Environmental and Urban Development Review Flashcards

Vocabulary and concepts regarding environmental protection, waste management, energy potential, and urban planning based on the Shqipëri lecture context.

Hunting Moratorium (Shqipëri)

A policy aimed at the protection and recovery of wild fauna.

Anthropocentrism

An approach that places human beings at the center of the relationship with the environment.

Irreversible Land Use

A form of land utilization specifically referring to urban construction zones.

Gentrification (Shqipëri)

A phenomenon primarily associated with the urbanization of rural and hilly areas.

Legalization of Illegal Constructions

A process often criticized for its failure to include assessments of natural risks.

Climate Change (Drin Cascade)

A driver that increases extreme rainfall and the risk of flooding in the Drin river system.

Deforestation (Drin Watershed)

An action that increases flood risk by reducing the soil's capacity to retain water.

Hydroelectric Plants

Infrastructures that impact the environment primarily by altering the natural regime of rivers.

Pendular River Displacement

Downstream movement of a river that is determined by the rate of sedimentation.

Thermal Insulation (Primary Function)

The reduction of energy losses within building structures.

Thermal Insulation (Environmental Advantage)

The dual benefit of reducing both energy consumption and pollution levels, including $CO_2$ emissions.

Decoupling

A concept representing economic growth achieved while simultaneously decreasing energy consumption.

Incinerators

Waste management tools used to reduce the volume of waste that is sent to landfills.

Modern Waste Management Hierarchy

A system that prioritizes the reduction and recycling of waste at its source.

Air Quality Index (AQI) Increase

An indication of worsening air quality and a resulting increase in health risks in urban areas.

Sustainable Urban Development

A model where wealthy status is defined by universal public transport use rather than reliance on private cars.

Interglacial Periods

Periods in geological time during which sediment accumulation dominates the downstream flow of rivers.

Glacial Periods

Periods in geological time dominated by scouring and erosion in the upstream flow of rivers.

Energy Saving Potential (Shqipëri)

A significant national capacity for energy conservation through thermal insulation estimated at $800\,MW$.

Energy Efficiency

The reduction of the amount of energy consumed while maintaining the same level of service or standard of living.