Foundations of Environmental Systems and Societies

This set of flashcards focuses on key concepts across environmental systems and societies, highlighting terms relevant to the course's foundational ideas and themes.

Environmental Value System (EVS)

A worldview that shapes how an individual or group perceives and evaluates environmental issues, influenced by various contexts.

Ecocentric

A viewpoint that prioritizes ecology and nature, integrating social, spiritual, and environmental dimensions.

Anthropocentric

A viewpoint that argues that humans must manage the global system sustainably, often through regulatory means.

Technocentric

A viewpoint that emphasizes that technological developments can solve environmental problems.

Spectrum of EVS

A range of environmental value systems from ecocentric to anthropocentric and technocentric.

Systems Approach

A method of studying complex environmental issues by visualizing interrelated components and their interactions.

Open System

A system that exchanges both energy and matter across its boundary.

Closed System

A system that exchanges only energy and not matter across its boundaries.

Isolated System

A hypothetical system where neither energy nor matter is exchanged.

First Law of Thermodynamics

The principle stating that energy in an isolated system can be transformed but cannot be created or destroyed.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

The principle stating that entropy in a system increases over time, affecting energy available for work.

Tipping Point

The minimum amount of change within a system that will destabilize it and lead to a new equilibrium.

Sustainability

The use and management of resources that allows for full replacement and recovery of ecosystems.

Natural Capital

Natural resources that provide a sustainable income of goods or services.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

A process to evaluate the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a proposed project.

Pollutant

A substance added to the environment through human activity at a rate greater than it can be rendered harmless.

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

A measure of the amount of dissolved oxygen needed to break down organic material in water.

Eutrophication

A process where water bodies receive excess nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen.

Species Diversity

The variety of species within a community, quantified by richness and evenness.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size that a particular environment can sustain.

Ecological Pyramid

A graphical representation to show the feeding relationships and energy flow in an ecosystem.

Resilience

The ability of a system to resist change and maintain stability despite disturbances.

Bioaccumulation

The build-up of persistent or non-biodegradable pollutants within an organism.

Biomagnification

The increase in concentration of pollutants as they move up trophic levels in a food chain.

Carbon Cycle

The series of processes by which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment.

Nitrogen Cycle

The series of processes by which nitrogen and its compounds are interconverted in the environment.

Aquatic Systems

Water-based ecosystems which provide food resources and are impacted by human activities.

Freshwater Availability

The accessibility of adequate, clean water supplies, often unevenly distributed across regions.

Fossil Fuels

Natural substances like coal, oil, and natural gas that are burned for energy, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

Nutrient Cycling

The movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter.

Urbanization

The process by which towns and cities are formed and become larger as more people begin living and working in central areas.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Regions that are significantly rich in biodiversity and under threat from human activities.

Renewable Resources

Natural resources that can be replenished naturally over time.

Nonrenewable Resources

Resources that cannot be replenished within a human timeframe.

Desalination

The process of removing salt from seawater to provide fresh water.

Conservation

The sustainable management of natural resources to prevent their depletion.

Climate Change Mitigation

Efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases.

Adaptation Strategies

Changes made to accommodate or adjust to changes in climate, aimed at reducing harm.

Population Dynamics

The patterns and processes of change in population size and composition over time.

Demographic Transition Model (DTM)

A model that describes how populations transition from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates.

Natural Income

The annual yield from natural capital, including resources that allow for sustainable economic activities.

Solid Domestic Waste (SDW)

Waste produced by households, which includes a variety of materials, some of which are non-biodegradable.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, which can include clean air, water, and natural resources.

Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Market Failure

A situation in which the market does not allocate resources efficiently, often leading to environmental degradation.

Pollution Management Strategies

Approaches taken to reduce or regulate pollutants released into the environment.

Agricultural Practices

Methods and strategies employed in farming, which can impact sustainability and environmental health.

Urban Air Quality

The condition of air in urban areas, often affected by pollutants from vehicles and industries.

