Lecture Notes: AP Environmental Science

Key Topics Covered

• Environmental Science Basics
• Understanding Ecosystems
• Human Impact on the Environment
• Sustainability Practices

Environmental Science Basics

• Definition and scope of environmental science
• Interdisciplinary nature, involving biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and social sciences

Understanding Ecosystems

• Definition of ecosystems and components (biotic vs. abiotic)
• Energy flow and nutrient cycling
• Food chains and webs

Human Impact on the Environment

• Pollution types: air, water, soil
• Global warming and climate change
• Deforestation and habitat destruction

Sustainability Practices

• Renewable vs. non-renewable resources
• Conservation efforts and policies
• Examples of sustainable practices in agriculture, energy, and resource management

Important Details

• Case studies on the impact of human activities
• Statistics on environmental degradation
• Policies and legislation aimed at reducing human impact

Conclusion

• Summary of key points
• Importance of sustainable practices for future generations

These notes provide a high-level overview of the key concepts in AP Environmental Science, focusing on the interaction between humans and the environment and the importance of sustainability.