Environmental Science: Sustainability in the Anthropocene

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Environmental Science: Sustainability in the Anthropocene, is designed to give an overview of environmental science within the context of the five spheres of the environment: The geosphere, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere, the biosphere, and the anthrosphere, that part of the environment made and operated by humans. It is extremely important to consider the anthrosphere as part of the environment because human activities are modifying the Earth system to such an extent that we are entering into a new epoch, the anthropocene, in which human influences are dominant. The most notable of these is climate change that is being driven by emissions of greenhouse gases from the anthrosphere into the atmosphere.

Chapter 1, “Earth and the Five Spheres of the Environment,” defines and briefly explains each of the environmental spheres. The chapter covers the Earth system and notes alterations of the system caused by human activities. Cycles of matter are defined and the major ones of these are briefly discussed.

Chapter 2, “The Geosphere: Rocks and Soil,” explains the physical and chemical nature of the geosphere and the importance of the geosphere as a source of Earth’s natural capital. The chapter discusses environmental hazards of the geosphere, especially earthquakes and volcanoes. The remainder of the chapter deals with a very thin layer of the geosphere which is of vital importance to life on earth — soil. The chapter discusses threats to soil and ongoing desertification and deforestation, which threaten the ability of soil to support life on Earth.

Chapter 3, “The Hydrosphere: Water for Life,” explains the unique nature of water, the hydrologic cycle in which water circulates through the Earth system, and the occurrence of water on Earth. Water chemistry is briefly explained as is water pollution and water treatment. The chapter finishes with an overview of the uses of water.

Chapter 4, “The Atmosphere and the Air Around Us,” explains the nature of the atmosphere. Emphasis is placed upon the protective role of the atmosphere in keeping Earth at high enough temperatures to sustain life and in providing protection from ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The basics of atmospheric chemistry are discussed as is pollution, including acid-forming gases and photochemical smog. Also discussed in this chapter is the atmosphere as a crucial source of natural capital.

Chapter 5, “The Biosphere: All Living Things,” deals with life. Environmental threats to the biosphere are noted. Also discussed is the role of the biosphere in providing materials, which will become more important for sustainability as petroleum becomes less available as a raw material in the future.

Chapter 6, “The Anthrosphere and the Anthropocene,” explains the basic components of the anthrosphere. This chapter also discusses the concepts of industrial ecology and green chemistry, which are critical to maintaining the anthrosphere sustainably.