Environmental Studies: Scope, Components, and Sustainable Development

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, dimensions, earth spheres, and principles of sustainable development and SDGs based on the Environmental Studies lecture notes.

Environ

The French word meaning 'surrounding', from which the term 'Environment' originates.

Environmental Studies

An interdisciplinary academic field encompassing chemistry, physics, life sciences, medical science, agriculture, public health, and engineering.

Environment (General Definition)

The aggregate of living and non-living components, influences, and events surrounding an organism, or a holistic system of spatial, elemental, and socio-economic systems.

Environment (Douglas and Holland definition)

The totality of external forces and conditions that influence the growth, development, and behavior of organisms.

Environment (C.C. Park definition)

All conditions surrounding humans at any point in space and time.

Environment (W.P. and M.A. Cunningham conceptualization)

A construct comprising physical, social, cultural, and technological dimensions.

Atmosphere

The protective gaseous envelope surrounding Earth that sustains life, shields from cosmic radiation, and regulates climate.

Hydrosphere

All water resources, including oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, glaciers, and groundwater, of which only $\sim 1\%$ is readily available as freshwater.

Lithosphere

The outer mantle of solid Earth comprising minerals, soils, and rocks essential for life and development.

Biosphere

The realm of all living organisms and their interactions with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs, balancing economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection.

Brundtland Report (1987)

The landmark report that defined sustainable development as meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs.

Environmental Sustainability

The component of sustainable development that ensures the conservation of biodiversity, forest cover, watersheds, climate mitigation, and the adoption of eco-friendly technologies.

Economic Sustainability

The component of sustainable development advocating transparent budgeting, poverty alleviation, equitable benefit sharing, and the promotion of green enterprises.

Social Sustainability

The component of sustainable development focusing on education, healthcare, awareness building, and the participation and empowerment of disadvantaged communities.

Goal 1: No Poverty

The Sustainable Development Goal focused on ending poverty in all its forms everywhere.

Goal 2: Zero Hunger

The Sustainable Development Goal focused on ending hunger, achieving food security, and improving nutrition.

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

The Sustainable Development Goal focused on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

Goal 4: Quality Education

The Sustainable Development Goal focused on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education.