Unit 1: Introduction to Environmental Science

Can carbon offsets help you reduce your environmental footprint, practice sustainable living and fight climate change?

This backgrounder explains what greenhouse gases are and how they contribute to climate change.

Biofuels like ethanol might help fight climate change. But they can contribute to food insecurity and greenhouse gases in ways that might surprise you.

14 images of some plants such as carrots, cabbage and leeks whose roots, stems or leaves are used for food

Learn about two taxonomy systems that scientists use to classify the life around us.

Cloning makes it possible to bring extinct species back to life. But is that a good idea?

What's tasty, abundant and high in protein and vitamins? Bugs! Bugs feed about 2 billion people each day. They also hold promise for food security and sustainability.

10 images of some cold-blooded vertebrates such as snakes, lizards and alligators typically having dry, scaly skin

12 images of some major parts of plants such as stems, roots, flowers and leaves

6 images of some seeds which are the fertilized part of a plant used for germinating new plants such as fennel, kiwis and pumpkins

9 images of plants in some large naturally occuring habitats called biomes such as tundra, grasslands and boreal forests

6 images of some seedlings sprouting as one of the stages towards full plant growth

10 images showing some stages of plant growth from planting to sprouts growing to harvesting

8 images representing some of the needs of plants for healthy growth such as water, nutrients and light

6 images of insect mouthparts.