Environmental Science Chapter 1-2 (FINALS REVIEW)

the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.

The field of study that looks at interactions among human systems and those found in nature

a social movement dedicated to protecting the natural world

materials found in nature that are used by living things

Any natural resource that can replenish itself in a relatively short period of time, usually no longer than the length of a human life.

a resource that cannot be reused or replaced easily (ex. gems, iron, copper, fossil fuels)

The amount of biologically productive land and water needed to support a person or population.

situation in which people acting individually and in their own interest use up commonly available but limited resources, creating disaster for the entire community

A series of steps followed to solve problems including collecting data, formulating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, and stating conclusions.

The experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.

The outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable.

experiment in which only one variable is changed

A process by which the procedures and results of an experiment are evaluated by other scientists who are in the same field or who are conducting similar research.

the principles of right and wrong that guide an individual in making decisions

the application of ethical standards to relationships between humans and their environment

Anthropocentrism, biocentrism and ecocentrism

A human-centered view of our relationship with the environment.

the view or belief that the rights and needs of humans are not more important than those of other living things.

belief that whole ecological systems have value

the study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services

the objects (goods) and the actions (services) that people value and produce to satisfy human wants

Centrally planned, free market and mixed economy

As supply decreases, demand increases

a study that compares the costs and benefits to society of providing a public good

These are essential processes such as soil formation, nutrient cycles, the pollination of plants, etc, and without them our economy production would be in shambles (agriculture especially!)

• Affects people DIRECTLY (internal costs/benefits) and INDIRECTLY (external costs/benefits)

• Prioritize short term costs over long term consequences

• Believe resources are limitless/replaceable (NOT TRUE)

• Economists think continued growth allows high employment, but growth may not be possible due to limited resources

the value that is not included in the price of a product or service

Recreation, education, aesthetic fulfillment, climate regulation, water purification, historical sites, etc

a situation in which the market does not distribute resources efficiently

Tells consumers which brands are made with processes that do not harm the environment (allows humans to be more eco friendly and conscious)

a general plan and principle related to the interactions between humans and the environment

1 ) Legislative - makes laws

2 ) Executive - carries out the law

3 ) Judicial - evaluates the law

Requires all federal organizations to follow procedures before making any environmental decisions that could cause harm

(CWA, 1972) set maximum permissible amounts of water pollutants that can be discharged into waterways; aims to make surface waters swimmable and fishable

(CAA, 1970) set emission standards for cars and limits for release of air pollutants

Provide suggestions or guidelines for the legislation as well as offering data, researching, and helping financially.

a strategy for pollution control that involves regulations and enforcement mechanisms

A grant or contribution of money, especially one made by a government in support of an undertaking or the upkeep of a thing

Refers to taxes intended to promote ecologically sustainable activities via economic incentives. Such a policy can complement or avert the need for regulatory (command and control) approaches.

Mechanism to reduce the emission of pollutants by establishing a market for emission permits.

financial incentives such as charges or rebates to encourage communities to follow certain guidelines

1. Identify problem

2. Establish priorities

3. Establish the actual policy

4. Implement the policy

5. Assess policy progress