1.
Environment
• Definition: The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or
operates.
• Key Points:
o Components: Physical (air, water, soil), biological (plants, animals), and social
(human interactions).
o Importance: Affects growth, behavior, and survival of living organisms.
2. Structure of the Earth
• Layers:
o Crust: Outer layer (continental and oceanic).
o Mantle: Semi-solid rock, convection currents drive plate tectonics.
o Core: Outer core (liquid) and inner core (solid).
• Atmosphere: Layer of gases surrounding Earth (e.g., auroras).
• Hydrosphere: All water on Earth (oceans, rivers, lakes).
3. Factors Sustaining Earth’s Life
• Energy Flow: One-way flow of high-quality energy from the sun (laws of thermodynamics).
• Nutrient Cycling: Recycling of nutrients (law of conservation of matter).
• Gravity: Keeps atmosphere in place and helps in water cycle.
4. Three Aspects of Man
• Physical Man: Needs basic elements (air, water, food).
• Social Man: Establishes institutions, laws, and organizations.
• Economic Man: Utilizes resources with skills and technology.
5. Importance of Environmental Science
• Key Issues:
o Population Growth: Leads to resource depletion.
o Pollution: Air, water, and soil pollution.
o Biodiversity Loss: Reduction in genetic diversity.
o Urbanization: Negative impacts on environment.
• Solutions:
o Sustainable Development: Wise planning and resource use.
o Public Awareness: Educating people on environmental issues.
6. Environmental Principles
• Nature Knows Best: Natural systems are balanced.
• Interconnectedness: Everything is connected (e.g., food chains).
• Change: Everything changes over time.
• Finite Resources: Earth’s resources are limited.
• Stewardship: Humans must protect and manage nature.
7. Role of Environmental Education
• RA 9512 (2008): Promotes environmental awareness in the Philippines.
• Objectives:
o Awareness: Understanding environmental issues.
o Knowledge: Learning about ecosystems and sustainability.
o Skills: Developing problem-solving skills.
o Participation: Encouraging active involvement in environmental protection.
8. Key Figures in Environmental Science
• Aldo Leopold: Father of wildlife ecology.
• Rachel Carson: Author of Silent Spring, raised awareness on pesticides.
• Greta Thunberg: Climate change activist.
Key Takeaways for Exam:
• Environment: Surroundings affecting life.
• Earth’s Structure: Crust, mantle, core, atmosphere, hydrosphere.
• Sustainability: Energy flow, nutrient cycling, gravity.
• Human Impact: Population growth, pollution, urbanization.
• Principles: Nature’s balance, interconnectedness, finite resources.
• Education: Awareness, knowledge, skills, participation.