Definitions Flashcards
Environmental Value system
The way an individual perceives the environment and the resources it provides with them
Ecocentrism
Prioritises the intrinsic value of nature and the environment over human needs and interests
Anthropocentrism
places humans at the centre of the universe, prioritising human needs and interests
Technocentrism
that places technology and human ingenuity at the centre of all problem-solving and decision-making processes, often overlooking the impact on the environment and other living beings
Flows
Flows are either transfers or transformation
transformation
change in chemical nature, a change in state or change in energy
transfer
a change in location
open systems
both energy and matter are exchanged between the systems and it’s surroundings
closed systems
Energy but not matter is exchanged between the systems and it’s surroundings
isolated systems
No energy or matter is being exchanged with the surrounding
Positive feedback
Positive feedback is any mechanism in a system that leads to additional and increased change away from the equilibrium
negative feedback
negative feedback is a mechanism that counteracts a change away from the equilibrium
tipping point
the minimum amount of change within a system that will destabilise it, causing it to reach a new equilibrium
sustainability
meeting out current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
Primary pollution
primary pollutants are directly emitted into the environment. Carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels
Secondary pollutant
when primary pollutants undergo a physical or chemical reaction in the atmosphere
