ENMT301 Enviroment And Ecosystems Prinicples
Week 1 Discussion
DQ1 Ecological Footprint Calculator
Take a look at your results from the Ecological Footprint Calculator you completed this week and briefly respond to the following questions:
What is the total number of acres needed to support you?
How does your Ecological Footprint break down into the different consumption categories: Food, shelter, mobility, goods, and services? What does this tell you?
How does your Footprint compare to the 2016 U.S. average per capita Footprint of approximately 8.1 hectares/ 20 acres (Global Footprint Network, 2019)? Does this surprise you? Why or why not?
How many planet Earths would be needed to support the human population if everyone lived like you? When is your personal Earth Overshoot Day? What does this mean?
Of course, not everyone’s ecological footprint is the same. Based on the global average ecological footprint, the Global Footprint Network (n.d.) estimates that we need 1.7 planet Earths to support our global population. By using more resources than our planet can regenerate annually, the global population has an “ecological overshoot” (Global Footprint Network, n.d).
Is this sustainable? Why or why not?
What are the consequences of our large ecological footprints? In particular, what environmental issues have our large ecological footprints produced?
DQ2 Figures and Organizations in the Environmental Movement
After reading about the history of the environmental movement this week, was there one person or organization not mentioned that you believe should have been included? Or was there one person or organization just briefly mentioned that you would like to learn more about?
Choose one person that you are inspired by, or that you believe have contributed significantly to the environmental movement. Describe why you chose this person, how he or she has contributed to the environmental movement, and how this person's views or contributions relate to current and/or historical environmental issues.
Alternatively, describe an organization that has made significant contributions to the environmental movement, either in the past or currently. Describe why you chose this organization, how this organization has contributed to the environmental movement, and the role of the organization in regard to a current and/or historical environmental issues.
DQ3 Thinking about your ENMT career
With your first ENMT course, it is a good time to start thinking about your career. This week, please share (1) your thoughts about why you chose to major in Environmental Management and (2) which career(s) or profession(s) in Environmental Management align best with your reasons for choosing to become an ENMT major. Or, if you are taking ENMT 301 as an elective, share what interests you most about environmental management given the resources in week content this week and additional resources below.
To answer (2), you might want to check career-related resources such as the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/), Department of Labor (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs), Environmental Careers (https://environmentalcareer.com/), EPA Careers (https://www.epa.gov/careers), Construction Jobs (https://constructionjobs.com/), Food Safety Jobs (https://www.careersinfood.com/food-safety-jobs.cfm) or many other environment or human health and safety related organizations and industries.
ENMT301 Enviroment And Ecosystems Prinicples
Week 2 Discussion
DQ1 Biogeochemical Cycles
One of the key concepts in environmental management is biogeochemical cycles. Select one of the biogeochemical cycles we have learned about this week.
How does the matter move through the cycle?
What are some environmental concerns associated with this cycle?
What would occur to ecosystems without biogeochemical cycles?
How are you naturally part of this cycle?
If you need another review of the biogeochemical cycles, check out these videos (optional):
Crash Course Ecology, “The Hydrologic and Carbon Cycles: Always Recycle!” https://youtu.be/2D7hZpIYlCA
Crash Course Ecology, “Nitrogen & Phosphorus Cycles: Always Recycle!” https://youtu.be/leHy-Y_8nRs
DQ2 "Rewild the World"
In his TED Talk “For More Wonder, Rewild the World”, George Monbiot makes a compelling argument for rewilding the world to restore the self-regulating, healthy balance of natural ecosystems. Based on the many ecological concepts you learned about this week, can you provide some scientific facts to support this argument? Can you think of an ecological service not mentioned in the TED talk?
Which factors affect the stability of ecological communities? Provide specific examples of how producers, herbivores, carnivores, scavengers, decomposers or various interspecies interactions are important for ecosystem health.
DQ3 Thinking about your ENMT career: Connecting your career goals with the ENMT 301 course and ENMT program
Please reflect back upon what you have learned in college thus far (including concepts in ENMT 301 for the first two weeks) that might contribute towards your career goals.
Discuss 3-4 specific skills and concepts from your college courses that will likely help you to make meaningful contributions in your future career as an environmental manager.
What connections can you make between concepts covered in this and last week’s course content and your intended future career?
