The separation between the study of natural aspects by natural scientists and societal aspects by social scientists.
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Ecological Modernization
A theory that suggests capitalism can adapt to be environmentally sustainable through innovations and policies.
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Environmental Sociology
The study of how social systems interact with ecosystems.
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Treadmill of Production Theory
A theory that explains how capitalism leads to environmental degradation by continuously requiring economic growth.
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Deep Ecology
An environmental philosophy that argues for the intrinsic value of nature and advocates for a reduction in human impact on the environment.
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Environmental Health
The study of how environmental factors affect human health and well-being.
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Social Vulnerability
Characteristics of a community that expose it to greater risk during environmental hazards.
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Environmental Inequality
The unequal distribution of environmental benefits and burdens across different social groups, often affecting marginalized communities.
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Ecofeminism
An ideology that connects the exploitation of nature with the oppression of women, advocating for gender equality in environmentalism.
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World-Systems Theory
A framework that examines the historical exploitation of countries by wealthier nations and its impact on global inequalities.
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Precautionary Principle
The principle that advocates for preventive action in the face of uncertainty regarding environmental risks.
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Conspicuous Consumption
The practice of purchasing expensive items to display wealth and social status.
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Planned Obsolescence
A policy of producing goods that are designed to have a limited lifespan to encourage repeat purchases.
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Green Chemistry
The design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation of hazardous substances.
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Environmental Racism
The disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on communities of color, stemming from systemic inequalities.
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Environmental Privilege
The advantages enjoyed by certain groups in society regarding their access to environmental goods.
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Environmental Justice Movement
A movement advocating for the fair treatment of all individuals and communities regarding environmental laws and policies.
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Ecological Marxism
A theory that critiques capitalism for its systematic overexploitation of natural resources and labor, leading to environmental degradation.
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Biomimicry
An approach to innovation that seeks to imitate nature's models and systems to solve human challenges.
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Reflexivity
A concept that involves critically examining one’s practices and assumptions in light of new knowledge.
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Water Pollution
The contamination of water bodies, often due to human activities, resulting in adverse effects on ecosystems and human health.
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Sustainable Development
A model of development that aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
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Risk Society
A term by Ulrich Beck that describes modern societies characterized by pervasive risks and uncertainties, particularly regarding environmental dangers.
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Conservation
The responsible management of natural resources to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect.
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Preservation
The protection of nature through management and conservation to ensure that ecosystems and biodiversity are maintained.
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Climate Change
Long-term alterations in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, primarily driven by human activities.
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Social Movements
Organized efforts by groups of people to promote or resist social change.
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Community Resilience
The ability of a community to adapt to and recover from adversities such as natural disasters or socio-economic challenges.
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Technological Disasters
Accidents that arise from human-made systems failing, resulting in hazardous substances or environmental damage.
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Transnational Corporations
Companies that operate in multiple countries, often pursuing profit maximization whilst impacting local environments.
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Urban Ecology
The study of the relationship between living organisms and their urban environment.
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Environmental Activism
Efforts to promote environmental protection, often involving protests, lobbying, or educational campaigns.
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Waste Management
The process of treating solid waste and offers solutions for recycling items that do not belong to trash.
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Pollution Prevention
Practices aimed at reducing the amount and toxicity of waste produced.
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Grassroots Movements
Community-based efforts that arise from local interests and needs rather than external forces.
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Environmental Policy
Decisions and laws that guide how society interacts with the environment and manages natural resources.
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Environmental Ethics
A philosophical perspective that considers the moral relationship between humans and the environment.
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Globalization
The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or operate on an international scale.
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Sociological Imagination
The ability to see the connection between personal experiences and larger social influences.
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Anthropocentrism
A human-centered view of the world that regards humans as the most significant entities.
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Stratification
A system of ranking individuals or groups within a society.
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Sustainable Practices
Methods of using resources that avoid depletion and maintain ecological balance.
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Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
Organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
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Fossil Fuels
Natural substances such as coal, oil, and natural gas that are derived from the remains of ancient organisms.
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Food Sovereignty
The right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods.
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Greenwashing
The practice of marketing products as environmentally friendly when they are not.
