Environmental Science Topic 1

Sustainability

Using natural resources in a way that meets present needs without preventing future generations from meeting their needs.

Paris Climate Agreement

An international agreement in which countries work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming.

Biodiversity

The variety of living organisms, including diversity within species, between species, and among ecosystems.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

An international organization that works to conserve biodiversity and protect ecosystems and wildlife.

Scientific Law

A statement describing a consistent pattern or relationship in nature that has been repeatedly observed.

Scientific Theory

A well-supported explanation of natural phenomena that is supported by extensive evidence and repeated testing.

Ecological Footprint

A measure of how much biologically productive land and water a person or population requires to provide resources and absorb wastes.

Carbon Sink

A natural or human-made system that absorbs and stores more carbon than it releases, such as forests or oceans.

Climate Change

Long-term changes in Earth's climate patterns, including changes in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns.

National Park Service (NPS)

A U.S. federal agency that manages national parks and other protected areas and preserves their natural and cultural resources.

Yellowstone

The first national park in the United States and widely considered the world's first national park; it is known for its geothermal features and diverse ecosystems.

Clean Air Act

A U.S. federal law that regulates air pollution and establishes standards to protect air quality and public health.

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

A U.S. federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment by enforcing environmental laws and regulations.

Graze

To feed on vegetation, typically by livestock or herbivorous animals.

Paclitaxel

A chemical compound originally derived from the Pacific yew tree that is used as a chemotherapy drug to treat certain cancers.

Ethical Rules

Principles or guidelines that help determine what actions are considered responsible, fair, or morally acceptable.

Tragedy of the Commons

A situation in which individuals acting in their own self-interest overuse a shared, limited resource, eventually depleting or damaging it for everyone.