unit 7

Sustainable Development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.

Renewable Resources

Natural resources that can be replenished naturally over time, such as solar energy and wind.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits that humans receive from ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services.

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product.

Greenhouse Effect

The warming of the Earth due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.

Conservation

The sustainable management of natural resources to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect.

Ecological Footprint

A measure of human impact on Earth’s ecosystems, expressed as the amount of biologically productive land and water required to produce the resources consumed and to absorb waste.