Introduction to Environmental Studies

All the living and non-living factors that surround an organism and influence its existence.

The study of how humans interact with the natural world, including living organisms and the non-living environment. It draws on various disciplines like ecology, economics, and engineering.

Goods and services provided by the Earth through natural processes, like clean air, water, fertile soil, and forests.

The study of how organisms interact with each other and their surroundings.

The branch of science concerned with the design, construction, and operation of structures and machines. It plays a role in environmentally friendly development.

The study of how humans use and manage resources, considering economic factors and environmental impact.

The study of the Earth's surface, including its physical features, climate, and human activities.

The careful use of natural resources to ensure their availability for future generations. This includes resources like fuelwood, wildlife, plants, energy, and water.

A branch of conservation focused on understanding and mitigating the effects of human activities on biodiversity. It aims to prevent species extinction by balancing species protection with human needs.

A system for managing environmental impacts. It involves identifying, measuring, and reducing negative impacts on the environment.

The process of assigning monetary values to natural resources, services, and their impacts. It helps quantify the costs and benefits of development decisions.

The use of models to estimate the value of undisturbed ecosystems in mitigating natural disasters. This helps justify conservation efforts by demonstrating the economic benefits.

Natural resources that can be replenished naturally over a short period of time, like solar energy, wind energy, or timber.

Natural resources that are finite and cannot be replenished at a rate comparable to their consumption, such as fossil fuels, minerals, and nuclear fuels.

Any change in the environment that has a negative impact on living organisms, including humans.

The length of time a pollutant remains in the environment before breaking down or being removed.

Pollutants that can be broken down by natural processes, such as bacteria or sunlight, within a reasonable timeframe.

Pollutants that cannot be broken down by natural processes and persist in the environment for a long time, like plastic.

The ability of the environment to maintain its functions and support life indefinitely.

Unsustainable human activities that threaten environmental sustainability, including population growth, urbanization, overuse of resources, and pollution.

The ability of the global ecosystem to function and support life sustainably. Everyone has a role in ensuring a sustainable future.

A philosophical approach that prioritizes human interests and well-being above all else. It considers natural resources as tools to be used for human benefit.

A philosophical viewpoint that values the environment and all its components, including non-human life, for their intrinsic worth, regardless of their usefulness to humans.

The depletion of natural resources such as fossil fuels, minerals, forests, and water faster than they can replenish, threatening future availability.

The decline in the quality of land due to factors such as deforestation, soil erosion, pollution, and desertification, impacting agricultural productivity and biodiversity.

The rise in Earth's average temperature caused by greenhouse gases trapping heat in the atmosphere, driving climate change and impacting weather patterns.

A type of pollution where acidic compounds, mainly sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, released from burning fossil fuels, are deposited back on Earth through rain, snow, or fog, damaging ecosystems.

The decline in the stratospheric ozone layer, caused by the release of ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from aerosols and refrigerants, increasing harmful UV radiation.

The decline in the number and variety of species on Earth due to habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation, and invasive species, leading to ecosystem imbalances.

The contamination of water sources with pollutants such as industrial waste, agricultural runoff, sewage, and plastic debris, affecting water quality and harming aquatic life.

The inappropriate management and disposal of solid waste, including plastics, electronic waste, and other materials, leading to pollution, disease spread, and environmental damage.

A period of reduced human activity, often mandated by governments, aimed at controlling the spread of disease. In the context of environmentalism, COVID-19 lockdowns demonstrated the impact of human activity on the environment, highlighting the need for sustainable practices.

A development approach that balances environmental, social, and economic needs for present and future generations. It promotes economic growth that meets the needs of the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

A set of 17 interconnected goals established by the United Nations to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. These goals aim to transform our world by 2030.

An economic model that seeks to promote sustainable development by integrating environmental considerations into economic policies and business practices. It aims to create a prosperous economy while minimizing environmental damage and promoting social equity.

A principle of a green economy that prioritizes the creation of economically well-paying jobs with minimal negative environmental impacts. This involves employing technologies and methods that are energy-efficient and minimize pollution.

A principle of a green economy that prioritizes resource efficiency and energy conservation. It involves minimizing waste, using renewable resources, and implementing energy-efficient practices.

A principle of a green economy that emphasizes preserving biodiversity and protecting ecosystems. It involves conservation efforts, habitat restoration, and sustainable land management practices.

A principle of a green economy that promotes good governance, transparency, and accountability in environmental management. It emphasizes the rule of law and citizen participation in environmental decision-making.

A principle of a green economy that prioritizes inclusivity, democracy, participation, and stability in environmental decision-making. It emphasizes the involvement of all stakeholders, including marginalized communities, in shaping environmental policies.