You are welcome to reply to what others have stated and add value to their connections in place of posting your direct response to this question. If you are taking this course as an elective, please share what skills your desired career have in common with what your are seeing as needed for environmental management. Remember that skills are not the same as knowledge.
ENMT301 Enviroment And Ecosystems Prinicples
Week 3 Discussion
DQ1 Water Footprint Calculator
Take a look at your results from the Water Footprint Calculator you completed this week and briefly answer the following questions:
What is your total water footprint? Is it more or less than you expected?
Note how your water footprint is broken down into food consumption, domestic water use, and industrial goods consumption.
Now let us consider some other ways of breaking down your water footprint:
We distinguish direct and indirect water use. What is the difference? Based on your results, is your water footprint more direct or indirect? Briefly explain.
We also distinguish consumptive and non-consumptive water uses. What is consumptive water use? What is non-consumptive water use? Can you think of some examples of each based on your water consumption?
How does your diet affect your water footprint? What are the implications?
What other conclusions can you draw from your water footprint results?
Water is a renewable resource. So why do we need to be concerned about our water footprint when water is renewable through the water cycle?
What are regional and global impacts of our large water footprints?
DQ2 Protecting Biodiversity - In Your Own Backyard
This week’s readings introduce you to biodiversity and its importance, along with major threats against biodiversity.
How do our consumption patterns affect global environmental issues and in particular global species extinction?
Now let’s take a closer look at biodiversity and species endangerment in your own backyard. Visit the Endangered Species website of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at: https://www.fws.gov/endangered/
Select the state you live in and scroll down to see the animals and plants that are threatened or endangered there. Now, select one species to research further:
What is the importance of this species? For example, how does it contribute to its ecosystem? What ecosystem services does this species provide or contribute to?
What are the major threats to this particular species?
What conservation efforts have been made to protect this species? Do you think these efforts effectively address the threats? Why or why not?
For (2), please select a species not previously covered by one of your classmates or add on to what your classmates have discussed with new insights. Post your response using the species you selected as header for your post!
DQ3 Thinking about your ENMT Career: Exploration of UMUC career services
First of all, please explore UMUC career services as it is free and can be very helpful.
Please go to: https://careerquest.umuc.edu:
If you already have a CareerQuest account, login using your UMUC sign-on and password.
If you do not have a CareerQuest account, click on "Join Community!"
Fill out the required information.
This activity takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
If you have questions, email careerservices@umuc.edu or call 240-684-2720 for assistance.
Now that you are on CareerQuest, explore what is available to you.
Which careers in environmental management interest you most? Search for job opportunities for these in these careers in CareerQuest and report 3-5 relevant careers that you found.
ENMT301 Enviroment And Ecosystems Prinicples
Week 4 Discussion
DQ1 Environmental Disasters
Humans have been responsible for numerous environmental disasters throughout history. Examples include Fukushima, Three Miles Island, Chernobyl, Deep Water Horizon, Exxon Valdez, Hudson River, Love Canal, Times Beach, Minamata, Bhopal, Seveso, Flint Water Crisis, and the Dust Bowl to name a few.
Research one environmental disaster and briefly describe what happened, when and where it happened, what it was caused by, what effects it had/has on human health and the environment, and what - if anything - we learned from it to prevent a recurrence.
Could this disaster be prevented by better land use management decisions?
Please select a disaster not previously covered by one of your classmates and post your response using the disaster you selected as header for your post.
DQ2 "Toxic Baby" and the Risk Assessment Process
Think about the human health risk assessment process we have learned about this week, which is used to determine potential risks to human health resulting from the exposure to chemicals in the environment. You also watched the TED Talk “Toxic Baby” with Tyrone Hayes and Penelope Jagessar Chaffer.
First, briefly answer the following question: What was the most surprising or interesting new thing you learned from this TED Talk? Have you heard of the issues discussed in this talk previously?
Then, briefly research one toxic chemical that we are, or may be, exposed to. It can be a chemical discussed in the TED Talk or any other toxic chemical that you have heard of or that interests you. Answer one of the following questions, using the toxin you selected as an example to support your answer:
What happens in the hazard identification stage?
What happens during the dose-response assessment?
What happens during the exposure assessment?
What happens in the risk characterization stage? How is the risk “characterized”?
What is the difference between non-cancer risk assessment and cancer-risk assessment?
What is the difference between risk assessment and risk management?
Please choose a toxin not yet described by other students and indicate it in the header of your post. As always, remember to document any sources you have used, including our course materials.
