"What is science?" notes Flashcards
Environmental science
the study of how the natural world works, how the environment affects humans, and how humans affect the environment
Ecology
the study of how organisms interact with one another and with their environments
Environment
all the living and nonliving things with which an organism interacts
pollution
the presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance or thing that has harmful or poisonous effects.
environmentalism
a social movement dedicated to protecting the natural world, and by extension, people from the harmful changes produced by human activties
sustainability
able to meet the current demand for a resource without depleting the future supply
anthropocentric
describes a human-centered view of a relationship with the environment. highest value on humans and human welfare-soley focused on how humans are impacted in a diaster
biocentric
gives value to ALL living things. some give equal value to all human and non-humans alike. some place lesser complex organisms with less value, but ALL living things are considered.
ecocentric
judges actions in terms of benefit or harm to the integrity of the WHOLE ecological system-both biotic and abiotic factors. value the well-being of species, communities, or ecosystems over the welfare of an individual
ecological footprint
the environmental impact of an individual or population in terms of the total amount of land and water required
environmental ethics
the application of ethical standards to relationships between humans and their environment
law of supply and demand
the theory that prices are determined by the relationship between supply and demand.
biodegradable
able to decompose or break down naturally
non-biodegradable
does not have ability to decompose or break naturally
depletion/depleted resources
the consumption of a resource faster than it can be replenished
developed (country)
A developed country, or advanced country, is a sovereign state that has a high quality of life, developed economy, and advanced technological infrastructure
developing (country)
a poor agricultural country that is seeking to become more advanced economically and socially.
agricultural revolution
outlines specific periods in human civilization when farming techniques drastically improved the mass cultivation of crops within a relatively short period of time.
industrial revolution
introduction of machinery powered by fossil fuels, marked by the shift from a rural, agriculture-based society to an urban, industry-based society
globalization
The increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of the many peoples of the world who all live and work on one large planet
renewable resources
a resource that is replenished, or renewed over short periods of time
renewable energy
an energy resource that is readily available or that can be replace in a relatively short time; includes wind, moving water, sunlight, and wood
non-renewable resources
Nonrenewable energy resources include coal, natural gas, oil, and nuclear energy
fossil fuels
carbon-containing fuel formed over millions of years from the remains of living things
environmental economics
the field of economics that links environmental and economic costs
