1-1 Flashcards
Environment
Everything around us
Environmental science
interdisciplinary science connecting information and ideas from natural and social sciences, and humanities.
Reliance on solar energy
The sun provides warmth and fuels photosynthesis
Biodiversity
Astounding variety and adaptability of natural systems and species
Chemical cycling
Also known as “nutrient cycling.” Circulation of chemicals from the environment to organisms and then back to the environment.
Three principals of sustainablitiy
Solar energy, biodiversity, and chemical cycling
Natural capital
Supported by solar capital
Natural resources
Useful materials and energy in nature
Natural services
Important nature processes such as renewal of air, water, and soil
Resource
Anything we obtain from the environment to meet our needs. Some are directly available for use: sunlight. Some are NOT directly available for use: petroleum
Perpetual resource
A resource that lasts forever. Ex: solar energy, wind.
Renewable resource
Several days to several hundred years to grow. Ex: Forests, grasslands, fresh air, fertile soil.
Sustainable yield
HIghest rate at which we can use a renewable resource without reducing available supply
Nonrenewable resources
Energy resources, metallic mineral resources, and nonmetallic mineral resources
Economic growth
Increase in output of a nation’s goods and services
