Planet Earth Flashcards
Agenda 21
The 1992 Rio Earth Summit led to Agenda 21; an agreement between all the governments present to work towards sustainable development on a local and global scale.
Greenhouse gases
Comprising water vapour, carbon dioxide, ozone and other gases. Greenhouse gases provide a thermal layer around the earth to keep the heat. However, as they increase, too much heat is retained.
Then God said “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground”
Genesis 1:26-28
Big Bang theory
Theory of the origin of the universe; about 15 billion years ago a massive explosion was the point at which all matter and space and time began.
Acid rain
Acidic gases from factories and power stations combine with rain which corrodes cars and harms plants and animals
Natural selection
Basis of the theory of evolution, first proposed by Charles Darwin in his ‘on the origin of species’ in 1859
Khalifa
Islamic concept meaning humans should be the ‘viceregents’ or stewards of Allah on earth; in charge but answerable to Allah.
Pollution
Poison, damage and destruction of ecosystems and habitats caused by human action in farming and industry.
Stewardship
Christian concept describing the belief that humans have been placed in a position of intelligence and responsibility over creation, but they answer to God.
Literalism
A reading of Genesis that sees the six days of creation as the literal truth, describing exactly how the universe was made.
Laudato Si: on care of our common home
Pope Francis I’s encyclical on the environment.
‘The earth is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you his stewards over it. The whole earth has been created a place of worship, pure and clean. Whoever plants a tree and diligently looks after it until it matures and bears fruit is rewarded. If a Muslim plants a tree or sows a field and humans and beasts and birds eat from it, all of it is love on his part’
Hadith
‘You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth’
Deuteronomy 8:17-18
The Kyoto protocol
Designed in 1997, goes into effect 2005. A global agreement to reduce green house gases. 192 countries are currently signed up.
Symbolism
A reading of Genesis that seeds an epic poem, a song to creation, reflecting the deep truth that God brought the universe into being, and sustains creation.
“The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers”
Leviticus 25:23
‘In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth’
Genesis 1:1
Destruction of natural habitats
Due to fertilisers, deforestation, construction and pollution, natural plant and animal habitats are being destroyed. This has a further negative impact on the surrounding ecosystems.
Fossil fuels
Made from ancient, compressed bio material. When burnt they release energy. Humans use this energy, but the burning also releases CO2.
Global warming
Increase in global temperature due to human actions such as burning fossil fuels. Massive impact on all life.
‘ex nihilo’
Front of out of nothing: Christian and Muslim belief that God created the universe out of nothing.
Deforestation
The destruction of woods and forests by humans. The destruction of rainforests is particularly dangerous to the worlds ecosystem.
Sustainable development goals (SDGs)
Developed by the UN to last from 2016 to 2030. There are 17 SDGs.
Climate change
A more specific phrase than global warming describing the changes in the world ecosystems due to human action, rather than simply an increase in temperature.
6th Mass Extinction
Caused by humans, species are disappearing at a hugely increased rate due to habitat destruction and hunting.
