Subjects
Biology
Chemistry
AP Chemistry
English
AP English Literature
Environmental Science
Nov 30, 2025
243
7 pages
Tiya @tiya_2006
Environmental science explores how humans interact with the natural world around them. This subject helps us understand crucial... Show more
Environmental science studies how humans interact with the natural environment, including climate, soil, water sources, and living organisms. Throughout history, human innovation has dramatically changed this relationship.
The Agricultural Revolution marked our shift from hunting and gathering to farming, with irrigation enabling this transformation. However, this change introduced us to two important concepts the Law of Unintended Consequences (decisions often have unexpected results) and Resource Depletion (using resources faster than they can replenish).
Later, the Industrial Revolution brought coal power, electricity, and factory production, but also caused pollution and further resource depletion. These historical shifts demonstrate how human progress often comes with environmental costs.
Think About It Every major advancement in human civilization has changed our relationship with the environment. How might current technological changes be affecting our world?
The Tragedy of the Commons explains a major cause of resource depletion—individuals pursue personal gain while neglecting society's well-being. Commons are shared resources that nobody owns, like air and water, which makes them vulnerable to overuse.
Natural resources fall into different categories that help us understand their management needs
Understanding these categories helps us develop better strategies for using resources responsibly and avoiding depletion problems in our shared environment.
Remember When something belongs to everyone, it often ends up being cared for by no one. This explains many of our biggest environmental challenges!
During the Progressive Era, the Antiquities Act allowed the federal government to protect natural and cultural resources. This led to different land designations with varying levels of protection
These designations reflect different approaches to environmental ethics—the moral relationship humans should have with nature. Two main perspectives emerged Anthropocentrism and Ecocentrism .
The famous Hetch Hetchy debate illustrates this conflict. The valley was ultimately dammed in 1914 based on Gifford Pinchot's justification "The greatest good of the greatest number in the long run."
Big Idea Environmental decisions often involve balancing human needs against ecosystem protection—there are rarely simple answers to complex environmental questions.
The 1960s launched modern environmentalism, bringing public awareness to several critical issues
In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970 to enforce federal environmental laws. Environmental concerns gradually expanded to global issues like biodiversity loss, climate change, and economic inequality between nations.
Countries are categorized as "developed" or "developing" based on several factors. Developed countries typically have higher GDP , lower fertility rates, higher life expectancy, and higher consumption rates of materials and energy. Developing nations show opposite patterns, with economic limitations but often smaller ecological footprints.
Make Connections Your personal consumption choices create your own ecological footprint—the amount of land needed to support your lifestyle and absorb your waste!
Environmental decisions are heavily influenced by economic principles. Supply and demand predict resource prices—when demand is high and supply is low, prices rise. Cost-benefit analysis weighs the expense of an action against its benefits, though many environmental costs remain hidden costs (difficult to identify and measure).
Different environmental worldviews shape how we approach these decisions
These worldviews influence everything from personal choices to government policies about environmental management. Understanding which perspective you align with helps explain your approach to environmental challenges.
Challenge Yourself Think about your own environmental worldview. Do you lean more toward planetary management, stewardship, or environmental wisdom in your daily decisions?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
6
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Tiya
@tiya_2006
Environmental science explores how humans interact with the natural world around them. This subject helps us understand crucial environmental challenges, from resource depletion to pollution, and examines different perspectives on how we should manage our relationship with nature.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Environmental science studies how humans interact with the natural environment, including climate, soil, water sources, and living organisms. Throughout history, human innovation has dramatically changed this relationship.
The Agricultural Revolution marked our shift from hunting and gathering to farming, with irrigation enabling this transformation. However, this change introduced us to two important concepts: the Law of Unintended Consequences (decisions often have unexpected results) and Resource Depletion (using resources faster than they can replenish).
Later, the Industrial Revolution brought coal power, electricity, and factory production, but also caused pollution and further resource depletion. These historical shifts demonstrate how human progress often comes with environmental costs.
Think About It: Every major advancement in human civilization has changed our relationship with the environment. How might current technological changes be affecting our world?
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Tragedy of the Commons explains a major cause of resource depletion—individuals pursue personal gain while neglecting society's well-being. Commons are shared resources that nobody owns, like air and water, which makes them vulnerable to overuse.
Natural resources fall into different categories that help us understand their management needs:
Understanding these categories helps us develop better strategies for using resources responsibly and avoiding depletion problems in our shared environment.
Remember: When something belongs to everyone, it often ends up being cared for by no one. This explains many of our biggest environmental challenges!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
During the Progressive Era, the Antiquities Act allowed the federal government to protect natural and cultural resources. This led to different land designations with varying levels of protection:
These designations reflect different approaches to environmental ethics—the moral relationship humans should have with nature. Two main perspectives emerged: Anthropocentrism and Ecocentrism .
The famous Hetch Hetchy debate illustrates this conflict. The valley was ultimately dammed in 1914 based on Gifford Pinchot's justification: "The greatest good of the greatest number in the long run."
Big Idea: Environmental decisions often involve balancing human needs against ecosystem protection—there are rarely simple answers to complex environmental questions.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The 1960s launched modern environmentalism, bringing public awareness to several critical issues:
In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970 to enforce federal environmental laws. Environmental concerns gradually expanded to global issues like biodiversity loss, climate change, and economic inequality between nations.
Countries are categorized as "developed" or "developing" based on several factors. Developed countries typically have higher GDP , lower fertility rates, higher life expectancy, and higher consumption rates of materials and energy. Developing nations show opposite patterns, with economic limitations but often smaller ecological footprints.
Make Connections: Your personal consumption choices create your own ecological footprint—the amount of land needed to support your lifestyle and absorb your waste!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Environmental decisions are heavily influenced by economic principles. Supply and demand predict resource prices—when demand is high and supply is low, prices rise. Cost-benefit analysis weighs the expense of an action against its benefits, though many environmental costs remain hidden costs (difficult to identify and measure).
Different environmental worldviews shape how we approach these decisions:
These worldviews influence everything from personal choices to government policies about environmental management. Understanding which perspective you align with helps explain your approach to environmental challenges.
Challenge Yourself: Think about your own environmental worldview. Do you lean more toward planetary management, stewardship, or environmental wisdom in your daily decisions?
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
6
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