Trophic Levels

The hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, comprising producers, consumers, and decomposers.

Intrinsic Value

The inherent worth of a species or ecosystem, regardless of their utility to humans.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all.

Environmental Ethics

The moral relationship between humans and the environment, guiding conservation efforts.

Cultural Attitudes

The beliefs and values held by different cultures that influence their environmental decisions.

Scientific Consensus

General agreement among scientists on a particular scientific issue, based on a body of evidence.

Ecosystem Services Valuation

The process of assigning economic value to ecosystem services for decision making.

Hazardous Waste

Waste materials that are dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment.

Transboundary Pollution

Pollution that crosses national borders, affecting multiple countries.

Biorights

The rights of living organisms to exist and thrive regardless of their utility to human needs.

Environmental Indicators

Data points used to assess the health of the environment and track changes over time.

Local versus Global Environmental Issues

Understanding how environmental problems manifest at both local and global scales.

Local issues may include pollution and habitat loss, while global issues encompass climate change and biodiversity loss.

Wildlife Conservation

Efforts to protect and restore biodiversity and ecosystems, often focusing on endangered species.

Participatory Governance

Involvement of communities in decision-making processes regarding environmental management.

Pollution Sources

The origins of pollutants in the environment, which can be either point or non-point sources.

Soil Erosion

The wearing away of topsoil, often exacerbated by agricultural practices, deforestation, and urbanization.

Waste Management

The collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of waste materials.

Ecological Footprint

A measure of human demand on Earth’s ecosystems, reflecting the amount of natural capital used.

Climate Justice

The concept that seeks to address the inequities in the burden of climate change and its impacts.

Energy Equity

Fair access to energy resources and the benefits of energy production and consumption.

Habitat Loss

The destruction or alteration of natural environments, leading to declines in wildlife populations.

Food Security

The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

Invasive Species

Non-native organisms that can cause harm to the ecosystems they invade.

Ecosystem Restoration

The process of returning ecosystems to their original structure and function after disturbances.

Research Ethics in Environmental Science

The moral principles guiding research conduct in the context of environmental studies.

Biodiversity Conservation Strategies

Approaches taken to protect the variety of life on Earth, including species preservation and habitat protection.

Environmental Policy Frameworks

The structures and guidelines that govern environmental protection and resource management.

Pollution Prevention

Strategies aimed at reducing or eliminating the production of pollutants at their source.

Conservation Biology

The scientific study of biodiversity with the goal of protecting and preserving species, habitats, and ecosystems.

Sustainable Agriculture

Farming practices that are environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible.

Corporate Responsibility

The idea that businesses should conduct their affairs in ways that consider environmental and social impacts.

Carbon Footprint

The total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual or organization.

Environmental Law

Legal frameworks that regulate human impact on the environment to promote sustainable practices.

Environmental Sociology

The study of interactions between societies and their environments, focusing on the social aspects of environmental issues.

Resource Depletion

The consumption of a resource faster than it can be replenished, leading to a decline in availability.

Community-based Resource Management

Local communities managing natural resources sustainably to meet their needs.

Human Rights in Environmental Contexts

The acknowledgment that a healthy environment is essential for the realization of human rights.

This perspective emphasizes the interdependence of environmental protection and the enjoyment of fundamental human rights such as health, clean air, and safe water.

Global Environmental Governance

The regulation and management of environmental issues at the international level.

Climate Action Plans

Strategic frameworks created by local or national governments that outline steps to combat climate change.

The Precautionary Principle

An approach to risk management that advocates taking preventive action in the face of uncertainty.

Conservation Ethics

Philosophical approaches that guide the practice of protecting natural resources and species.

Transdisciplinary Approaches

Methods that integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines to address complex environmental problems.

Biophysical Processes

Natural systems and processes that involve interactions within and between the biological and physical environments.

Water Footprint

The total volume of freshwater used to produce the goods and services consumed by an individual or community.

Ecosystem Resilience

The capacity of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances and maintain its essential functions.