ESS Topic 8

Natural Increase Rate

Population growth rate calculated as birth rate minus death rate.

Population momentum

Continued population growth due to a young age structure.

Dependency ratio

The ratio of dependents to the working-age population.

Age–sex pyramid

A graph showing population structure by age and gender.

Exponential growth

Population growth at an increasing rate over time.

Mortality rate

The number of deaths per 1

Child mortality

The death rate of children under five years old.

Early expanding

A DTM stage with high birth rates and falling death rates.

Tropospheric ozone (O3)

A harmful air pollutant formed near Earth’s surface.

Primary pollutants

Pollutants emitted directly into the atmosphere.

Secondary pollutants

Pollutants formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

Pollutant gases produced from combustion.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Organic chemicals that contribute to smog formation.

Peroxyacyl nitrates (PANs)

Secondary pollutants causing eye irritation and plant damage.

Acid rain

Precipitation made acidic by sulfur and nitrogen oxides.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

A pollutant gas from burning fossil fuels.

Temperature inversion

A condition trapping pollutants near the ground.

Photochemical smog

Smog formed by sunlight reacting with pollutants.

Flue gas desulfurization (scrubbers)

Technology removing sulfur dioxide from emissions.

Urban planning

Designing land use and infrastructure in cities.

Renewable energy sources

Energy sources that replenish naturally.

Particulate matter

Tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in air.

Catalytic converters

Devices reducing vehicle exhaust emissions.

Urban area

A region with high population density and infrastructure.

Urbanization

The movement of people into cities.

Sustainable urban development

Urban growth that balances environmental and social needs.

Land use planning

Managing land development efficiently.

Zoning

Regulations controlling land use.

Crude birth rate (CBR)

Number of births per 1

Crude death rate (CDR)

Number of deaths per 1

Total fertility rate (TFR)

Average number of children per woman.

Life expectancy

Average number of years a person is expected to live.

Doubling time

Time required for a population to double.

Demographic transition model (DTM)

A model showing population change over time.

Late expanding

A DTM stage with declining birth and death rates.

Smart cities

Cities using technology to improve sustainability.

Urban sprawl

Low-density expansion of cities.

Green spaces

Parks and vegetated areas in cities.

Transportation systems

Infrastructure for movement of people and goods.

Waste management

Collection and disposal of waste.

Urban resilience

The ability of cities to recover from disturbances.

Eco-cities

Cities designed to minimize environmental impact.

Governance

Decision-making processes in society.

Urban design

Planning the layout and structure of cities.

Energy-efficient

Using less energy for the same output.

Urban infrastructure

Physical systems supporting cities.

Public transportation

Shared transport services.

Urban density

Number of people per unit area.

Urban growth boundaries

Limits placed on city expansion.

Sustainable cities

Cities designed for long-term environmental health.

Pro-natalist policies

Government policies encouraging births.

Anti-natalist policies

Government policies discouraging births.

Immigration

Movement of people into a country.

Emigration

Movement of people out of a country.

Environmental migration

Migration caused by environmental factors.

Biocapacity

The ability of ecosystems to support human demand.

Social foundation

Minimum social standards for well-being.

Sustainable development

Meeting present needs without harming future generations.

Population structure

The distribution of ages and sexes in a population.