Introduction to Environmental Science Flashcards
(36 cards)
Is a scientific study of the environment in order to understand and manage contemporary environmental challenges.
Environmental Science
Is the study of the interactions between humans, other organisms, and their surroundings.
Environmental Science
It deals with the relationship and interactions between biotic (living) and the abiotic ( non-living) factors of the environment
Ecology
In nature, living things are interdependent on one another and with their surroundings.
Interdependence and Interconnectedness
Everything is connected to everything else
Interdependence and Interconnectedness
The environment is constantly changing. While some changes may improve the quality of the environment, some create impacts that degrade it.
Change and Material cycle
Everything in nature changes and has to go somewhere
Change and Material cycle
Material in the environment undergo cyclic changes, passing through geologic and biological systems.
Change and Material cycle
An ecosystem can support only a certain number of individuals at a given time.
Law of limits and Population Dynamics
The environment has a carrying capacity
Law of limits and Population Dynamics
The more diversity among life forms and ecosystem are, the more resilient and stable the environment will be.
Diversity and stability
All forms of life are important
Diversity and stability
Nature knows best
Balance of nature and Stewardship
ours is a finite earth
Finitness of Resources
Most of the resources are nonrenewable, vulnerable to depletion unless it is used prudently and wisely.
Finitness of Resources
Nature has its own laws and processes to maintain itself, and therefore going against what nature prescribes
Balance of nature and Stewardship
Is a branch of applied philosophy that studies the conceptual foundations of environmental vales as well as more concrete issues societal attitudes, actions and policies
Environmental Ethics
Revolves around the environmental responsibility derived from human alone
Anthropocentrism
Human centered morality
Anthropocentrism
All forms of life have an inherent right to exist
Biocentric
Life centered morality
Biocentric
Holistic view that maintains that the environment deserves direct moral consideration
Ecocentrism
The environment by itself is considered morally at par with humans
Ecocentrism
Ecosystem centered morality
Ecocentrism