THE PROBLEM OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
The subject of detrimental environmental change has received very much attention in the media for decades. Policy makers, Scientists, and the public have become more and more concerned about the threat that such change if it continues unabated, poses for the future. A lot of scientists from a variety of disciplines have been systematically studying specific aspects of this change and attempting to identify effective strategies for preventing or mitigating potentially catastrophic effects.
Human factors researchers have not focused much attention on this area in the past. Perhaps it has been assumed that the discipline has little to offer toward the solution of environmental problems. We believe it does have something to offer. This chapter represents an effort to stimulate and contribute to a dialogue that will help identify what some of the possibilities are.
Environmental change occurs as a result of both natural and human processes. Environmental systems and human activities contribute to environmental changes through the transformation and transportation of large quantities of energy and materials. Natural systems transform the sun's energy into living matter and cause changes by cycling materials through geological, biological, oceanic and atmospheric processes (the biogeochemical cycles described below). Human activities, on the other hand, transform materials and energy into products and services to meet human needs and aspirations.
Why we need to protect our planet from environmental changes?
Because we love our planet in the way that she is now!