Environmental Science Chapter 1 Flashcards

Key Concepts in Environmental Science

• Environment: Encompasses all biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors surrounding us.
• Environmental Science: Studies the interactions between the natural world and human influence.
• Renewable Natural Resources: Resources like sunlight and wind that can be replenished quickly.
• Fossil Fuels: Nonrenewable resources formed from ancient organic matter through decomposition.

Historical Context

• Neolithic Revolution: Transition to agriculture (~10,000 years ago), leading to population growth.
• Industrial Revolution: Shift to urban, fossil fuel-driven societies in the mid-1700s, causing significant population growth.

Research and Methodology

• Scientific Method: Framework for testing hypotheses through observation and experiments.
• Hypothesis: A testable statement to explain phenomena (educated guess).
• Controlled Experiment: All variables held constant except one to analyze effects.

Data and Evaluation

• Quantitative Data: Numerical information that provides precise measurements.
• Peer Review: Evaluation process by experts in the field for quality and validity of research.

Ethical Perspectives

• Environmental Ethics: Applies ethical standards to environmental dilemmas, questioning obligations to future generations.
• Anthropocentrism: Human-centered ethical perspective, focusing solely on human benefits.
• Biocentrism: Ethical view that includes the welfare of all living organisms in environmental decisions.
• Ecocentrism: Prioritizes the environment in ethical considerations, irrespective of human impact.

Sustainability and Conservation

• Sustainability: Guiding principle focused on maintaining Earth’s systems and resources for future generations.
• Conservation: Utilizes resources responsibly while managing and protecting them (Gifford Pinchot).
• Preservation: Advocates for the protection of the natural environment in its unaltered state (John Muir).

Ecosystem Interactions

• Biotic & Abiotic Factors: Living organisms versus non-living components (e.g., rocks, water).
• Ecology: Study of interactions among organisms and their environments.

Societal Impact and Perspectives

• Environmental Justice: Ensures equitable enforcement of environmental laws across all demographics.
• Tragedy of the Commons: Overexploitation of shared resources leads to depletion due to individual greed (Garrett Hardin).
• Perceived Environmental Problems: Varied perceptions influenced by age, gender, class, nationality, etc.

Basic Principles of Sustainability

• Solar Energy: Emphasis on harnessing solar power for sustainable energy needs.
• Chemical Recycling: Focus on reusing Earth's resources to maintain ecological balance.
• Sustaining Biodiversity: Essential for natural services and maintaining ecological health.

Important Terms

• Ecological Footprint: Measures society's direct and indirect impact on natural resources and the environment.
• Interdisciplinary Field: Integrates knowledge from natural and social sciences for more effective environmental understanding.
• Correlation: Relationship between variables where changes in one relate to changes in another.
• Natural Experiments: Utilize existing conditions to study impacts without manipulation.

Research Validation Techniques

• Hypothesis Validation: Involves peer review, repeatability, grants, and theory development to solidify scientific findings.
• Conference Presentations: Opportunities for researchers to share their work, gather feedback, and refine their studies.

Dive into the basics of Environmental Science with these flashcards. Explore key terms such as Environment, Renewable Natural Resources, and the essence of Environmental Science itself. Perfect for beginners looking to understand our interactions with the natural world.