2.3.4 Solutions

Solutions

2.3.4

Objectives

Learners can:

• identify methods for conserving biodiversity and ecosystem services

• determine whether a solution would address a specific environmental problem

• examine how solutions can have costs and benefits for ecosystems and human communities

• greenhouse gas

• stewardship

• sustainable

Prerequisite Vocab

• conservation

New Vocab

Vocabulary

protecting resources for future generations

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Conservation

Match

Match the vocabulary word to its definition.

• stewardship

• sustainable

• greenhouse gas

using natural resources wisely

able to continue

helps trap energy from the sun

• using natural resources wisely

• able to continue

• helps trap energy from the sun

Conservation

Conservation is protecting resources for future generations. Scientists understand that ecosystems are critical for the survival of all species. To protect and preserve ecosystems, specific problems have been identified, and solutions can be used to conserve these environments.

Open Ended

What are some environmental issues that you know of that need to be addressed?

Reducing Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases are gases, such as carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere that trap heat. In the right amount, these gases help keep Earth warm enough for life. However, too much greenhouse gas will cause changes in global temperatures, resulting in changes in ecosystems. One source of greenhouse gases is carbon emissions from the fuel humans burn for energy and electricity.

Newer and more energy-efficient appliances require less electricity to operate.

Household Appliances

Alternate forms of generating electricity, such as solar panels, have no greenhouse gas emissions.

​​Solar Panels

Technology for hybrid and electric vehicles helps reduce the amount of greenhouse gas entering the atmosphere because of transportation.

E-Vehicles

​Efficient Technology

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions helps to stabilize and conserve ecosystem conditions. However, many methods to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere often come with high financial costs. It can be difficult for many individuals to replace their kitchen appliances or purchase hybrid or electric vehicles.

Protecting Natural Habitats

Ecosystems are the source of all the resources humans need to survive. These resources include food, water, air, and the materials for the products you use every day. While some resources, such as small plants, can be replaced quickly, others, such as trees, take a long time to return. Practices such as overhunting, deforestation, and heavy agriculture take a toll on ecosystems. Without proper conservation, people in the future may not have access to the same resources available today.

• controlled burns can help remove weeds and pests but the controlled burn can get out of control and cause a wildfire

Side Effects

• conservation of environmental resources

• protecting natural habitats

Goals

Ecosystem Management

Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture is a form of ecosystem management that involves farming practices that manage water more effectively, use fewer chemicals, prevent soil erosion, and maintain soil nutrients.

Clearing forests and trees to grow crops and graze livestock on such a large scale has a big impact on the soil, water, and environment.

Sustainable agriculture, on the other hand, helps to limit air and water pollution and helps limit the loss of biodiversity. However, these practices can cost time and money.

Reducing Waste

Many products are packaged in plastic, delivered in plastic bags, and purchased in small quantities. This plastic waste makes its way to landfills. Buying products with less packaging or recycled packaging can help conserve natural resources and reduce the environmental impact.

However, there are negative impacts of recycling as well. Recycling uses a lot of energy and costs a lot of money. Depending on where you live, you might have to drive a long distance to get to a recycling center.

Promoting Environmental Awareness

One of the biggest factors that can help solve problems related to human impact on ecosystems is promoting environmental awareness by educating the public on environmental issues. Anyone can be involved in spreading the message of how to take care of and maintain the environment. In most cases, education can begin with your own household.

The more awareness individuals have about how and what can be recycled, the more they can be involved in properly disposing of products.

Many areas provide opportunities for people to volunteer to help clean up the local environment.

Volunteer

Focus on buying less plastic and bring reusable shopping bags.

​​Smart Shopping

Using all-natural and environmentally safe cleaning products is better for ecosystems than using traditional ones.

Reduce Harmful Chemicals

Open Ended

What is something you can do in your day to day live to make a positive change for your local ecosystem?