Geography Vocab

Perspective

A way of viewing the world

Geography

The study of the natural/physical environment and the cultural/human environment from a spatial perspective

Climate Change

A result of increased levels of atmospheric CO2 produced by fossil fuels

Deforestation

The removal of trees and other plant life from an area

Ecosystem

A system formed by the interactions of the living organisms (plants/animals/humans) and natural elements of the environment

Developed Country (MDC)

An industrialized country with developed economy and relatively high standards of living

Ecological Footprint

The means of measuring human demand for ecological services

Salinity

Australia’s most serious land degradation issue

Sustainable Development

Refers to the management of resources or features to allow for their use in the present while protecting it for future generations

Developing Country (LDC)

A largely agricultural country with a relatively fragile economy and low standard of living

Habitat

The physical environment in which a community of plants and animals live

Urbanisation

the increasing proportion of a country’s population becoming urban

Pollution

The release of any matter into the environment that has a harmful effect

Demographics

The statistical data of a population or particular groups within a population

Biodiversity

The number and variety of species in a certain location

Land Degradation

The result of deforestation, overgrazing and farming

Extinction

The dying out and complete disappearance of a species

Well-being

The ability of people to access the things they need in order to live health, happy and contented lives

Inequality

Unequal or uneven distribution of resources (e.g. money, education and healthcare)

NGO’s

Non-Governmental Organisations (not for profit) and rely on donations