DQ3 Thinking about your ENMT Career: Exploration of ENMT positions available
Here are some websites that you might want to explore in examining positions (internships and jobs) within various environmental management fields:
Bureau of Labor and Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/)
Department of Labor (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs)
Environmental Careers (https://environmentalcareer.com/)
EPA Internships (https://www.epa.gov/careers/student-internships)
EPA Careers (https://www.epa.gov/careers)
Occupational Health Internship Program (http://aoec.org/ohip/how-to-apply/)
Environmental Health and Safety Positions (https://www.indeed.com/q-Environmental-Health-Safety-jobs.html)
Sustainability Positions (https://www.indeed.com/q-Sustainability-jobs.html)
Construction Jobs (https://constructionjobs.com/)
Food Safety Jobs (https://www.careersinfood.com/food-safety-jobs.cfm)
Choose two of these websites and compare the results to the job listings you obtained in CareerQuest in Week 3. How do the results compare in terms of (1) number, (2) detail, (3) relevance, and (4) practical usefulness to you?
ENMT301 Enviroment And Ecosystems Prinicples
Week 5 Discussion
DQ1 Climate Change Research Explorer
Climate change is a frequent topic in the news, of much political interest, and a major concern for societies around the globe. For this discussion, we will take a look at some of the data scientists compiled researching climate change.
Go back to the Climate Change Research Explorer you looked at this week.
Select one of the graphs/diagrams and describe and interpret the presented data. Be sure to address what exactly is measured (data measured/displayed), the temporal and spatial coverage of the data (units/time range), if there are any noticeable trends or anomalies, and what conclusions can be drawn from the data as it relates to climate change.
Please select data not previously covered by one of your classmates and post your response using the title of the graph/diagram you selected as header for your post.
DQ2 Clearing Up Common Misconceptions
Climate change and stratospheric ozone layer depletion are two major global environmental issues of our time. Closely related to climate change is the widely discussed issue of alternative energy sources. Yet, there are still a lot of misconceptions surrounding these issues.
Pick one of the erroneous statements below and correct them, briefly explaining why they are incorrect based on scientific evidence and scholarly sources or by going back to definitions and using them clearly.
#1. The greenhouse effect and global warming are the exact same thing.
#2. Global warming means that the weather will be warmer and generally “nicer”. The cooler than usual winters and milder and rainy summers show that global warming is not happening.
#3. Stratospheric ozone depletion causes global warming.
#4. Carbon dioxide (CO2) causes stratospheric ozone depletion. (This is a good time to review CHEM 297 to explain why this statement is incorrect.)
#5. Ozone pollution is not a serious air pollution problem. In fact, it can help solve the ozone layer problem.
#6. Electric cars are not better than gasoline-powered cars because electricity is mostly produced from coal, so total carbon emissions are about the same.
#7. Renewable energy is too expensive. It would hurt the economy to make a switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
#8. Biofuels are an environmentally friendly alternative to gasoline, because they are renewable and a carbon-free source of energy.
Please select a statement not previously covered by one of your classmates or add on to what your classmates have discussed with additional insights.
DQ3 Thinking about your ENMT Career: Certifications and registrations
Earning credentials in a profession can open up opportunities for employment and promotions. Credentials can come in the form of certifications, licenses, registrations and more. Here are a few to explore:
Certified safety professional: https://www.bcsp.org/CSP
Registered environmental health specialist: https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/environmental-health-professional
NEHA credentials: https://www.neha.org/professional-development/credentials
Certified hazardous materials practitioner: https://www.ihmm.org/applicants/eligibility-requirements-chmp
NEPA certification: https://qcnr.usu.edu/nepa/
With the career you are interested in mind, please answer the following questions:
Would these certifications be helpful in the career you are interested in? Explain why or why not with supporting evidence.
Share any other certifications that you think would be helpful.
ENMT301 Enviroment And Ecosystems Prinicples
Week 6 Discussion
DQ1 Garbage Content Analysis
How does your weekly garbage content compare to the average composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in the United States as shown in the EPA data?
What are the three main materials found in your garbage by mass?
What actually happens with these materials in terms of collection, processing, recycling, biological treatment, incineration, and/or landfill disposal? Research how these waste materials are handled by your municipality.
How should these materials be managed ideally?
What are the main drivers for solid waste management in your county?
