Environmental Science Technology

YANAGIHARA, Naohisa
  Elective  2 credits
【Master's program・2nd semester】
19-3-1018-2049

1.
Outline
The Kyoto Protocol is the international agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) signed in Kyoto in December 1997. The Kyoto Protocol aimed to reduce the collective greenhouse gas emissions of developed countries by at least 14% below the 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. This aim is referred to as the first commitment period.
The Earth’s temperature is increasing at unprecedented speed. Rising temperatures will raise sea levels, reducing supplies of fresh water as flooding occurs along coastlines worldwide and saltwater spreads inland. Based on provisional calculations, by the end of the 21st century, the average global temperature will increase by about 1.4~5.8 ˚C, and the average sea level will increase 10~80 cm from the present level.
In this lecture, students will first learn about how humans impact the environment. This will be followed by several topics discussing the environment and energy. Students will be expected to understand and think about how to solve these problems.
2.
Objectives
In this lecture, we will introduce topics on environment and energy, understand their concepts and actual situation, and discuss the proposals for solutions. We aim to raise awareness of each student about grasping environmental problems and solving them without merely accumulating knowledge.
(1) You can acquire the actual situation of the global environment and its problems.
(2) You can acquire the fundamental knowledge leading to basic solutions to environmental problems.
(3) You can master the fundamental knowledge of environmental preservation and biomass recycling.
3.
Grading Policy
An intermediate presentation at the eighth lecture of the course must be obligated. Furthermore, at the fifteenth lecture of the course, students must give an oral presentation (20 min talk + 10 min discussion).
The final grade for this course will be determined by a combination of marks given for your presentation and your participation in discussions.
4.
Textbook and Reference
Not specified. All lectures are done using ppt. In addition, we will separately distribute the materials.
5.
Requirements (Assignments)
In order to acquire a wide range of knowledge and problem awareness related to the global environment, it is acquired to have general knowledge, including humanities, as well as basic knowledge of chemistry and biology.
Please take notes on articles (newspapers, magazines, etc.) related to environmental problems and try to understand the contents of the article. Sometimes we will discuss the content of the article during lecture time.
6.
Note
Classes are conducted in a lecture type while using ppt materials.
7.
Schedule
1. Humans and the Environment
2. Global Climate Change due to CO2 Emissions
3. Global Warming Due to Greenhouse Gases Other than CO2
4. Ozone Layer Depletion
5. Air Pollution and Acid Rain
6. New Energy Sources
7. Current Topics on Global Warming
8. Open Discussion on Lectures (1)~(7)
9. Agrochemicals and Dioxin
10. Effect of Pollution on Ecosystems
11. Ecological Problems Related to Waste and Recycling
12. Recycling of Plastics
13. Biomass Feedstock
14. Current Topics Regarding Recycling
15. Summary and Exam
1.
Outline
The Kyoto Protocol is the international agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) signed in Kyoto in December 1997. The Kyoto Protocol aimed to reduce the collective greenhouse gas emissions of developed countries by at least 14% below the 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. This aim is referred to as the first commitment period.
The Earth’s temperature is increasing at unprecedented speed. Rising temperatures will raise sea levels, reducing supplies of fresh water as flooding occurs along coastlines worldwide and saltwater spreads inland. Based on provisional calculations, by the end of the 21st century, the average global temperature will increase by about 1.4~5.8 ˚C, and the average sea level will increase 10~80 cm from the present level.
In this lecture, students will first learn about how humans impact the environment. This will be followed by several topics discussing the environment and energy. Students will be expected to understand and think about how to solve these problems.
2.
Objectives
In this lecture, we will introduce topics on environment and energy, understand their concepts and actual situation, and discuss the proposals for solutions. We aim to raise awareness of each student about grasping environmental problems and solving them without merely accumulating knowledge.
(1) You can acquire the actual situation of the global environment and its problems.
(2) You can acquire the fundamental knowledge leading to basic solutions to environmental problems.
(3) You can master the fundamental knowledge of environmental preservation and biomass recycling.
3.
Grading Policy
An intermediate presentation at the eighth lecture of the course must be obligated. Furthermore, at the fifteenth lecture of the course, students must give an oral presentation (20 min talk + 10 min discussion).
The final grade for this course will be determined by a combination of marks given for your presentation and your participation in discussions.
4.
Textbook and Reference
Not specified. All lectures are done using ppt. In addition, we will separately distribute the materials.
5.
Requirements (Assignments)
In order to acquire a wide range of knowledge and problem awareness related to the global environment, it is acquired to have general knowledge, including humanities, as well as basic knowledge of chemistry and biology.
Please take notes on articles (newspapers, magazines, etc.) related to environmental problems and try to understand the contents of the article. Sometimes we will discuss the content of the article during lecture time.
6.
Note
Classes are conducted in a lecture type while using ppt materials.
7.
Schedule
1. Humans and the Environment
2. Global Climate Change due to CO2 Emissions
3. Global Warming Due to Greenhouse Gases Other than CO2
4. Ozone Layer Depletion
5. Air Pollution and Acid Rain
6. New Energy Sources
7. Current Topics on Global Warming
8. Open Discussion on Lectures (1)~(7)
9. Agrochemicals and Dioxin
10. Effect of Pollution on Ecosystems
11. Ecological Problems Related to Waste and Recycling
12. Recycling of Plastics
13. Biomass Feedstock
14. Current Topics Regarding Recycling
15. Summary and Exam