Introduction
Title: Environmental Studies: From New Jersey to the Globe
An Open Educational Resource for Students
Welcome to “Environmental Studies: From New Jersey to the Globe,” an open educational resource designed to provide students with a comprehensive and engaging overview of the environmental challenges facing society internationally. Portions of the text will also focus on environmental issues in New Jersey, one of the most ecologically diverse and densely populated states in the United States. This resource aims to empower students with knowledge about the intricate relationship between human activities and the natural world, fostering a deeper understanding of the environmental issues that shape the local and global landscapes. With this background, students will develop the tools necessary to critically analyze any environmental issue they are interested in and make informed choices about their own lifestyles.
Why Open Educational Resource (OER)?
The cost barriers have been removed to relieve students of the financial burdens associated with purchasing a textbook. This allows students to concentrate more on the content of the course without feeling any elevated stress and emotions associated with the price of a textbook. We developed this book with the hopes of reaching a wider student audience, as well as educators and individuals who dedicated to environmental changes in and around their community.
Unveiling New Jersey’s Environmental Landscape
New Jersey, often referred to as the Garden State, boasts a rich natural heritage that spans from the picturesque shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the tranquil forests of the Appalachian Mountains. However, alongside its natural beauty, New Jersey also grapples with a multitude of environmental issues that stem from urbanization, industrialization, and various human activities. In this resource, we will delve into a range of topics, including:
1. Sustainability and Environmental Science
2. Water: A Necessity for Life
3. Solid and Hazardous Waste
4. Environmental Toxins: What are We Exposed To?!
5. Air Pollution
6. Conservation and Biodiversity
7. Climate Change: Are you part of the problem or part of the solution?
We have chosen these topics because they are particularly relevant to our lives here in New Jersey, as well as being applicable to other regions around the world. These topics also allow us to explore environmental issues through the lens of our collective contributions to environmental issues as individuals, as well as the contributions of institutions, and what role both individuals and institutions can play in solving those problems. Through this textbook and your environmental studies or science course at RVCC, you will develop your ability to understand and analyze the environmental topics included in this text, and then you can apply those same tools to understanding and analyzing any environmental issue that you’re interested in.
Embark on Your Environmental Journey
As you begin your journey through “Environmental Studies: From New Jersey to the Globe,” we invite you to deepen your understanding of the intricate interplay between human society and the natural world. Through this open educational resource, we hope to inspire you to take an active role in shaping a more sustainable future for New Jersey and beyond. Whether you are a student, educator, or concerned citizen, your engagement with these topics is a step towards positive change. So, let’s embark together on this enlightening exploration of environmental issues and solutions in the Garden State.
