Environmental Science

Global Population

Over 8 billion people.

Environmental Impact

Determined by population size and per-person impact.

Kerala Model (India)

A case study demonstrating social justice and full literacy resulting in lower birth rates.

Agricultural Revolution

Transition from hunter-gatherer societies to farming, leading to increased food production and higher birth rates.

Industrial Revolution

Period marked by improved health and sanitation, more than doubling life expectancy since 1800.

Zero population growth

Occurs when birth and death rates equalize.

Crude Birth Rate

Higher in less developed countries.

Crude Death Rate

Generally stable, but higher in aging populations in developed countries.

Demographic Transition Model

Stages of population growth that transitions from high birth and death rates to low rates.

Women's Education

Empowers women and reduces fertility.

Earth's Carrying Capacity

The maximum population an environment can support sustainably.

Ecological Footprint

Reflects resource use and waste production.

Urban Areas

Locations that typically experience the most growth due to migration.

Megacities

Cities with over 10 million people.

Environmental Justice

The concept that everyone should have access to a clean and healthy environment.

Suburban Sprawl

Expansion of low-density developments outside cities leading to increased environmental impact.

Urban Green Spaces

Promote health, reduce crime, support wildlife, and improve air quality.

Smart Growth

Encourages walkable communities and redevelopment of empty lots.

LEED Certification

Certification for green building by the U.S. Green Building Council with multiple levels.

Green Roofs

Helps in reducing cooling costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Guinea Worm Disease (GWD)

A disease caused by contaminated water resulting in painful blisters.

Environmental Hazards

Threats to human health from pollution, chemicals, and infectious diseases.

Waterborne Diseases

Diseases transmitted through contaminated water, such as GWD.

Chemical Hazards

Substances that can cause harm to human health and the environment.

Public Health Initiatives

Programs aimed at minimizing environmental health risks.

IPAT Model

A formula used to estimate environmental impact based on population, affluence, and technology.

True Cost Accounting

Accounting that incorporates both internal and external costs of environmental impact.

Linear Economic Model

A system where resources are taken, used, and disposed of; leads to waste.

Circular Economic Model

A more sustainable approach that reuses materials and reduces waste.

Mining

The extraction of natural resources, including minerals and fossil fuels.

Ecosystem Services

Processes that sustain life and provide economic value, such as water purification.

Reclamation

The process of restoring a damaged natural area.

Boreal Forest

A coniferous forest found at high latitudes characterized by low temperatures.

Eutrophication

Excess nutrients causing algal blooms and reduced oxygen levels in water.

Point Source Pollution

Pollution from easily identified sources, such as factory discharge.

Watershed Management

Managing water resources in land areas that drain into a body of water.

Montréal Protocol

An international treaty to phase out substances that deplete the ozone layer.

Paris Agreement

International accord aimed at combating climate change through emissions reductions.

Water Footprint

The total amount of water used for producing goods and services.

Desalination

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