A Level Environmental Technology CCEA

This subject is broken down into 30 topics in 4 modules:

  1. Environmental Systems and Processes 5 topics
  2. Sustainable Resource Management 5 topics
  3. Environmental Technology: Energy Generation and Efficiency 5 topics
  4. Environmental Assessment and Mitigation 15 topics
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  • 4
    modules
  • 30
    topics
  • 12,196
    words of revision content
  • 1+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Environmental Technology

Environmental Systems and Processes

Earth Systems

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Earth Systems

Earth Systems

The Lithosphere

  • Lithosphere refers to the solid outermost shell of Earth, comprising the crust and the uppermost mantle.
  • This layer is about 100 km thick, and it is composed mainly of rocks, soils, and minerals.
  • Geological processes like erosion, weathering and plate tectonics in the lithosphere contribute to the biogeochemical cycles.

The Hydrosphere

  • Hydrosphere includes all the water present on earth, comprising oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, ground water, and ice caps.
  • It plays a significant role in shaping Earth's climate and geography, as well as sustaining life.
  • Interactions with the lithosphere and the atmosphere facilitate cycles of water, carbon, nitrogen, and other substances.

The Atmosphere

  • The gaseous blanket surrounding Earth is called the atmosphere. It consists of various gases including nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and traces of other gases.
  • It is structured into different layers - troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere, each with distinct characteristics.
  • The atmosphere plays a crucial role in preserving Earth's temperature, thereby facilitating life and weather processes.

The Biosphere

  • The biosphere is the living component of Earth which interacts with the other three 'spheres' to create a sustainable environment.
  • It includes all of Earth's ecosystems and biomes - from the deepest oceans, to the highest mountains and includes all living organisms like plants, animals and microorganisms.
  • The biosphere is where life can exist because it is in this layer that all the necessary conditions for life come together.

Interaction of Earth Systems

  • The four Earth systems are interconnected constantly exchanging energy and matter.
  • Any changes in one system can affect the others. For instance, human activities in the lithosphere such as deforestation can lead to changes in the hydrosphere and atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
  • Understanding these interactions is key to grasping concepts like global climate change, carbon cycle, water cycle and more

Earth Systems and Human Impacts

  • Human activities have considerable impacts on Earth systems. For example, burning fossil fuels increases greenhouse gases in the atmosphere leading to global warming and climate change.
  • Unsustainable use of resources can negatively impact the lithosphere causing loss of biodiversity, soil erosion and desertification.
  • Conservation and sustainable management of these systems are essential for maintaining the ecological balance and health of our planet.

Course material for Environmental Technology, module Environmental Systems and Processes, topic Earth Systems

Environmental Technology

Environmental Assessment and Mitigation

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

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Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Definition and Importance of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a crucial process that identifies the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a project before the decision-making stage.
  • EIA can be effectively used to prevent environmental damage by examining potential interaction between people, projects, and the environment.
  • It supports sustainable development by helping to ensure that environmental considerations and mitigations are included in project design.
  • EIA aids in achieving a balance between resource utilisation and the quality of the environment.

Key Principles of EIA

  • EIA should be utilised early in the project planning phase.
  • It is a legally required process for certain types of projects under the EU Directive 2011/92/EU.
  • Impact assessment involves systematic and holistic evaluation of all potential environmental impacts.
  • It advocates public participation to ensure that public views and concerns are taken into account.

Process of EIA

  • The process begins with screening where it's decided whether a project needs an EIA.
  • This is followed by scoping to identify the potential issues that will need to be investigated.
  • Next step is impact assessment, analysing and interpreting the scale and nature of potential impacts.
  • Then mitigation and impact management is developed to avoid, reduce, or compensate for any significant adverse effects.
  • Lastly, a follow-up to check the accuracy of the EIA and effectiveness of the mitigation measures.

Benefits and Limitations of EIA

  • Benefits include the potential for reduced environmental harm, improved project design, and the involvement of stakeholders in decision-making.
  • Limitations could include lack of hydrogeological knowledge, bias in the EIA process, the potential for non-compliance, and cost and time limitations.

Role of Mitigation in EIA

  • Mitigation measures aim to avoid, reduce and, where possible, remedy or offset any potentially significant adverse environmental effects.
  • It can include measures for pollution prevention, environmental enhancement and compensation for loss of environmental assets.
  • An important duty is to consider alternatives including the 'do nothing' option.

Remember to continuously revise these points and practice answering EIA related questions to ensure thorough understanding. Happy studying!

Course material for Environmental Technology, module Environmental Assessment and Mitigation, topic Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

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