource depletion
Solutions
Renewable energy
Circular economy
Green tech
1. Ecosystems and Human Impact
“We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”
Ecosystem Components
All ecosystems consist of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components that interact through energy flows and nutrient cycles.
Human Footprint
Ecological footprint measures human demand on nature:
- Carbon footprint: 60% of total
- Cropland: 20%
- Forest products: 10%
2. Climate Change
Key Indicators
Global temperature rise:
Other indicators include sea level rise, shrinking ice sheets, and extreme weather events.
Greenhouse Gases
Main contributors to global warming:
- CO₂ (76%) – Fossil fuels
- Methane (16%) – Agriculture
- Nitrous oxide (6%) – Fertilizers
- Fluorinated gases (2%) – Industrial
3. Sustainable Solutions
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
The UN’s 17 SDGs provide a blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.
4. Writing Practice
Essay Structure
Introduction:
- Hook statement
- Background information
- Thesis statement
Body Paragraphs:
- Topic sentence
- Supporting evidence
- Analysis
Conclusion:
- Restate thesis
- Summary
- Call to action
Sample Prompt
“Discuss the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and propose solutions to address this environmental challenge.”
