Linda Jones, Northeast Center, Saratoga Unit, SUNY Empire State College explains in this video and writes:

“Environmental Science is a broad, interdisciplinary science which focuses on the complex physical, chemical, and biological dynamics driving environmental processes and considers ways human activities impact and are impacted by these processes.  It encompasses both natural sciences, such as ecology, biology, chemistry, atmospheric science, oceanography, and geology, and social sciences including anthropology, archeology, ethics, economics, engineering, geography, political science, and sociology.”

“Environmental scientists explore management strategies and techniques for habitat restoration and remediation (e.g. wetland restoration, creation of marine reserves, creation of terrestrial conservation areas, controlled burns, species breeding and reintroduction, and erosion control).  They work to develop sustainable agricultural and water management practices, methods for reducing chemical inputs into the environment, and new renewable energy technologies.  Environmental scientists consider the impacts of landscape fragmentation and the benefits of “greening” urban environments.  They also examine policies created by local, national and global agencies to address environmental challenges.  Environmental scientists study ways current understanding of environmental processes can be used to manage ecosystems and natural resources sustainably.”

Below is a list of resources on this topic. Find a more complete list of resources with links for learning and teaching about this topic on our Pinterest site:

Earth in the Balance: Ecology and the Human Spirit, Al Gore

Win-Win Ecology: How the Earth’s Species Can Survive in the Midst of Human Enterprise, Michael L. Rosenzweig

Living Downstream: An Ecologist’s Personal Investigation of Cancer and the Environment, 2010, Sandra Steingraber