DQ2 Accounting for Environmental Costs
The monetary value of environmental resources and environmental quality is usually not reflected in the pricing of goods and services. Do you think it is useful to properly account for environmental costs?
How could such a full-cost approach be implemented? What effect would such an approach have on product prices and demand, as well as overall consumption patterns? Do you believe such an approach could help address some of the environmental issues we are facing today? Can you think of any examples to support your answer?
DQ3 Thinking about your ENMT Career: Networking and internships
Another aspect of moving into a new career is networking and internships. Of course, internships are a great way to network as well as gain experience to increase your marketability after graduation.
UMGC’s InternPLUS is an innovative approach for busy adults who need to obtain experience outside of the traditional, full-time summer internships. UMUC has partnered with organizations, such as Parker Dewey, to support creative and productive ways to gain real-world experience. You can find more information on InternPLUS here: What is InternPLUS? (Note: If the link does not work for you, sign in to your CareerQuest account, go to “InternPLUS”, and click on the article “What is InternPLUS?”)
Virtual Internships and Staffing and Temp Agencies can provide valuable ways to gain experience. Here you can find some more information on these opportunities including resources on how to find them:
Virtual Internships (or in CareerQuest, go to “InternPLUS” and then “Job Search”, and scroll down to “Virtual Internships”)
Staffing and Temp Agencies (or in CareerQuest, go to “InternPLUS” and then “Job Search”, and scroll down to “Staffing and Temp Agencies”)
Additionally, Volunteering can also be a great option to gain some experience! Maybe you have some opportunities in your area. You also can find some opportunities through the InternPLUS website.
Which innovative solutions in InternPLUS might best fit your schedule and academic plan?
Which InternPLUS options might best support your career pursuits?
ENMT301 Enviroment And Ecosystems Prinicples
Week 7 Discussion
DQ1 Review of the "Story of Stuff" Movie
What are your thoughts on the “Story of Stuff” movie? How does the movie tie in with the concepts and topics discussed in this course? How would our present consumption patterns change if we were to work towards sustainability?
DQ2 Your Sustainable City
This week’s learning resources introduce us to typical features and characteristics of sustainable cities. Now, think about your own community, either were you currently live or where you are originally from.
What sustainable or smart growth features does the community have? What improvements could be made?
Is your community covered in any sustainability rankings? For example, what is the walkability score? Is your community covered in the “Sustainable Cities Mobility Index” (https://www.arcadis.com/en/global/our-perspectives/sustainable-cities-mobility-index-2017/)? Or is your community a “STAR Community” (http://www.starcommunities.org/)? Or maybe you discover another rating your community is part of instead.
How can sustainable city design promote more sustainable consumption practices?
DQ3 Thinking about your ENMT Career: Summary & Reflection
Now that you have spent time over the past six weeks thinking about and researching career options in ENMT, please take some time to reflect on what you have discovered.
Discuss whether the career information you found helped you focus your future career goals onto a specific field within environmental management, or whether you discovered that the information expanded your view of environmental management career options that might interest you.
Discuss 2-3 career options that have resonated with you. What is it about these career options that interest you?
What specific action(s) will better prepare you to pursue these careers? Discuss certifications, registrations, internships, and networking opportunities that can support your pursuit of these careers.
What concepts covered in this course would you most likely use in your career of choice?
ENMT301 Enviroment And Ecosystems Prinicples
Week 8 Discussion
DQ1 Reflection
We covered a lot of material over the past few weeks. Reflect on our course and answer the following questions:
Which topic(s) covered in this course did you find the most interesting? Is it the same topic(s) you indicated in your Expectations Essay Assignment in Week 1?
Which topic(s) did you find most challenging?
Has your personal viewpoint on environmental issues and/or sustainability changed? If so, how?
Has this course inspired you to make any changes in your personal life, such as getting involved with a specific environmental cause?
DQ2 Final Exam Review
This review discussion forum provides you a chance to help each other review and prepare for the final exam.
To participate, post a paragraph about one concept that you learned in this class and found difficult to understand. Do not forget to document your sources, including our course materials.
Then, respond to at least one of your classmates' posts, for example by adding an explanation, providing an example, relating the concept to other topics discussed in class, or making gentle corrections to help each other learn.
Also, please answer any questions classmates might have about your post and provide additional feedback as necessary.
Try to select a concept that has not been chosen by another classmate prior to your post.
