Untitled Flashcards Set

Anthropocentric Worldview

A human-centered view of the world that asserts that humans are the most important beings and that the environment is primarily valuable for its utility to humans.

Expansionist Worldview

A perspective encouraging the expansion of human populations and consumption at the expense of the environment, advocating for continuous growth and development.

Biocentric Worldview

A worldview that sees all living organisms as having intrinsic value and deserving of moral consideration.

Ecological Worldview

A perspective emphasizing the interconnectedness of humans with the natural environment and advocating for the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Three Pillars of Sustainability

The three main dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic.

Ecological Footprint

A measure of human demand on Earth’s ecosystems, representing the natural resources required to support human activities.

Social Sustainability

Focuses on improving the well-being and quality of life of individuals, ensuring access to resources, rights, and opportunities.

Economic Sustainability

The ability of an economy to support long-term growth without depleting natural resources or harming the environment.

Environmental Sustainability

Practices that ensure natural resources are used in a way that doesn’t harm the environment or deplete ecosystems.

Biocapacity

The capacity of an ecosystem to regenerate and provide resources that meet human demands.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

A numerical scale measuring the quality of air, based on pollutants like particulate matter and ozone.

Environmental Performance Index (EPI)

An index ranking countries on environmental health and ecosystem vitality, assessing environmental sustainability.

Earth Overshoot Day

The day when humanity's demand for natural resources exceeds the planet's ability to regenerate them in that year.

Resource Scarcity

The lack or insufficiency of critical resources such as water, energy, and raw materials needed to sustain life.

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations to address issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change by 2030.

Primary Sector

The part of the economy involving the extraction of raw materials from nature.

Secondary Sector

The part of the economy involving manufacturing and processing raw materials into finished goods.

Tertiary Sector

The part of the economy focused on services such as education, healthcare, and banking.

Economic Structure

The distribution of output, income, and employment across different economic sectors.

Economic Disparity

Uneven distribution of income, wealth, and opportunities among different groups in a society.

Poverty

Condition of lacking resources to meet basic human needs such as food and shelter.

GDP per Capita

Total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country divided by its population.

Traditional Society

A society that relies on subsistence farming, barter systems, and traditional production methods.

Establishing Conditions for Takeoff

A phase in economic development where prerequisites for sustained growth are established.

Economic Takeoff

A period of rapid economic growth and industrialization characterized by increased investment.

Drive to Maturity

A stage in development where a society diversifies its economy and advances technology.

High Mass Consumption

A stage characterized by widespread consumerism and high levels of economic output.

Gini Index

A measure of income inequality within a nation, ranging from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality).

Income Disparity

Unequal distribution of income among individuals or households.

Social Mobility

The ability of individuals to move up or down the social and economic ladder.

Extreme Poverty

A condition where individuals live on less than $1.90 per day.

Wealth

The total assets owned by an individual or group, including property and investments.

Income

Regular earnings received from work, business, or investments.

Local Economic Disparity

Economic inequality within a specific geographic region or community.

Gender Pay Gap

The difference in earnings between men and women for the same work.

Racial Pay Gap

The wage disparity between racial groups, reflecting systemic inequalities.

National Economic Disparity

Income and wealth inequality between different countries.

Colonialism

A policy of acquiring political control over another country and exploiting it economically.

Mercantile System

An economic theory where the government regulates trade to ensure favorable balance.

Infrastructure

The basic physical systems and services necessary for the functioning of a society.

Concession Companies

Private companies granted rights to exploit natural resources or manage public services.

Neo-colonialism

A form of indirect control where powerful countries exert influence over less-developed nations.

Transnational Corporations

Large companies that operate in multiple countries and influence global trade.

Global 500

Ranking of the 500 largest companies in the world by revenue.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Total value of goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific period.

Free Trade

International exchange of goods and services without tariffs or restrictions.

Tariff

A tax imposed on imported goods to protect domestic industries.

Non-tariff Barrier

Regulatory measures other than tariffs that restrict international trade.

Trade Quota

A limit on the quantity or value of a product that can be traded.

Traditional Economy

An economy based on customs and barter with little technological advancement.

Market Economy

An economic system where prices and production are determined by supply and demand.

Command Economy

An economic system where the government controls production and pricing of goods.

Mixed Economy

An economic system that combines elements of market and command economies.

Left-wing

A political ideology advocating for social equality and government intervention in the economy.

Right-wing

A political ideology advocating for limited government intervention and individual responsibility.

Progressivism

A political ideology supporting social reform and equality.

Protectionism

Economic policies designed to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.

Neoliberalism

A policy framework emphasizing free markets and limited government intervention.

Great Depression

A severe worldwide economic downturn in the 1930s characterized by high unemployment.

Keynesian Economics

An economic theory advocating for government intervention to stabilize economic fluctuations.

Development Assistance

Aid provided by wealthier nations to support the economic development of less-developed countries.

Aid Fatigue

Decline in willingness to provide foreign aid due to concerns about its effectiveness.

Remittances

Money sent by migrants back to their home countries to support family and local economies.