AP World History Unit 9 - Environment, Technology, and Culture

Environmentalism

Advocating for protecting nature and combating pollution and climate change.

Conservation

Protecting natural resources, ecosystems, and wildlife from harm and depletion

Romanticism

A 19th-century artistic and intellectual movement emphasizing emotion, nature, and individual expression over reason and tradition.

John Muir

A naturalist and conservationist who advocated for preserving wilderness in the U.S. and helped establish national parks and the Sierra Club

Preservationist

Someone who advocates for protecting natural areas, historic sites, or cultural heritage from destruction or harm.

Conservationist

Someone who promotes the sustainable use and protection of natural resources and ecosystems.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

A virus that attacks the immune system, weakening the body's ability to fight infections and diseases.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

A disease caused by HIV that weakens the immune system, making the body vulnerable to infections and certain cancers.

Ebola

A deadly virus causing bleeding and organ failure, spread through infected bodily fluids.

Desertification

The process of land becoming desert due to factors like drought, deforestation, and poor farming practices.

DDT

A chemical pesticide once widely used, now banned in many countries due to its environmental and health risks.

Air Quality

The measure of pollutants in the air, affecting health and the environment.

Air Pollution

The presence of harmful substances in the air, often from industrial or vehicle emissions.

Water Scarcity

A shortage of fresh water due to overuse, pollution, or climate change.

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by human activities, usually measured in carbon dioxide equivalents.

Silent Spring

A 1962 book by Rachel Carson that raised awareness about the dangers of pesticides, especially DDT, to the environment.

Greta Thunberg

A Swedish climate activist known for her advocacy for urgent action on climate change.

Anthropocene

A proposed geological epoch characterized by significant human impact on the Earth's ecosystems and climate.

Holocene

The current geological epoch, beginning around 11,700 years ago, marked by the development of human civilization.

Epoch

A period in history or geology marked by distinctive events or characteristics.

Environmental Protection Agency

U.S. government agency responsible for regulating and enforcing environmental laws.

Chipko Movement

An Indian movement focused on protecting forests by hugging trees to prevent deforestation.

Greenpeace

An international environmental organization that focuses on issues like climate change, deforestation, and pollution through activism and advocacy.

Wangari Maathai

A Kenyan environmental activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, known for founding the Green Belt Movement.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Ethically Sourced

Products obtained through practices that ensure fair labor, environmental protection, and sustainability

Conflict Minerals

Minerals mined in conflict zones, often using forced labor and funding armed groups, contributing to human rights abuses.

Three-Mile Island

A 1979 nuclear accident in Pennsylvania where a partial meltdown raised concerns about the safety of nuclear power plants.

Chernobyl

A 1986 nuclear disaster in Ukraine, caused by a reactor explosion, leading to widespread radioactive contamination and health issues.

Fukushima

A 2011 nuclear disaster in Japan caused by a tsunami, leading to meltdowns and widespread radiation release.

Green Revolution

A set of agricultural innovations in the 20th century that increased food production through the use of high-yield crops, chemical fertilizers, and advanced irrigation.

Digital Divide

The gap between those who have access to modern technology and the internet and those who do not.

Personal Compuiter

A computer designed for individual use.

Celular Telephone

A mobile phone that uses wireless networks to make calls, send messages, and access the internet.

Genetic Engineering

The manipulation of an organism's DNA to alter its characteristics or traits.

Crossbreeding

The mating of two different species or varieties to produce offspring with desired traits.

Antibiotics

Medicines used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

Birth Control

Methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy.

Vaccines

Substances used to stimulate the immune system to protect against specific diseases.

Penicillin

An antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928.

Jonas Salk

An American scientist who developed the first effective polio vaccine in the 1950s.

Albert Sabin

A scientist who developed the oral polio vaccine, which became widely used to eradicate the disease.

Artificial Heart

A mechanical device implanted to replace a failing human heart.

Ethnic Nationalism

A form of nationalism that emphasizes the shared ethnicity, culture, and heritage of a specific group to define national identity.

Roma

An ethnic group, also known by the derogatory term gypsy, with origins in northern India, now living primarily in Europe, known for their distinct language and culture.

Negritude

A literary and cultural movement that originated in the 1930s, promoting pride in Black identity and heritage, particularly in response to colonialism and racism.

Liberation Theology

A religious movement that combines Christian faith with political activism, advocating for social justice and the rights of the poor, particularly in Latin America.

Pope Francis

The current pope of the Roman Catholic Church, known for his focus on social justice, environmental issues, and interfaith dialogue.

Desmond Tutu

A South African Anglican bishop and social rights activist who fought against apartheid and promoted peace and reconciliation, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.

Modernism

A movement that embraced innovation and broke away from traditional forms in art, literature, and culture.

Popular Culture

Mainstream cultural elements, such as music, fashion, and entertainment, widely accepted and enjoyed by the general public.

Americanization

The process of adopting American culture, values, or practices, often seen in immigrant communities.

Throwaway Culture

A societal attitude that encourages the disposal of products after short-term use, leading to wastefulness and environmental harm.

Bollywood

The Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, India, known for its vibrant musicals and large-scale productions.

Anime

A style of animated film and television from Japan, known for its colorful artwork, unique storytelling, and diverse genres.

Reggae

A music genre originating in Jamaica, characterized by rhythmic beats, socially conscious lyrics, and influences from ska and rocksteady.

K-Pop

A genre of popular music from South Korea, known for its vibrant performances, catchy songs, and large, multi-talented idol groups.

WhatsApp

A messaging app from Meta that allows users to send text messages, voice messages, make calls, and share media over the internet.

New Age

A broad spiritual movement that blends various beliefs, including mysticism, holistic healing, and environmentalism, often focusing on personal growth and well-being.

Falun Gong

A Chinese spiritual practice combining meditation, exercise, and a moral philosophy based on truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. Owns Shen Yun.

Non Believers

Individuals who do not adhere to or believe in a particular religion, faith, or set of beliefs.

Malala Yousufzai

Pakistani education activist and the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate, known for advocating girls' education and facing violence from the Taliban.

United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization

A specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication.