Ultimate Guide: Environmental Systems and Societies (HL)

Ecological Pyramids

Visual representations that illustrate energy flow, biomass, or numbers at each trophic level in an ecosystem.

Human Impacts on the Environment

The effects of human activities that can lead to environmental degradation, such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change.

Deforestation

The large-scale removal of forests leading to habitat loss, reduced biodiversity, and carbon emissions.

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment, affecting ecosystems and human health.

Climate Change

Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns primarily driven by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels.

Overfishing

Unsustainable fishing practices that deplete fish stocks and disrupt marine ecosystems.

Urbanization

The growth of cities resulting in habitat destruction, increased pollution, and resource consumption.

Environmental Ethics

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

Anthropocentrism

The belief that human needs and desires 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 that ecosystems as a whole have intrinsic value and should be preserved.

Biodiversity Loss

The decline of species and ecosystems worldwide due to habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution.

Resource Depletion

Overconsumption of resources leading to scarcity, such as water and fossil fuels.

Waste Management

The process of collecting and disposing of waste materials, reducing pollution and environmental harm.

Food Security

Ensuring access to sufficient and nutritious food for a growing global population while minimizing environmental impact.

Renewable Energy

Energy sources that are replenished naturally, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.

Conservation

Efforts aimed at protecting natural habitats and wildlife to preserve biodiversity.

Sustainable Agriculture

Farming practices that focus on producing food without harming the environment, using techniques like organic farming and crop rotation.

Circular Economy

An economic model focused on minimizing waste and making the most of resources by reusing and recycling materials.

Feedback Mechanisms

Processes that influence the stability of systems, which can be positive (amplifying changes) or negative (stabilizing).

Ecosystem Services

Benefits provided by ecosystems, such as clean air, water purification, pollination, and climate regulation.

Habitat Restoration

The process of repairing damaged ecosystems to restore biodiversity and ecological function.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Designated regions of the ocean where human activity is restricted to protect marine biodiversity.

Conservation Success Stories

Examples where conservation efforts have effectively restored or protected biodiversity.

Conservation Failures

Instances where efforts to protect biodiversity were ineffective, leading to species decline or extinction.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A set of goals established by the United Nations to address global challenges related to poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.

IUCN Red List

A comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.

Ecosystem Diversity

The variety of different ecosystems that exist within a particular area or region.

Genetic Diversity

The variety of genes within a species, allowing for adaptation and resilience against environmental changes.

Species Diversity

The variety of species within a certain ecosystem or on Earth, contributing to the overall biodiversity.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that invade new ecosystems, often causing harm to native biodiversity.