Environmental Change and Health Issues

The period starting approximately 12,000 years ago when humans began altering the environment on a significant scale due to the adoption of agriculture.

A period marked by rapid industrialization, technological advancements, and increased reliance on fossil fuels, leading to a substantial increase in environmental impact.

The period beginning in the mid-20th century characterized by unprecedented and accelerating changes in human activities and their effects on the Earth's systems.

The term refers to the substantial increase in respiratory illnesses and cancers experienced by thousands of individuals involved in the rescue and recovery efforts following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The phenomenon of 9/11 first responders having a higher rate of COVID-19 infections during the early stages of the pandemic.

The science-based recognition that the Bush administration's EPA director made misleading statements regarding the environmental risks in lower Manhattan in the aftermath of 9/11.

The sum of all chemicals released into the atmosphere, both by human activities and natural processes.

The idea that air pollution does not respect geographical boundaries, affecting regions beyond where it originates.

The recognition that air pollution prematurely results in the deaths of over 8 million people annually.

The understanding that air pollution levels can change significantly depending on seasonal patterns, time of day, and other factors.

The field of environmental studies is an interdisciplinary approach that combines knowledge from various disciplines to address environmental problems.

Environmental studies aims to provide practical, action-oriented knowledge that can be used to address environmental problems.

The core principle of environmental studies is to integrate scientific understanding with social practices, values, and beliefs to create a more sustainable future.

The recognition that Indigenous knowledge systems have a significant role in environmental understanding and problem-solving, complementing and enriching Western scientific perspectives.

The practice of using fire in a controlled way to manage landscapes, a traditional technique employed by Indigenous peoples.

The concept that the traditional ecological knowledge of Indigenous societies can supplement and enhance modern scientific understanding of the environment.

The recognition that Indigenous knowledge played a crucial role in the discovery and development of medicinal plants, leading to the creation of drugs like aspirin.

A philosophical approach to environmental conservation that prioritizes the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

The species' ability to adapt to changing environments is directly influenced by the level of genetic diversity within its population.

The accidental contamination of soil and water by the herbicide Agent Orange used by the US military in Vietnam during the 1960s and 1970s.

Chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system, potentially leading to developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune issues.

The basic scientific understanding of how greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

The persistent presence of mercury, a toxic chemical, in all five Great Lakes of North America.

The widespread use of pesticides, particularly DDT, leading to various unintended environmental consequences.

The idea that some species have a greater chance of surviving environmental changes due to their higher genetic diversity.

The concept that human activities are influencing the Earth's climate system in significant ways.

The idea that the benefits of waging war, even if short-term, are outweighed by the long-term environmental and health consequences.

The process of restoring degraded ecosystems by reintroducing native species or allowing natural processes to take over.

The concept of a circular economy, where resources are used and reused in a continuous loop, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.

The term refers to the unintended consequence of fracking, which creates a significant amount of packaging waste due to the process of extracting natural gas.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 0.5 mm in diameter, posing a threat to marine life and potentially impacting human health.