Environmental Science Exam Study Guide

Population Milestones

Key historical points in human population growth.

Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

Rate of births needed for population replacement.

Carrying Capacity

Maximum population size an environment can sustain.

Contraception

Methods to prevent pregnancy and control birth rates.

Demographic Transition

Model showing population changes over time.

Cairo Consensus

Agreement emphasizing gender equality in population management.

Ecological Footprint

Land and water area required for resource consumption.

I = PAT Formula

Impact equals population times affluence times technology.

Water Reservoirs

Natural storage locations for Earth's water supply.

Residence Time

Average duration water remains in a reservoir.

Groundwater-dependent Ecosystems

Ecosystems reliant on groundwater for survival.

Point Source Pollution

Pollution from identifiable sources like pipes.

Nonpoint Source Pollution

Diffuse pollution from sources like agricultural runoff.

Water Scarcity

Insufficient freshwater availability for population needs.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

Technology to capture and store CO₂ emissions.

Renewable Energy

Energy from sources that replenish naturally.

Paris Agreement

International treaty to limit global temperature rise.

Sustainable Resource Management

Practices ensuring resources are used responsibly.

Recycling

Process of converting waste into reusable materials.

Electronic Waste (E-waste)

Discarded electronic devices containing hazardous materials.

Green Technology

Innovative solutions reducing environmental impact.

Urban Sustainability

City initiatives for pollution reduction and green spaces.

Pollution Taxes

Financial charges to reduce environmental pollution.

Local Sustainability Programs

Community efforts promoting conservation and recycling.

Groundwater Depletion

Over-extraction of groundwater leading to resource issues.

Overfishing

Catching fish faster than they can reproduce.

Desalination

Process of removing salt from seawater for freshwater.

Stability Transition

Phase where birth and death rates stabilize.