Solutions in the Environment

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, definitions, and environmental issues presented in the Solutions in the Environment lecture notes.

Environment

The surrounds or conditions in which a person, animal or plant survives or operates.

Environmental Issues

The harmful effects of human activities on the environment, such as pollution, overpopulation, waste disposal, climate change, and global warming.

Climate Change

Environmental changes caused primarily by greenhouse gases, resulting in destructive impacts such as the melting of glaciers, changes in seasons, and epidemics.

Global Warming

The increase in temperature across the globe caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, automobile emissions, and chlorofluorocarbons.

Ozone Layer

A layer of concentrated ozone gas that protects living organisms from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.

Ozone Layer Depletion

The destruction of the ozone layer by chlorine from CFCs, leaving humans and wildlife exposed to harmful UV rays that cause skin diseases including cancer.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Compounds used in industries and everyday products such as aerosol cans, containing chlorine that destroys the ozone layer.

Water Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances into rivers, oceans, lakes, and ponds, changing the physical, chemical, or biological condition of the water.

Air Pollution

Pollution resulting from emissions produced by industries, automobiles, and the increasing use of fossil fuels, increasing global temperature and disease risks.

Deforestation

The depletion of trees and forests at an alarming rate for commercial purposes, disrupting Earth's climate and eliminating plant and animal species.

Overpopulation

The drastic increase of Earth's population past seven billion, resulting in resource shortages and driving major environmental issues.