Sustainability Flashcards
Able to be replenished naturally over time
S: Sustainable
Ex: Solar and wind power are examples of x energy sources
Renewable
Restore to a former level or condition
S:Replace, restore
Ex: Crop rotation and cover cropping are implemented to x soil nutrients and maintain long term agricultural productivity
Replenish
A cultivated plant that is grown on a large scale commercially
S: harvest, yield, producing, gathering
Crop
A complex system of living organisms and the environment, interacting as a funcional unit
S: Environment
Ex: The preservation of the environment is crucial for maintaining healthy x
Ecosystem
The total amount of greenhouse gas emissions, mainly carbon dioxide, produced directly or indirectly by human activities
S: Environmental impact
Ex: Reducing our x is essential for combating climate change
Carbon footprint
The variety of species and ecosystems present in a particular region
S: Biological diversity
Ex: Conserving x contributes to a more resilient and sustainable environment
Biodiversity
The concept of designing products and systems with the aim of minimizing waste and promoting continuous use of resources
S: Closed-loop system
Ex: The company adopted a x approach by recycling and reusing materials
Circularity
The ability of a system or community to withstand shocks and recover quickly from disruptions
S: Robustness
Ex; Building x infrastructures is essential to adapting to the challenges of climate change
Resilience
The process of renewing or restoring a natural environment or resource to a healthier state
S:Restoration
Ex: Forest x efforts aim to restore ecosystems affected by deforestation
Regeneration
Actions taken to reduce the severity or impact of a problem such as climate change or environmental degradation
S: Reduction
Ex: Carbon x strategies focus on lowering greenhouse gas emissions
Mitigation
Achieving maximum output with minimum input or waste
S: Effectiveness
Ex: Energy x measures save both resources and money
Efficiency
The practice of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
S: Balanced growth
Ex: X seeks to balance economic, social and environmental goals
Sustainable development
Reduction in the number or quantity of something
S: Exhaustion
Ex: The x of the ozone layers poses a serious environmental threat, as it allows harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun to penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere.
Depletion (esaurimento)
Useless due to the expenditure of all resources
S: Depleted
Ex:
The irresponsible disposal of single-use plastic contributes to the environmental degradation, as the materials are often discarded after a single use and quickly end up being x, contributing to pollution and resource depletion
Used up
Damaged and shabby as a result of much use (also means very tired)
S: Shabby
Ex:
The concept of sustainability emphasizes the importance of prolonging the lifespan of products to reduce the frequency at which items are discarded when they become x
Worn out (consumato)
The careful preservation and protection of natural resources, often to prevent loss or depletion
S: Preservation
Ex: Wildlife x efforts aim to protect endangered species and their habits
Conservation
Seriously at risk of extinction
S: Jeopardize, Risk
Ex: The unsustainable exploitation of natural resources and unchecked pollution significantly x the delicate balance of ecosystems, threatening the long-term sustainability of our planet
Endanger
Put something or someone into a situation in which there is danger of loss, harm or failure
S: Threaten, Endanger, Imperil
Ex: The reckless exploitation of natural resources could x the delicate balance of ecosystems and compromise the long-term sustainability of our planet
Jeopardize
Put at risk of being harmed, injured or destroyed
S: Endanger, risk, put at risk
Ex: The continued disregard for sustainable practices and the overexploitation of natural resources x the delicate balance of our ecosystems, putting the well-being of future generations at risk
Imperil
The natural process by which organic materials break down into simpler substances returning nutrients to the ecosystem
S: Breakdown
Ex: Composting promotes x and reduces organic waste
Decomposition
The release or discharge of substances, such as pollutants or gases into the environment
S: Discharge
Ex: Vehicle x contribute to air pollution and climate change
Emission
Adjusting or changing in response to new conditions or challenges, often related to climate change
S: Adjustment
Ex: Coastal communities are implementing x strategies to address rising sea levels
Adaptation
The deterioration or decline of the quality of the environment, often due to human activities
S: Deterioration
Ex: Soil x can lead to reduced agricultural productivity
Degradation
The exhaustion or reduction of natural resources at a rate faster than they can be replenished
S: Exhaustion
Ex: Overfishing can lead to x x in ocean ecosystems
Resource depletion
