ESS Topic 7

Natural resources

Materials and energy sources obtained from the environment.

Renewable resources

Resources that can be replenished naturally over time.

Non-renewable resources

Resources that exist in finite quantities.

Natural capital

The stock of natural resources that provide benefits to humans.

Natural income

Resources generated naturally from ecosystems.

Ecosystem services

Benefits humans gain from ecosystems.

Ecosystem goods

Tangible products provided by ecosystems.

Energy sources

Materials or processes used to produce energy.

Renewable energy

Energy from sources that are naturally replenished.

Non-renewable energy

Energy from finite sources.

Wind energy

Energy generated from moving air.

Solar energy

Energy derived from sunlight.

Circular economy

An economic system focused on reuse and recycling.

Sustainability

Meeting present needs without compromising future generations.

Solid domestic waste

Household waste generated by consumers.

Upcycling

Reusing waste materials to create higher-value products.

Humus

Decomposed organic matter in soil.

Diseases

Illnesses that can result from poor waste management.

Trash-to-energy

Conversion of waste into usable energy.

Linear economy

An economic model based on take-make-dispose.

Incineration

Burning waste to reduce volume.

Composting

Biological decomposition of organic waste.

Hazardous waste

Waste that poses risks to health or environment.

Sanitary landfill

Engineered waste disposal site.

Biodegradable

Capable of being broken down by microorganisms.

Reuse

Using items again instead of discarding.

Landfill

A site for waste disposal.

Vermicomposting

Using worms to decompose organic waste.

Mercury

A toxic heavy metal pollutant.

Chemicals

Substances that may cause environmental harm.

Inert

Not chemically reactive.

Repurpose

Using an item for a new function.

Wasteful

Using resources inefficiently.

Methane

A potent greenhouse gas produced from waste.

Organic waste

Biodegradable waste from living matter.

WEEE

Waste electrical and electronic equipment.

Recycling

Processing waste into new materials.

Leachate

Liquid that drains from landfills.

Community

A group of people sharing a location or interests.

E-waste

Discarded electronic devices.

Reduce

Minimizing resource use.

Tidal energy

Energy generated from ocean tides.

Geothermal energy

Energy from Earth’s internal heat.

Hydropower

Energy generated from flowing water.

Biomass

Organic material used as fuel.

Fossil fuels

Coal

Pollution

Contamination of the environment.

Greenhouse gas emissions

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.

Coal

A carbon-rich fossil fuel.

Oil

A liquid fossil fuel.

Natural gas

A gaseous fossil fuel.

Nuclear energy

Energy released from nuclear reactions.

Energy consumption

The amount of energy used.

Energy transition

Shift toward sustainable energy systems.

Energy security

Reliable access to affordable energy.

Energy efficiency

Using less energy for the same output.

Energy conservation

Reducing energy use.

Intermittency

Inconsistent energy supply from renewables.

Energy storage

Methods of storing energy for later use.

Battery storage

Storing energy in chemical batteries.

Pumped hydroelectric storage (PHS)

Storing energy by pumping water uphill.

Fuel cells

Devices generating electricity from chemical reactions.

Environmental justice

Fair treatment of all people regarding environmental policies.

Resource security

Reliable access to essential resources.

Economic globalization

Increasing global economic integration.

Overexploitation

Excessive use of resources beyond renewal rates.

Virtual water trade

Water embedded in traded goods.

Precision agriculture

Using technology to optimize farming.

Technological innovation

Development of new technologies.

Global supply chains

International networks of production.

International trade

Exchange of goods between countries.

Water security

Reliable access to safe water.

Food security

Access to sufficient nutritious food.

Geopolitical tensions

Conflicts arising from resource competition.

Environmental degradation

Damage to ecosystems.

Sustainable yield

The maximum resource use without depletion.