7.7 KBAR (HAHA THE LAST HGAP NOTES I WILL EVER TAKE DOWN)

Sustainable Development

Meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs, integrating economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection.

Resource Depletion

Gradual depletion of natural resources faster than they can be replenished, leading to scarcity.

Nonrenewable Resources

Resources that are finite and will run out quickly if not managed properly.

Industrial Agriculture

Agricultural practices that rely on large-scale production and often contribute to resource depletion and environmental issues.

Point Source Pollution

Pollution that originates from a single identifiable source, such as a discharge pipe from a factory.

Non-Point Source Pollution

Pollution that comes from multiple sources and is not easily identified, often mixed with runoff.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A naturally occurring gas in the atmosphere that is a significant contributor to global warming.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, often driven by human activity.

4 Rs of Sustainability

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rethink—strategies to mitigate environmental impact.

Clean Air Act (1963)

U.S. legislation that set standards for emissions from factories and vehicles to improve air quality.

Clean Water Act (1972)

U.S. legislation that set standards for water quality and regulated pollutant discharges into water bodies.

Carbon Neutrality

Achieving a net-zero carbon footprint through reducing and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions.

Renewable Energy Sources

Energy sources that are replenishable, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

Ecotourism (Chumbe Island, Tanzania)

Sustainable travel to natural areas that supports conservation and local communities, while minimizing environmental impact.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Seventeen global goals set by the United Nations to address various global challenges, including poverty, inequality, and climate change.

CO2 Offsets

Processes like reforestation that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to compensate for emissions.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.

Soil Degradation

The decline in soil quality caused by inappropriate land use, leading to lower agricultural productivity.

Urbanization

The increasing number of people living in urban areas, often leading to higher resource consumption and pollution.

Climate Action

Efforts aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.

Environmental Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances into the natural environment, leading to adverse effects on ecosystems and human health.

Mass Consumption Culture

A societal norm characterized by the extensive purchase and consumption of goods and services, often leading to environmental concerns.

Deforestation

The clearing of forests for other uses, which contributes to habitat loss and resource depletion.

Drought

An extended period of deficient rainfall relative to the statistical multi-year average for a region.

Industrialization

The development of industries in a country or region on a wide scale, often leading to significant environmental impacts.

Renewable Resource Management

Practices focused on sustainably utilizing natural resources to ensure their availability for future generations.

Global Warming

The long-term heating of Earth's climate due to human activities, particularly the increased levels of greenhouse gases.