Introduction to Environmental Science

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering fundamental concepts, systems, ethical philosophies, attitudes, and the seven core principles of Environmental Science.

Environment

The surrounding conditions that affect an organism during its lifetime, including all living and non-living factors influencing survival and growth.

Science

The systematic study of the natural world through observation, experimentation, and evidence to solve problems and understand how phenomena work.

Environmental Science

An interdisciplinary field combining traditional physical and life sciences with social sciences to study the interactions between Earth's systems and human systems.

Interrelatedness

A core concept stating that all living and non-living components of an environment are interconnected, such that changes in one part influence other parts.

Ecosystem Approach

A holistic management strategy for land, water, and living resources that accounts for the complex interactions among organisms, their environment, and human activities.

Ecosystem

A functional unit of nature where a biological community of organisms interacts with its physical environment through energy flow and nutrient cycling.

System

A group of interacting, interrelated, and interdependent parts or components that function together as a complex and unified whole.

Environmental Ethics

The branch of philosophy examining the moral relationships, duties, and values that guide human interactions with the natural environment and future generations.

Anthropocentrism

A human-centered philosophical approach asserting that only humans have direct moral standing and that nature's value is derived solely from its benefits to people.

Biocentrism

A life-centered ethical theory asserting that all living organisms possess inherent worth and have an intrinsic right to exist, regardless of their usefulness to humanity.

Ecocentrism

An ecological-centered perspective maintaining that ecosystems, biodiversity, and ecological processes themselves have direct moral worth and intrinsic value.

Aldo Leopold

An American conservationist and ecologist who pioneered ecocentrism and argued that humans are members of a broader biotic community rather than conquerors of nature.

Development Approach

The most anthropocentric environmental attitude, assuming humans should master nature and that continuous economic growth via converting resources to products is a moral ideal.

Preservation Approach

The most ecocentric environmental attitude, advocating that large portions of nature must be kept intact and pristine because nature possesses intrinsic value apart from human use.

Conservation Approach

An environmental management attitude that seeks a balance between development and preservation, aiming to protect natural resources for long-term human well-being.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Three Pillars of Sustainable Development

The interdependent and mutually reinforcing dimensions of sustainability consisting of Environmental Sustainability, Economic Sustainability, and Social Sustainability.

Nature Knows Best

An environmental principle stating that nature maintains its own balance and that human activities must respect and align with natural processes rather than disrupting them.

All Forms of Life Are Important

An environmental principle stating that every organism has an intrinsic role and purpose in sustaining overall ecological balance.

Everything Is Connected to Everything Else

An environmental principle emphasizing the interdependence of all biotic and abiotic factors, meaning disruptions in one component affect the entire system.

Everything Changes

An environmental principle recognizing that the natural world undergoes constant adaptation and evolution through biological and physical processes.

Everything Must Go Somewhere

An environmental principle noting that matter and waste do not disappear after disposal, but remain in environmental cycles and may cause pollution if unmanaged.

Ours Is a Finite Earth

An environmental principle asserting that the Earth's natural resources are exhaustible and limited, requiring conservation to ensure continued availability.

Nature Is Beautiful and We Are Stewards of God's Creation

An environmental principle asserting that humans have a moral obligation as guardians and caretakers to protect, conserve, and sustain the integrity of the natural world.