Let's begin  by clarifying a couple of key concepts:

• An environmental problem involves humans, the environment and interactions between the two. The problem occurs when an environmental event threatens human well-being or the quality of the environment. Water pollution is an example of an environmental problem.
• An environmental problem becomes an environmental issue when two or more people, or groups of people, disagree about how to solve the problem. For example, deciding how to address the pollution problem for a particular river becomes an environmental issue.

(Taken from Hungerford, Literland, Peyton, Ramsey and Volk, 1996. Investigating and evaluating environmental issues and actions: Skill development program. Champaign, IL: Stipes Publishing)

Assignment #2:  Thinking Globally, Acting Locally

• Think about  a few of the environmental problems that are impacting your community/region. On the Discussion Board, list 3-4 of these problems. Categorize your list by jotting down key words or short phrases which answer these questions for each of the problems you’ve listed: "Are the problems you’ve listed likely to become resource issues, or waste issues, or some other category?

• What are the root causes of the problems? (e.g. individuals, the culture, government, or industry?)

• What must people learn that will help them address the root causes of environmental issues? (e.g. Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes, etc.)Brainstorm several reasons why it can be important or advantageous to get involved in smaller, locally-oriented and “solve-able” issues.  How is the local/community issue you’ve chosen connected to larger scale (state, national, international) environmental problems/controversies?