Environmental Sciences and Sustainability

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to non-renewable resources, their impacts on the environment, and the importance of sustainability.

Non-renewable resources

Resources that are finite by nature and form over millions of years, such as fossil fuels and uranium.

Fossil Fuels

Natural substances formed from ancient biological matter, including coal, oil, and natural gas.

Uranium-235

A critical natural resource used as fuel in nuclear power, accounting for approximately 10% of global electricity.

Peak Oil

The point in time when global oil production reaches its maximum rate, after which production will decline.

SO₂ (Sulfur dioxide)

A harmful air pollutant emitted during fossil fuel combustion, contributing to acid rain.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions

Gases such as CO₂ that trap heat in the atmosphere, significantly produced by fossil fuel use.

Land Degradation

The reduction in the land's ability to provide ecosystem services due to human activities, affecting food security.

Carbon intensity

The amount of carbon (CO₂) emissions produced per unit of electricity consumed, used to evaluate energy sources.

Nuclear Power

Energy produced from controlled nuclear reactions; considered a low-carbon energy source compared to fossil fuels.

sustainability

The ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.

Earth's Resources

The natural wealth of the planet, including fossil fuels, minerals, and biodiversity.

Economic Lifeline

Financial assistance (like subsidies) from governments to ensure the continued profitability of fossil fuel industries.

Acid Rain

Precipitation that is significantly more acidic than normal due to air pollutants like SO₂.

The Great Acceleration

The rapid increase in human activity and consumption patterns since the mid-20th century, affecting resource use.

Carbon taxes

A financial charge on fossil fuel consumption based on carbon emissions, aimed at reducing greenhouse gases.

Renewable Energy

Energy derived from resources that are replenished naturally, such as solar, wind, and hydropower.