Enviro ch 1

environment

The biological and physical surroundings in which any given living organism exists

environmental science

An interdisciplinary field of research that draws on the natural and social sciences and the humanities in order to understand the natural world and our relationship to it.

applied science

Research whose findings are used to help solve practical problems.

empirical science

A scientific approach that investigates the natural world through systematic observation and experimentation.

environmental literacy

A basic understanding of how ecosystems function and of the impact of our choices on the environment.

sustainable development

Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same

What Characteristics Make an Environmental

Dilemma a “Wicked Problem”?

there are multiple causes and consequences, different stakeholders prefer different solutions potential solutions come with trade-offs.

Trade-offs

the imperfect and sometimes problematic responses that we must at times choose between when addressing complex problems

Triple bottom line

Solutions must be

• good for the environment

• good for society

• affordable

Sustainable development

development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same

Anthropocene

A proposed new geologic approach that is marked by modern human impact

Sustainable

capable of being continued indefinitely

Renewable energy

energy that comes from an infinitely available or easily replenished source

Ecosystem services

essential ecological processes that make life on earth

• EX: water cycle

Biodiversity

the variety of life on Earth

• EX: genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity,

Nonrenewable resources

resources whose supply is finite or not replenished in a timely fashion

Social traps

decisions by individuals or groups that seem

good at the time and produce a short-term benefit but that

hurt society in the long run

• EX: the tragedy of the commons, sliding reinforcer

(pesticide use and evolution of resistance)

Tragedy of the commons

the tendency of a user (individual

or group) to abuse commonly held resources in order to

maximize their own personal interest

Worldview

the window through which one views one’s

world and human existence; this influences individual

environmental ethics.

Environmental ethic

the personal philosophy that influences

how a person interacts with his or her natural environment

and thus affects how one responds to environmental

problems

Anthropocentric worldview

a human-centered view that assigns

intrinsic value only to humans

Biocentric worldview

a life-centered approach that views all life as

having intrinsic value, regardless of its usefulness to humans

Ecocentric worldview

a system-centered view that values

intact ecosystems, not just the individual parts