MODULE 4: ENVIRONMENT
Printable Study Notes
UNIT 1: ENVIRONMENT – TERMS AND
MOMENTUM
1.1 Key Terms and Definitions
Ecosystem
A community of living organisms interacting with one another and with their physical
environment.
Biodiversity
The variety of plant, animal, and microbial life in an area.
Mega Diversity
Countries or regions with extremely high levels of biodiversity.
Ecology (NB)
The study of relationships between organisms and their environment.
Food Chain (NB)
A sequence showing how energy is transferred from one organism to another.
Deep Ecology
A philosophy promoting the intrinsic value of all living things and environmental protection.
Ecotoxicity
The harmful effects of toxic substances on ecosystems and living organisms.
Cumulative Impact
The combined environmental effect of multiple activities over time.
Bioaccumulation / Bioconcentration
• Bioaccumulation: Build-up of harmful substances in living organisms over time.
• Bioconcentration: Direct absorption of chemicals from the environment into
organisms.
Plume (NB)
A visible or measurable stream of pollution spreading through air or water.
Wetland
Land saturated with water that supports aquatic plants and wildlife.
1.2 Multilateral Environmental Agreements
International agreements between countries aimed at protecting the environment.
Examples
• Paris Climate Agreement
• Kyoto Protocol
• Montreal Protocol
Purpose
• Reduce pollution
• Protect biodiversity
• Combat climate change
• Promote sustainable development
1.3 Responses by Business and Industry
1.3.1 Business Reacts to the Environmental Movement
Businesses respond by:
• Reducing pollution
• Using cleaner technology
• Recycling waste
• Improving sustainability practices
• Following environmental laws
1.3.2 Constraints for Organisations
Challenges include:
• High costs
• Lack of technology
• Limited resources
• Resistance to change
• Strict regulations
UNIT 2: ENVIRONMENTAL
DEGRADATION
2.1 Evolution of an Environmental Crisis
Environmental crises develop due to:
1. Population growth
2. Industrialisation
3. Overuse of resources
4. Pollution
5. Climate change
2.2 Examples of Environmental Degradation
2.2.1 Loss of Biodiversity and Species Loss
Caused by habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.
2.2.2 Deforestation
Large-scale removal of forests.
Effects
• Loss of wildlife
• Soil erosion
• Climate change
2.2.3 Soil Erosion
Removal of topsoil by wind or water.
2.2.4 Ozone Depletion
Damage to the ozone layer caused mainly by CFC gases.
2.2.5 Acid Rain
Rain contaminated by sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
Effects
• Damages crops
• Pollutes water
• Corrodes buildings
2.3 Overpopulation and Overconsumption =
Environmental Degradation
Overpopulation
Too many people using limited resources.
Overconsumption
Excessive use of resources and products.
Results
• Increased waste
• Pollution
• Resource depletion
2.4 Pollution and Waste
2.4.1 Waste Streams
Different categories of waste generated by activities.
Types
• Domestic waste
• Industrial waste
• Hazardous waste
• Medical waste
2.4.2 Types of Pollution
Light Pollution
Excessive artificial light affecting humans and wildlife.
Visual/Aesthetic Pollution
Unsightly structures or waste affecting visual quality.
Noise Pollution
Excessive unwanted sound harmful to health.
Thermal Pollution
Heat released into water bodies affecting aquatic life.
Marine Pollution
Contamination of oceans and seas.
Radioactive Pollution
Release of radioactive substances into the environment.
Transgenic/Genetic Pollution
Uncontrolled spread of genetically modified organisms.
UNIT 3: THE ENVIRONMENT AND
HUMAN HEALTH
3.1 Environment-Human Health Nexus
Human health is closely linked to environmental quality.
3.2 Environmental Factors for Human Health
Factors include:
• Clean water
• Clean air
• Sanitation
• Safe food
• Waste management
3.3 Diseases Caused by Environmental Factors
3.3.1 Pollution-Related Diseases
Air Pollution
• Asthma
• Lung cancer
• Bronchitis
Water Pollution
• Cholera
• Typhoid
• Diarrhoea
Soil Pollution
• Poisoning
• Cancer
Marine Pollution
• Seafood contamination
• Skin diseases
Radioactive Pollution
• Radiation sickness
• Cancer
Noise Pollution
• Hearing loss
• Stress
• High blood pressure
3.3.2 Diseases Due to Deforestation
• Malaria
• Respiratory illnesses
• Malnutrition
UNIT 4: CLIMATE CHANGE
4.1 Definitions and Principles
Climate vs Weather
Weather Climate
Short-term atmospheric conditions Long-term weather patterns
Changes daily Changes over many years
4.1.2 Climate Influencing Factors
• Latitude
• Altitude
• Ocean currents
• Wind patterns
• Human activities
4.1.3 Natural Greenhouse Effect
A natural process where greenhouse gases trap heat and keep Earth warm.
4.2 Anthropogenic Greenhouse Effect and Global
Warming
4.2.1 Human-Created Greenhouse Gases
Human activities increase greenhouse gas concentrations.
Main Sources
• Burning fossil fuels
• Deforestation
• Agriculture
• Industry
4.2.2 Greenhouse Gases
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
Produced by burning coal, oil, and gas.
Methane (CH₄)
Produced by livestock, landfills, and agriculture.
Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)
Produced by fertilisers and industrial activities.
4.2.3 Short-Lived Greenhouse Gases
Gases that remain in the atmosphere for shorter periods but strongly affect warming.
Example:
• Methane
4.2.4 Global Warming
The gradual increase in Earth’s average temperature.
4.3 Contributing Factors for Climate Change
• Fossil fuel burning
• Industrial emissions
• Deforestation
• Agriculture
• Waste disposal
4.4 Solutions to Minimise Global Warming
Fossil Fuels
Reduce dependence on coal, oil, and gas.
