GEF

Unit 4   |  The Global Ecosystem 87 Creating a sustainable society and economy means under- standing how human civilization is embedded within, and dependent upon, the natural environment. The science of ecology teaches us to look at connections—between parts of the Earth as well as between the Earth and human civilization. Ecology and sustainability are integrating frameworks that tie together ideas, such as the environment, energy use, and economics, that are often considered in isolation. In this unit, we will investigate natural systems, how they support human activities, and how sustainability teaches us to see parts in terms of their connection to whole systems. THE BIG IDEA UNIT 3 SELF-ASSESSMENT Before beginning this unit, consider what you already know about sustainability by completing this self-assessment. For each statement below, rate your current level of confidence with understanding sustainability concepts. NOT CONFIDENT SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT CONFIDENT I am able to compare the time of modern humans on Earth relative to the Earth’s entire history. ❍ ❍ ❍ I am able to identify the “four spheres” of Earth, and explain how biogeochemical cycles link the Earth’s systems together. ❍ ❍ ❍ I am able to describe the three most important biogeochemical cycles, and provide examples of how humans impact these cycles. ❍ ❍ ❍ I am able to define the term “ecosystem,” and explain why an understanding of ecosystem services is important for building sustainable societies. ❍ ❍ ❍