Activity 3.2.1 – Natural Resources Review

 

Mapping the Path to Sustainable Energy: Navigating Environmental Challenges and Solutions

In my concept map, the interconnections between renewable and non-renewable natural resources, as well as the impact of human activities, are highlighted to demonstrate the complex relationship between energy and the environment. The first layer of interconnection focuses on renewable resources, including solar energy, wind energy, and biomass. These resources are depicted as sustainable alternatives to non-renewable resources such as minerals and fossil fuels. By emphasizing the advantages of renewable resources and their potential to reduce reliance on non-renewable resources, this layer underscores the importance of transitioning to sustainable energy sources.

Additionally, the concept map illustrates the interconnected nature of human activities and their impact on natural resources. The point highlighting deforestation and its impact on biodiversity serves as a crucial link between human activities and environmental challenges. This layer emphasizes the need for sustainable land use practices and conservation efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of human activities on natural ecosystems.

Furthermore, the concept map highlights the environmental challenges associated with non-renewable resources, such as habitat disruption and the environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels. These connections underscore the urgent need for transitioning to renewable energy sources and implementing sustainable practices to protect natural ecosystems and ensure environmental sustainability.

Reference:

Jerome, B. A. (Producer). (2017). Exploring Natural Resources [Video file]. Visual Learning Systems.

https://nvcproxy.alamo.edu/login?url=https://video-alexanderstreet-com.nvcproxy.alamo.edu/p/oZvY48GoB

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (3.5) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com

I used Open AI to brainstorm more concept ideas that can be connected and related with environmental challenges.

Activity: 3.1 Human Population

 

Canada's statistics, 2023 World Population Data Sheet, Population Reference Bureau (PRB) 

I chose Canada as an example of a more developed country in North America.

Canada's Demographic Profile:

According to PRB, the births per 1,000 population in Canada is 9 and the deaths per 1,000 population is 8. The population growth rate (Rate of Natural Increase) is 0.1% which is very low. If we look at the expectancy at birth in Canada, it is 80 for males and 84 for females. The total fertility rate stands at 1.4%. The GNI per Capita of Canada is 57,820.  

Afghanistan's statistics,  2023 World Population Data Sheet, Population Reference Bureau (PRB) 

I selected Afghanistan as an illustration of a less-developed country, located in South Asia.

Afghanistan's Demographic Profile:

From PR-B's statistics, the births per 1,000 population in Afghanistan is 42 and the deaths per 1,000 population is 7. The population growth rate (Rate of Natural Increase) is 3.5%. If we look at the expectancy at birth in Afghanistan, it is 60 for males and 66 for females. The total fertility rate stands at 5.4%. The GNI per Capita of Afghanistan is 1,690.

Comparison and Contrast of the Two Countries:

Canada is considered a more developed country due to several factors. It has a low birth rate of 9 per 1,000 population and a death rate of 8 per 1,000, leading to a stable population growth rate of 0.1%. This indicates a mature demographic profile. Additionally, Canada has a high life expectancy, with males living up to 80 years and females up to 84 years, reflecting a well-developed healthcare system and quality of life. The total fertility rate in Canada is 1.4%, suggesting good access to family planning services and a balanced population structure.

In contrast, Afghanistan is considered a less developed country. It has a high birth rate of 42 per 1,000 population and a death rate of 7 per 1,000, resulting in a high population growth rate of 3.5%. Life expectancy in Afghanistan is lower, with males living up to 60 years and females up to 66 years, indicating challenges in healthcare access. The total fertility rate in Afghanistan is 5.4%, suggesting limited access to family planning services and a younger population age structure, which can strain resources and development efforts. Economically, Canada's Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of $57,820 is significantly higher than Afghanistan's $1,690, highlighting the economic disparity between the two countries.