Electricity
Use energy-efficient systems and renewable energy.
Carbon Footprint
The total greenhouse gases produced by activities.
Carbon Management
Monitoring and reducing carbon emissions.
Upgrade Buildings and Infrastructure
Improve insulation and energy efficiency.
Transportation
Use public transport, electric vehicles, and carpooling.
Plant More Trees
Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
UNIT 5: ENERGY
5.1 Fossil Fuel-Based Energy
Energy from coal, oil, and natural gas.
Disadvantages
• Pollution
• Climate change
• Non-renewable
5.1.1 Principal Types of Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy Source
Solar Sun
Renewable Energy Source
Wind Wind turbines
Hydropower Flowing water
Biomass Organic material
Geothermal Heat from Earth
5.2.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewables
Advantages Disadvantages
Environmentally friendly High installation costs
Renewable supply Weather dependent
Reduces pollution Requires infrastructure
UNIT 6: EIA AND MONITORING
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
6.1 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
6.1.1 EIA Defined
A process used to identify and evaluate environmental impacts before a project begins.
Purpose
• Prevent environmental damage
• Improve planning
• Ensure legal compliance
6.1.2 Summary Table of the EIA Process
Step Description
Screening Determine if EIA is needed
Step Description
Scoping Identify major issues
Impact Assessment Evaluate possible impacts
Mitigation Develop solutions to reduce impacts
Reporting Prepare EIA report
Decision-Making Authorities approve or reject project
Monitoring Track environmental impacts
6.1.3 Social Impact Analysis and EIA
Examines how projects affect communities and society.
Areas Assessed
• Employment
• Health
• Housing
• Safety
• Social wellbeing
6.2 Monitoring Environmental
Performance
6.2.1 Environmental Monitoring Defined
Regular measurement and observation of environmental conditions.
6.2.2 Monitoring Points
Areas or systems checked for pollution or environmental damage.
Examples
• Air quality stations
• Water sampling points
• Waste disposal sites
6.2.3 Inspections
Routine checks to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
Diagram: Basic Water Leak Detection System
WATER PIPE
-----------------------
| |
Sensor A Sensor B
| |
-----------------------
Alarm Unit
|
Control Panel
|
Maintenance Team
How It Works
• Sensors detect leaks.
• Alarm system activates.
• Control panel identifies leak location.
• Maintenance repairs the leak.
UNIT 7: IMPROVING
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
7.1 Cleaner Production – Overview
7.1.1 Cleaner Production Defined
A strategy to reduce waste and pollution while improving efficiency.
7.1.2 Why Cleaner Production?
• Saves resources
• Reduces waste
• Lowers costs
• Protects the environment
7.1.3 Cleaner Production Techniques
• Recycling
• Waste minimisation
• Energy efficiency
• Process improvement
7.1.4 Options for Achieving Cleaner Production
• Better housekeeping
• Equipment upgrades
• Employee training
• Renewable energy use
7.2 Cleaner Production: Eco-Efficiency
7.2.1 Eco-Efficiency Defined
Producing more goods and services with less environmental impact.
7.2.2 Key Aspects of Eco-Efficiency
• Reduced energy use
• Reduced waste
• Efficient resource use
• Recycling
7.2.3 Eco-Efficiency Case Studies
Examples include:
• Water-saving factories
• Solar-powered facilities
• Recycling programmes
7.3 Cleaner Production: Pollution Prevention
7.3.1 Pollution Prevention Defined
Reducing or eliminating pollution before it is created.
7.3.2 Three Questions of Pollution Management
1. What is causing pollution?
2. How can it be reduced?
3. How can it be prevented in future?
7.3.3 Pollution Prevention Case Studies
• Cleaner fuel usage
• Wastewater treatment
• Recycling systems
7.4 Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)
7.4.1 LCA Defined
Assessment of environmental impacts throughout a product’s life.
7.4.2 LCA Process
1. Raw material extraction
2. Manufacturing
3. Distribution
4. Use
5. Disposal/Recycling
7.4.3 Cradle to Cradle
A system where products are designed to be fully reused or recycled.
UNIT 8: SUSTAINABILITY
8.1 Sustainable Development
Development that meets present needs without harming future generations.
8.2 Triple Bottom Line
Aspect Meaning
People Social responsibility
Planet Environmental protection
Profit Economic success
8.3 Sustainability and Business
8.3.1 Different Stimuli and Equal Stimuli
Factors motivating businesses toward sustainability:
• Laws
• Consumer demand
• Cost savings
• Reputation
8.3.2 Business Case for Sustainability
Benefits include:
• Better image
• Reduced costs
• Increased efficiency
• Legal compliance
8.4 Sustainability Reporting
8.4.1 Overview
Organisations report environmental and social performance publicly.
8.4.2 The GRI
Global Reporting Initiative — international standards for sustainability reporting.
UNIT 9: ENVIRONMENTAL TRENDS
9.1 Blockchain for Sustainability
Blockchain improves:
• Supply chain transparency
• Carbon tracking
• Waste management
9.2 Big Data
Large datasets used to:
• Monitor environmental changes
• Predict climate risks
• Improve efficiency
9.3 The War on Packaging
Efforts to reduce excessive packaging and plastic waste.
Solutions
• Reusable packaging
• Recycling
• Biodegradable materials
QUICK REVISION SUMMARY
Key Environmental Problems
• Pollution
• Climate change
• Deforestation
• Biodiversity loss
• Waste generation
Key Solutions
• Renewable energy
• Recycling
• Cleaner production
• Sustainable development
• Environmental monitoring
Important Concepts
• EIA
• Carbon footprint
• Eco-efficiency
• Greenhouse gases
• Triple bottom l