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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.