Comparison of the Two Countries to the World:

According to Mutiti, "Population sizes can also be held in check by factors that are not related to the density of the population and are called density-independent factors.". When comparing Canada and Afghanistan with the world, notable differences emerge. Canada's low birth rate of 9 per 1,000 population and death rate of 8 per 1,000 result in a stable population growth rate of 0.1%, reflecting a mature demographic profile. In contrast, Afghanistan's high birth rate of 42 per 1,000 and death rate of 7 per 1,000 lead to a much higher population growth rate of 3.5%, indicating a rapidly expanding population.

Life expectancy in Canada is notably higher, with males living up to 80 years and females up to 84 years, compared to the world average of around 72 years for both genders. In Afghanistan, life expectancy is lower, with males living up to 60 years and females up to 66 years, highlighting challenges in healthcare access and infrastructure.

Economically, Canada's Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of $57,820 is significantly higher than the world average of around $17,000, while Afghanistan's GNI per capita of $1,690 is considerably lower, reflecting the economic disparity between these countries and the world average.

Reference:

Mutiti, S., Mutiti, C., Manoylov, K., VandeVoort, A., & Bennett, D. (2018). Introduction to environmental science (3rd ed.). Biological Science Open Textbooks. University System of Georgia. 

Population Reference Bureau. (2023). 2023 World Population Data Sheet. https://2023-wpds.prb.org/data-sheet-download/

Activity- 2.3 Biosphere and Interconnections

 

In this concept map, I explored the dynamic flow of energy within ecosystems, highlighting the vital roles of producers, energy sources, and consumers in sustaining ecological balance and driving the web of life.

Discovering How Energy Flows in Nature

Let's take a peek into how energy moves around in nature. Think of it like putting together pieces of a puzzle – each part is important, and they all fit together to keep life going.

Plants and Friends: First of all, we have plants, algae, and tiny bacteria – the real heroes that soak up the sun's rays and turn them into food through photosynthesis. They're like nature's chefs, cooking up energy for everyone else.

Where Energy Comes From: But there's more to the story! Energy isn't just sunlight; it also comes from nutrients in the soil or water. These nutrients help plants grow big and strong, so they can make even more energy.

Eating Time: Next, we meet the animals – the ones who munch on plants or other animals. They're like the guests at nature's dinner party, passing energy around as they eat and get eaten.

Clean-up Crew: Last but not least, we have the decomposers. They're like the cleanup crew, breaking down dead stuff and turning it into nutrients again, so the whole cycle can start over.

Everything's Connected: The coolest part is everything is connected. Energy flows from plants to animals, and back again, in a big loop that keeps life ticking along.

In this concept map, I took a journey into the world of biodiversity and why it's super important for our planet. It's like discovering a treasure chest full of nature's goodies, with each piece playing a special role in keeping things running smoothly.

Why We Need Diversity: First of all, let's talk about why biodiversity is so crucial. It's not just about having lots of different plants and animals – it's about all the amazing things they do for us. They help clean our air and water, provide food and medicine, and even protect us from disasters like floods and storms.

Keeping Nature Balanced: Next, let's chat about how biodiversity keeps ecosystems in check. It's like a giant puzzle where every piece fits perfectly together. From plants and animals depending on each other to habitats providing homes for creatures big and small, biodiversity keeps everything in harmony.

Cultural Connections: Lastly, let's not forget about the cultural side of biodiversity. It's not just about science – it's about how nature makes us feel. Whether it's enjoying a beautiful landscape, celebrating traditions, or feeling a sense of awe and wonder, biodiversity adds richness to our lives in so many ways.

Everything in nature is connected, and biodiversity is what keeps it all ticking along. 

I constructed this concept map to delve into the fascinating world of major biomes and uncover why they're essential for our planet's health. Picture it like exploring different neighborhoods in a bustling city – each one unique and vital in its own way, but all interconnected to create the bigger picture of Earth's ecosystems.

