TOPICS COVEREDA summary of the regional, national and global environmental problems and how the problems are interrelated.Erosion and pollution of our most important natural
resource - SOIL Water use, availability, quality, pollution and health How will we cope with our ever growing solid waste stream (garbage)? How will we cope with population growth along our coastal areas and the loss of wetlands and the pollution of our waterways? What is the outlook for our mineral resources? Energy - What mix of energy resources will we be using in the next 50 years?What environmental hazards does each present? Atmospheric pollution including smog, ozone depletion and acid rain Global Climate Change and green house gases |
GOALS FOR COURSEAt the end of the semester each of you should: 1) know the major environmental issues; 2) understand the role of geologic factors in local, national and global environmental problems; 3) have acquired the knowledge to critically read news articles on environmental geology issues and explain to others the importance of the article; 4) appreciate that most environmental problems are complex and involve interrelationships, often political, that may defy simple solutions: 5) know how you personally contribute to environmental problems; and 6) understand how each individual can reduce their personal environmental impact, if they choose. We will emphasize as much as possible those aspects of environmental geology that are particularly applicable to Long Island and Metropolitan New York. |