Natural Resource Conservation Book

These flashcards cover key vocabulary, concepts, and terms related to natural resource conservation and management as discussed in the lecture notes.

Natural Resources

Elements of the environment that are useful to humans, including water, soil, and minerals.

Conservation

The management of natural resources to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect.

Sustainability

The ability to maintain ecological balance and meet the needs of the present without compromising future generations.

Population Growth

The increase in the number of people in a population, which is a key factor in resource depletion and environmental degradation.

Exploitation Approach

A resource management philosophy centered on using natural resources for maximum profit without concern for ecological impact.

Preservation Approach

A philosophy that advocates for protecting natural resources from human use, preserving them in their natural state.

Utilitarian Approach

A resource management philosophy that promotes the sustainable use of resources to ensure they are available for future generations.

Ecological Approach

A comprehensive resource management strategy that considers the interconnectedness of ecosystems to protect biodiversity and maintain ecological health.

Renewable Resources

Natural resources that can be replenished naturally over short periods, such as forests, fish stocks, and sunlight.

Nonrenewable Resources

Natural resources that exist in fixed quantities and cannot be replenished on a human timescale, such as coal and oil.

Limits to Growth

A report published in 1972 that analyzed the relationships between population growth, resource depletion, and environmental decline.

Risk Assessment

A systematic process for identifying and evaluating potential risks associated with hazards to health or the environment.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

A computer-based tool used to collect, analyze, and visualize geographic data to aid in resource management.

Aldo Leopold

An ecologist responsible for defining the concept of a 'land ethic' and promoting conservation.

John Muir

A naturalist and conservationist who advocated for the preservation of wilderness in the United States.

The Nemesis Effect

The idea that multiple environmental issues can interact and create greater problems than each one would alone.

Earth Summit (1992)

A major international conference aimed at addressing global environmental issues and promoting sustainable development.

Collaboration in Conservation

A strategy that involves diverse stakeholders working together to manage natural resources sustainably.

Environmental Justice

A movement focused on addressing the inequalities in environmental protection and ensuring that all communities are treated equitably.

Adaptive Management

A systematic process of continually improving management policies and practices by learning from the outcomes of implemented strategies.