From Frozen Tundras to Lush Forests: First, there are the terrestrial biomes, like icy tundras and dense forests. These places are home to all sorts of plants and animals, and they help keep our climate in check.

Rivers, Lakes, and Wetlands: Then, there are freshwater biomes, including rivers, lakes, and swamps. These watery areas are crucial for drinking water and providing homes for many creatures.

Ocean Adventures: Next, we have marine biomes, like the vast oceans and colorful coral reefs. They're like bustling underwater cities, full of life and energy.

Human Touch: Lastly, we can't forget about the places where humans live and work. Our cities, farms, and towns are all part of the ecosystem too, and they have a big impact on the environment.

Each biome is like a puzzle piece, fitting together to create a beautiful picture of our planet. By learning about and appreciating these different environments, we can help protect them for generations to come.

Reference:

Freedman, B. (2018). Environmental Science: A Canadian Perspective. Halifax, Canada: Dalhousie University Libraries.

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (3.5) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com

I used Open AI to assist myself in doing the interconnections of my concept maps and to deepen my understanding of the concepts involved. 

Activity 2.2.1- My Daily Water Usage

Actual Water Use:

The water usage of my household during the last three months is as follows:

January 2024 - 5237 gallons

December 2023 - 5237 gallons

November 2023 - 3740 gallons

1. I calculated the sum of the last three months' water usage = 5237+5237+3740 = 14214 gallons

2. I averaged the number of gallons used across three bills = 14214/3  = 4738 gallons/month

3. I have 4 persons in my household. To get water usage per month by the number of people in my house,  I divided the average gallons used per month by the number of people in my house which is 4. 

The result is the water usage per person and per month = 4738/4 = 1184.5 = 1185 gallons/person/month

4. To get water usage per day for one person in my house, I divided the per person per month by 30 days.

The result is the per person per day amount of water use (on average) = 1185/30 =  39.5 = 40 gallons per day for one person

Water Calculators: 

1. Name of Calculator: Southwest Florida Water Management District

    URL: https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/water-use-calculator 

    Per Person Usage:  66 gallons per day per person

2. Name of Calculator: Smart Watermark (Australian)

     URL: https://smartwatermark.org/watercalculator/aus/#results 

     Per Person Usage: 134.8L= 35.610 US liquid gallons = 36 gallons per day per person 

Summary of My Water Use Study:

After reviewing my household's last three water bills, I was surprised that we used the same amount of water in January as in December which is 5237 gallons according to SAWS's actual utility bills, and there is a big difference between the usage of November and December 2023. According to SAWS, our water usage was higher than my neighborhood, and SAWS Residential average water usage. Water used in excess may be attributed to outdoor water application. Another reason that might connect to excess use is we have installed a water softener and a filter that enables the tap water safe to drink. Because of that, we would be using more water from the tap instead of buying Ozarka bottles or gallons. Gardening also consumes a lot of water. Even though we don't use a lawn water system, we use a regular garden hose to water the plants which is another outdoor water application.

When I used Southwest Florida Water Management's calculator, it asked a large set of questions to track every water use we make in indoor and outdoor environments. As a result, the final calculation for per-person usage per day showed 66 gallons. However, Smart Watermark asked fewer questions compared to the Southwest Florida Water calculator and that is why the per-person usage per day is 36 gallons which is lower than our actual water usage in San Antonio.  

There are several ways we can save water and also save on water utility bills. If we avoid washing our cars at our house's driveway and wash them on a traditional car wash, we will save a lot of water and it will impact the bill as well. Some other ways to reduce water usage are as follows: 

1. Avoid long showers,

 2. When dishwashing by hand, don't leave the faucet on for too long, 

3. Reducing the amount of laundry per day, and

4. Installing low-flow filters in the faucets.

After following these steps, we will not only reduce water wastage in our household but also save significantly on bills. 

Reference                                                  

San Antonio Water System(SAWS). Homepage https://www.saws.org/ConnectH2O/