Environmental Systems and Societies: Foundation

Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS)

An interdisciplinary subject that examines the relationships between humans and the environment by integrating science and socioeconomic perspectives.

Systems Theory

A core principle of ESS focusing on interrelated components within defined boundaries that work together.

Open Systems

Systems that exchange both matter and energy with their surroundings.

Closed Systems

Systems that exchange only energy with their surroundings, not matter.

Feedback Loops

Processes in systems theory where changes in a system trigger mechanisms that either amplify or stabilize those changes.

Positive Feedback

A feedback mechanism that amplifies changes leading to instability, such as the melting of polar ice caps.

Negative Feedback

A feedback mechanism that stabilizes a system and maintains equilibrium.

Sustainability

The principle that human societies must meet their needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Environmental Sustainability

Maintaining healthy ecosystems and biodiversity, preventing overexploitation, and managing waste and pollution.

Economic Sustainability

Creating economic systems that prosper without depleting natural resources.

Social Sustainability

Ensuring human societies are equitable, provide resources, and maintain a healthy standard of living.

Ecology

The study of relationships between living organisms and their environment.

Energy Flow

The movement of energy through ecosystems, starting with sunlight and flowing through food chains.

Trophic Levels

The hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, determined by how energy is obtained.

Nutrient Cycles

Processes that recycle nutrients within ecosystems, such as the carbon, nitrogen, and water cycles.

Ecological Pyramids

Visual representations depicting the flow of energy, biomass, or numbers at each trophic level.

Deforestation

The large-scale removal of forests for agriculture, logging, or urban development.

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances into the environment due to human activities.

Climate Change

Long-term shifts in temperature and climate patterns, primarily attributed to human activities.

Overfishing

Catching fish at rates faster than they can reproduce, disrupting marine ecosystems.

Urbanization

The growth of cities which leads to habitat destruction and increased resource consumption.

Environmental Ethics

The study of how societies value the environment and make decisions about resource use.

Anthropocentrism

The belief that human needs should take priority over the environment.

Biocentrism

The belief that all living organisms have inherent value regardless of their utility to humans.

Ecocentrism

The belief in the intrinsic value of ecosystems as a whole, including non-living components.

Biodiversity Loss

The decline of species and ecosystems due to human impacts such as habitat destruction and pollution.

Resource Depletion

Overconsumption leading to scarcity of natural resources.

Waste Management

The process of managing waste disposal and reducing pollutants.

Food Security

Ensuring access to sufficient and nutritious food for all individuals.

Renewable Energy

Energy generated from natural sources that are constantly replenished.

Conservation

Efforts to protect natural habitats and wildlife.

Sustainable Agriculture

Farming techniques that reduce environmental impact while ensuring food security.

Circular Economy

Economic system aimed at eliminating waste and continual use of resources.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A collection of 17 global goals set by the United Nations to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges.