Environmental Science

Environmental Science

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates knowledge, principles, and research techniques from a variety of academic disciplines, such as, Ecology, Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Physics, and Biology (note: this list is not comprehensive). 

Environmental Science is a relatively new field that started in the 1960’s due an increasing awareness of human-caused environmental problems (Environmental Science, 2020; Kovarik, 2020). Environmental disasters like the Lake Erie Fire, oils spills off the coast of California, toxic and lethal acidic fogs that corroded lung tissue upon contact in Los Angeles and London, widespread use of pesticides, like DDT, drastically reducing bird and other animal populations are some examples that led to a growing awareness of environmental degradation and the impacts on human populations and health (Kovarik, 2020). Rachel Carson’s book, Silent Spring, helped to further increase the general public’s concern about the environment (Environmental Science, 2020). This growing public awareness and concern led to the passing of the Clean Water Act of 1970 and the Clean Air Act of 1972. Since then, the field of Environmental Science has continued to grow. 

Citations (in APA 7 style):

Environmental science. (2020). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from https://academic.eb.com/levels/collegiate/article/environmental-science/607225

Kovarik, W. (2020, September 10). The Sixties. Environmental history timeline. Retrieved from https://environmentalhistory.org/20th-century/sixties-1960-1969/