Chapter 2 Key terms - Responding to Global Environmental Changes

100 Mile Diet

A lifestyle choice where individuals consume food grown within a 100 mile radius to reduce environmental impact and support local agriculture.

Biocapacity

The capacity of an ecosystem to produce renewable resources and absorb waste, such as carbon emissions.

Consumerism

The cultural practice of continuously purchasing goods and services, often linked to overconsumption and environmental harm

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

A business model where companies integrate, social, environmental, and ethical concerns into their operation and interactions with stakeholders.

Eco Labelling

A certification that indicates a product meets certain environmental or sustainability standards, helping consumer make informed choices.

Ecological Footprint

The measure of human demand on the Earth’s ecosystems, comparing resource consumption to the planet’s capacity to regenerate those resources

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

A policy that holds manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, including post-consumer waste management.

Greenwashing

The misleading practice of promoting a company or product as environmentally friendly when it is not, often through deceptive marketing.

Happy Planet Index (HPI)

An index that measures the well-being of people in relation to environmental impact, emphasizing happiness and sustainability

Indicators

Quantitative or qualitative measures used to assess environmental, social, and economic conditions or trends

Law of Everybody

A principle stating that environmental protection and sustainability require the participation and responsibility of all members of society

Light Living

A lifestyle that emphasizes reducing environmental impact through mindful consumption, energy conservation, and sustainable practices

Living Planet Index

A metric that tracks the health of the planet by measuring changes in populations of wildlife species

Montreal Protocol

An international treaty aimed at reducing the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances to the protect the ozone layer - was very successful.

Nature Deficit Disorder

A term describing the negative consequences of being disconnected from nature, especially in children, leading to physical and mental health issues.

Non-governmental Organization (NGOs)

Non-profit groups independent from the government that work on social, environmental, or political causes.

Ozone

A molecule composed of three oxygen atoms that plays a critical role in protecting Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation (from the sun).

Ozone Layer

A layer of ozone in the Earth’s stratosphere that acts robs most the of the Sun’s harmful UV radiation.

Subsidiarity

A principle in environmental governance that decisions should be made at the most local level possible, empowering communities and local authorities.

Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs)

A set of 17 global goals established by the United Nation to address the world’s most pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges by 2030