APES Unit 9 Global Change Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key sustainability concepts, economic principles, and environmental conservation terms from the APES Unit 9 transcript.

Sustainability

Meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs.

Tragedy of the Commons

Shared resources are overused when individuals act in self-interest.

Sustainable Yield

Use of a resource at a rate that does not deplete it.

Ecological Footprint

Amount of biologically productive land and water needed to support a lifestyle.

Biocapacity

Ability of ecosystems to regenerate resources and absorb wastes.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Comparison of the costs and benefits of an action.

Environmental Economics

Study of economic decisions involving environmental impacts.

Externality

Cost or benefit not included in the market price.

Marginal Cost

Additional cost of producing one more unit.

Marginal Benefit

Additional benefit of producing one more unit.

Maximum Sustainable Yield

Largest harvest that can be sustained over time.

Command-and-Control Regulation

Government sets specific pollution limits or standards.

Cap and Trade

Emission permits are limited and can be bought or sold.

Carbon Tax

Fee imposed on greenhouse gas emissions.

Subsidy

Government payment that encourages certain activities.

Greenwashing

Misleading claims about environmental benefits.

Life-Cycle Analysis

Assessment of environmental impacts from production to disposal.

Environmental Justice

Fair treatment of all people regarding environmental policies.

Environmental Racism

Disproportionate environmental burdens on marginalized communities.

Precautionary Principle

Take preventive action when a threat is plausible.

Mitigation

Actions that reduce the severity or causes of environmental problems.

Adaptation

Adjustments to reduce vulnerability to environmental change.

Resilience

Ability of a system to recover after disturbance.

Conservation

Protection and wise use of natural resources.

Restoration Ecology

Repairing damaged ecosystems.

Biodiversity Hotspot

Area with high species richness and many endemic species.

Protected Area

Region set aside for conservation.

National Park

Protected public land managed for conservation and recreation.

Ecosystem Services

Benefits humans obtain from ecosystems.

Circular Economy

Economic system that minimizes waste and reuses materials.