Cambridge International AS Level Environmental Management 8291 Syllabus Overview

Flashcards summarizing key vocabulary and concepts from the Cambridge International AS Level Environmental Management syllabus.

Environmental Management

Concerned with the impacts of human activity on the environment.

Sustainability

The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Water Cycle

The continuous cycle of water movement on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Ozone Layer

A layer of ozone in the stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Greenhouse Effect

The process by which certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere, maintaining Earth's temperature.

Biomes

Large ecological areas on the Earth's surface, with flora and fauna adapting to their environment.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Carbon Cycle

The series of processes by which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment.

Scientific Method

A systematic method of investigation involving observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and conclusion.

Acid Deposition

Precipitation of acid rain from atmospheric pollutants, harmful to the environment.

Photochemical Smog

A type of air pollution resulting from the reaction of sunlight with pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor.

Food Security

When all people at all times have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

Energy Security

The reliable availability of energy sources at an affordable price.

Water Security

The capacity of a population to access adequate quantities of acceptable quality water for sustaining livelihoods.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that spread widely and cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.

Renewable Resources

Resources that can be replenished naturally, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy.

Non-renewable Resources

Resources that do not replenish at a sufficient rate for sustainable economic extraction, such as fossil fuels.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits people obtain from ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services.