Environmental Science - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the environmental science notes.

Environmental science

The study of the interaction of humans with the natural environment, including living and nonliving components.

Environment

All living and nonliving things that interact with us, including climate, soil/landforms, water sources, and other organisms.

Interdisciplinary

Incorporates concepts and ideas from multiple fields of study.

The Tragedy of the Commons

A concept describing how shared, unregulated resources are often depleted as individuals pursue their own self-interest.

Commons

Shared resources or areas that are not privately owned.

Resource

Physical materials that humans need and value (e.g., land, air, water); these can be shared as ‘Commons’.

Pasture

Grazing land; in the example, a common pasture vs. privately divided pasture.

Overgrazing

Grazing so heavily that vegetation is damaged and land becomes barren.

Anthropocentrism

A human-centered philosophy that protects human interests at the expense of other factors.

Ecocentrism

A nature-centered philosophy that assigns intrinsic value to ecosystems regardless of usefulness to humans.

Planetary management worldview

An anthropocentric view that humans should manage Earth’s resources for maximum human benefit, often assuming unlimited growth through technology.

Stewardship worldview

An anthropocentric view that humans have an ethical responsibility to manage Earth sustainably and not waste resources.

Environmental wisdom worldview

An ecocentric view that humans are part of nature and should learn from it to preserve ecosystems.

Sustainability

The ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Inexhaustible resources

Resources that cannot be used up (e.g., sunlight).

Renewable resources

Resources that can be replaced, though replacement may take time (e.g., timber, water).

Nonrenewable resources

Resources that cannot be replaced on a human timescale (e.g., coal, oil, natural gas).

Law of Unintended Consequences

Actions by people or governments that have unexpected effects.

Unsustainability

A condition that cannot be maintained at the current level or rate.

Biodiversity

The number of different species within an ecosystem.

IPAT

Environmental impact I = Population × Affluence × Technology.

Ecological footprint

An estimate of the land area needed to support a person, population, or lifestyle.

Demographic Divide

Differences between developed and developing countries in GDP, education, infrastructure, and living standards.

Externalities

Costs or benefits of a market activity not reflected in market prices (e.g., pollution).

Safe Drinking Water Act

Laws regulating testing and contents of municipal tap water.

Clean Water Act

Laws restricting pollution of surface waters.

Clean Air Act

Laws restricting pollution of the atmosphere.

Endangered Species Act

Laws listing species at risk and outlining recovery plans.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Agency charged with enforcing environmental laws and regulations.