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E-waste
Electronic waste that is discarded after its useful life.
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NIMBY
An acronym for 'Not In My Backyard,' reflecting opposition to local environmental hazards.
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Locally Unwanted Land Use (LULU)
Land uses that are typically resisted by local communities, such as landfills and incinerators.
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Environmental Communication
The study of exchanges and dialogue regarding environmental issues and policies.
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Biocentrism
An ethical perspective that places intrinsic value on all living beings.
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Air Quality Index (AQI)
A measure that determines the quality of air in a specific location.
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Habitat Destruction
The process by which natural habitat is rendered unable to support the species present.
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Endangered Species
Species that are at risk of extinction.
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Biodiversity
The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
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Sociocide
Destruction of society and community through environmental degradation and injustice.
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Carbon Footprint
The total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly and indirectly by human activities.
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Alternative Energy
Energy sources that do not rely on fossil fuels, including wind, solar, and geothermal energy.
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Carbon Trading
A market-based approach to controlling pollution by providing financial incentives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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Ecosystem Services
The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, including clean air, water, and pollination.
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Thermal Pollution
The degradation of water quality by changing its temperature.
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Reforestation
The process of replanting trees in a deforested area.
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Overfishing
Depleting fish stocks through excessive fishing.
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Carbon Neutrality
Achieving a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere.
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Deforestation
The large-scale removal of trees from forests, leading to environmental harm.
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Renewable Resources
Resources that can be replenished naturally over time.
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Environmental Degradation
The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources and destruction of ecosystems.
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Sustainable Agriculture
Farming practices that meet current food needs without compromising future generations.
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Green Roofs
Roofs covered with vegetation, improving insulation and managing stormwater.
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Public Environmental Awareness
The recognition and understanding of environmental issues by the general public.
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Action for Climate Empowerment
A framework for promoting education and public awareness related to climate change.
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Zero Waste philosophy
A mindset that encourages redesigning resource life cycles to sustainably manage products and materials.
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Environmental Collaboration
Working together across sectors and disciplines to achieve environmental goals.
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Social Capital
The networks of relationships among people in a society enabling cooperation for mutual benefit.
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Clean Air Act
U.S. federal law designed to control air pollution on a national level.
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National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
A U.S. law that promotes the enhancement of the environment.
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
A universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity by 2030.
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Environmental Diplomacy
The negotiations between nations aimed at addressing ecological issues.
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Social Responsibility
The obligation of individuals and organizations to act for the benefit of society at large.
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Waste to Energy
A process of generating energy in the form of electricity or heat from the primary treatment of waste.
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Upcycling
The creative reuse of waste materials to create new products.
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Climate Justice
The recognition that those least responsible for climate change are often the most affected by its impacts.
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Carbon Trading
System where countries or companies can trade emissions allowances to meet caps for greenhouse gases.
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Energy Efficiency
Using less energy to perform the same task or produce the same result.
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Sustainable Transportation
Transport methods that have a lower impact on the environment.
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Coastal Erosion
The loss of coastal land due to the action of waves, currents, tides, and human-related interference.
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Food Deserts
Areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food.
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Environmental Audit
A systematic evaluation of an organization’s environmental performance.
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Water Scarcity
The lack of sufficient water resources to meet the needs of a population.
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Fisheries Management
Regulating fishery operations to sustain fish stocks and protect ecosystems.
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Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
A process to evaluate the potential environmental effects of a proposed project.
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Ecosystem Restoration
The process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded.
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Transparency in Environmental Reporting
The practice of openly providing information about environmental performance.
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Anthropogenic Changes
Changes to Earth’s environmental systems resulting from human activity.
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Cultural Ecology
The study of how human societies adapt to their environment.
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Biodiversity Loss
Decline in the number and variety of species in a given habitat.
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Environmental Indicators
Statistical data used to measure environmental quality and health.
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Waste Reduction Strategies
Policies and practices designed to minimize waste production.
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Return on Investment (ROI) in Sustainability
Calculating the financial benefits of sustainable practices against their costs.
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Environmental Stewardship
Responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices.