Key Concepts in Environmental Science and Sustainability

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to environmental science, sustainability challenges, and ecological interactions.

Holocene

The current geological epoch that started approximately 11,700 years ago following the Last Glacial Period.

Anthropocene

A proposed geological epoch characterized by significant human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems.

Carbon footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, product, or organization, expressed in CO2 equivalent.

Ecological footprint

The amount of land and water area required to produce the resources consumed and absorb the waste generated by an individual or population.

Biochemical cycles

Pathways through which chemical elements and compounds move through biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) compartments of the Earth.

Trophic level

The position an organism occupies in a food chain, which determines its role in the ecosystem.

Biodiversity

The variety and variability of life forms within a given ecosystem, measured in several ways including genetic, species, functional, and landscape diversity.

Ecological resilience

The ability of an ecosystem to withstand disturbances and return to its original state.

Tipping point

A critical threshold at which a system undergoes a major change, often leading to an inability to recover.

Negative feedback loop

A process that counteracts change to maintain a system in equilibrium.

Flow-type resource

A resource that replenishes quickly and should be prioritized for sustainable use.

Stock type resource

A resource that replenishes slowly and should be protected to prevent over-exploitation.

Fund-type resource

A resource that should be reused to promote circular economic flows.

Chemical/material cycling

The biogeochemical processes that circulate matter within ecosystems.

Pollution

The introduction of harmful contaminants into the natural environment.

Point source pollution

Pollution that comes from a single, identifiable source.

Acidification

The process through which the pH levels of soil or water decreases due to the absorption of acidic compounds.

Eutrophication

The enrichment of a water body with nutrients, often leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen.

Ambient air pollution

The presence of harmful pollutants in the air that adversely affects human health.

Transboundary pollution

Pollution that travels across borders, affecting air and water quality in other regions.

REACH

An EU regulation concerning the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals.

Anthropocentrism

An ethical perspective that places humans at the center of consideration, valuing human needs above all.

Biodiversity

The variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems.