Chapter 1 (Midterm) Flashcards
sustainability
sustainability
nature’s resources are finite/the use of these resources shouldn’t outpace nature’s ability to replenish nor diminish needs of future generations
ecosystem
environmental system that includes 1+ communities and their nonliving environments: abiotic, biotic, physical
biodiversity
diversity of life, importance of life together
ecosystem services
services upheld by the environment
anthropogenic threats
humans living unsustainability
ecological footprint
all pollution humans create or the amount of productive land, freshwater, ocean, etc. required to supply one person with life
POPs + effects
persistent organic pollutants: DDT, mercurcy
-linked to hormonal disruptions, changes in reproductive system, neuro/learning disabilities, and cancer
biomagnification
increase in concentration of substance as it moves up levels of the food chain
bioaccumulation
accumulation of substances into living things
biosphere
all of the world’s living organisms
carbon dioxide
the most abundant of the greenhouse gases, which enhance climate change; released by burning of fossil fuels and by respiration.
populations
Groups of individuals of the same species living in a particular geographical area.
greenhouse gas
A gas (i.e., carbon dioxide) that contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation and trapping heat in the atmosphere.
acid rain
Rainfall that is more acidic than normal; it has a pH value of five or less. (sulfur dioxide)
ecosystem
An environmental system that includes one or more communities and their non-living environments.
communities
Groups of two or more species interacting together.
provisioning services
supply food, fresh water, timber coal, etc
regulating services
regulate climate, disease, water
cultural services
spiritual, religious, inspirational value
frontier mentality
natural resources were unlimited
main environmental issues today (5)
overpopulation, climate change, pollution, habitat degradation/destruction/fragmentation, loss of biodiversity
positive feedback
output of system becomes input and signals process to continue
negative feedback
output becomes input and inhibits
throughput
movement of energy through a system
full-cost pricing
The price of a product that reflects direct costs, the impact the product has on the environment, and any remediation costs.
Millennium Assessment
The first assessment of the world’s ecosystems.
sustainable development goals
Global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity of all people by 2030.
eco-labeling
informs shoppers of product’s env. impact/helps customers be env. informed before making a purchase
grasshopper effect
warm air rises, creates parcel of air, goes towards poles, takes pollution with it
Spheres of Earth
lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere
