ENVR 1301-Marina Rodriguez

  1. Exploratory Probe basic facts and knowledge from the article and video. The article explains how streamside, or riparian, vegetation is essential for healthy river ecosystems. It stabilizes banks, shades water to keep temperatures lower, filters runoff, and creates habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species. The research highlighted by Trout Unlimited shows that degraded riparian zones, particularly those affected by heavy grazing, lead to channel widening, soil erosion, warmer water temperatures, and a loss of fish habitat. The article discusses two primary interventions: 1. Managed grazing: which means altering the intensity, location, or timing of cattle grazing to reduce pressure on streambanks. 2.  Beaver-assisted restoration: encouraging beaver activity or installing beaver dam analogs (BDAs) to mimic the ecological functions of natural dams. Scientific monitoring in the Upper Columbia Basin showed that when cattle grazing is reduced, willow and cottonwoo...

Historical History  The history of environmental thought in the United States reflects an evolving relationship between people and the natural world, from domination and exploitation to appreciation and stewardship. American attitudes toward nature have evolved in response to social, cultural, and scientific advancements, reflecting how citizens have redefined their relationship with the environment over time. During the colonial and early national periods, Americans viewed nature as a vast frontier to be explored and developed. Land represented wealth, independence, and divine blessing. Influenced by Enlightenment rationalism and Christian theology, settlers believed transforming wilderness into farmland fulfilled both moral and civic duty. As Theis and Tomkin (2018) explain, this “frontier ethic” emphasized human mastery over nature. Expansion across the continent symbolized progress and freedom, while forests, rivers, and minerals served as vital resources for national growth. P...

Definition of Microplastics  Microplastics can be defined as “small particles or fragments of plastic debris ranging in size from microns to several millimeters in diameter (Haab 23). Plastics are one of the most “widely used materials in the world” (Haab 26). You can find plastics dating back to 1600 B.C., and they have undergone numerous innovations and alterations over time. Alongside the numerous alterations of plastic throughout the year, the “global production of plastics has increased steadily throughout history, reaching a staggering 265 million tons in 2010” (Haab 26). Because plastic is lightweight, cheap, and durable, it is widely used in many products, which is why we see a global increase in its use. Unfortunately, since plastic is cheap and can be made by the millions, it can only be used once, resulting in “generations of mass amounts of litter” (Haab 26). Where Are They Found? Microplastics have been found almost everywhere on the planet. They exist in oceans, riv...

  Air Pollutions Gaseous air pollutants are harmful substances that exist in the air in a gas form (as opposed to solid particles or liquid droplets). They come from both natural sources (like volcanoes and wildfires) and human activities (like burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, and vehicle emissions). Gaseous air pollution can be broken down into three categories: -Sulfur Pollutants Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a colorless but sharp-smelling gas and one of the most significant gaseous air pollutants, mainly released from burning fossil fuels and industrial processes. Natural sources include volcanoes and wildfires, but human activities produce several times more SO₂ than nature. High concentration can harm plants, cause hidden yield losses, and irritate human lungs, especially in sensitive individuals. Many countries have reduced SO₂ emissions through cleaner fuels, scrubbers, and pollution-control technologies, making this one of the major air-quality success stories. ...

 

 A. Defining Alternative Energy - Refers to energy sources that are different from traditional fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. These sources are typically renewable and have a lower environmental impact. Examples include solar power, wind energy, hydroelectric power, geothermal energy, and biomass . The goal of using alternative energy is to reduce pollution, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and create a more sustainable energy future. B. Arguments for Alternative Energy - There are several strong arguments in favor of using alternative energy. One primary reason is environmental protection; renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions, helping to reduce pollution and slow climate change. Another key point is that these energy sources are renewable and sustainable, unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and can eventually be depleted.  Wind Energy:       Wind energy is one of the...