Big Earth Data: a practice of sustainability science to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals

As the human population continues to grow and use resources, we must be mindful of our planet’s natural limits. Sustainable development provides a pathway to maintain and improve human life now while also ensuring that future generations will have the resources that they need. The long-term success of sustainability efforts rests on understanding the interplay between human actions and ecological systems.

Subject: Physical ScienceChapter: Resources, Energy, and SocietyNGSS Alignment: MS-PS1-3Lesson Title: Environmental Impact of Resource UseThe extraction, processing, and use of natural resources affect the environment in many ways. Resources such as water, fossil fuels, minerals, and forests are essential for human activities, but their overuse can lead to pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. Scientists and engineers work to develop sustainable solutions that balance resource use...

BiosphereThe biosphere is the part of Earth where all life exists, including land, water, and air. It includes every ecosystem, from deserts to rainforests, oceans to tundras. Organisms in the biosphere interact with each other and with non-living parts of the environment, such as sunlight, temperature, and soil. These interactions help cycle nutrients, distribute energy, and maintain balance across the planet. The biosphere's study allows scientists to understand the mechanisms that support...

Environmental Impacts of Nonrenewable ResourcesNonrenewable resources such as coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy play a major role in global energy production and have significant environmental consequences. Extracting, processing, and burning these resources release pollutants, greenhouse gases, and waste products, affecting air, water, and ecosystems. Comprehending these effects is crucial for the creation of more environmentally friendly energy alternatives.Major Environmental...

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) rely on two core types of data: spatial data and attribute data.Spatial DataSpatial data defines the physical location of features within a coordinate system, typically expressed in terms of latitude and longitude. It provides precise positioning for elements like roads, rivers, or buildings.Attribute DataAttribute data complements spatial data by adding descriptive information about these features. For example, a road's spatial data includes its start and...

Branches of Earth ScienceEarth Science is the study of our planet, including its land, water, air, and living things. It has five main branches, each focusing on different parts of the Earth.Geology is the study of rocks, minerals, and Earth's natural processes. Geologists learn how fossils form, how rivers shape the land, and how volcanoes erupt.Oceanography focuses on the ocean. Oceanographers study waves, marine life, and the ocean floor. Meteorology is the study of weather and the...