Less Common Lexis Flashcards
(70 cards)
What does ‘cutting-edge innovation’ mean?
Very advanced and new technology
Example: The company’s success lies in its commitment to cutting-edge innovation in renewable energy.
Define ‘unprecedented advancement’.
Progress that has never happened before
Example: The last decade has witnessed unprecedented advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics.
What are ‘ethical implications’?
Moral consequences or concerns
Example: Gene editing raises complex ethical implications regarding human identity and natural selection.
What is ‘artificial intelligence (AI)’?
Machines performing tasks usually requiring human intelligence
Example: AI is rapidly transforming industries from healthcare to education.
What are ‘data-driven decisions’?
Choices based on data and facts
Example: Governments are increasingly using data-driven decisions to optimise public health outcomes.
What are ‘genetically modified organisms (GMOs)’?
Organisms whose DNA has been changed in a lab
Example: GMOs offer the potential to combat world hunger, though concerns about long-term effects persist.
What is the difference between ‘automation’ and ‘human agency’?
Machines doing tasks vs. people making choices
Example: While automation increases efficiency, it must be balanced with the preservation of human agency.
Define ‘technological determinism’.
The belief that technology shapes society more than people do
Example: Some argue that technological determinism underestimates the role of culture in innovation.
What does ‘digitisation of society’ refer to?
Turning parts of life into digital form
Example: The digitisation of society has revolutionised how we communicate, learn, and consume media.
What is ‘algorithmic bias’?
Systematic unfairness in how computer programs work
Example: Algorithmic bias can unintentionally reinforce racial or gender discrimination in hiring processes.
What does ‘environmental degradation’ mean?
Harm to the natural world
Example: Unchecked industrial activity has led to severe environmental degradation in urban areas.
Define ‘ecological footprint’.
The impact of a person or group on nature
Example: Reducing our ecological footprint is crucial to slowing climate change.
What is meant by ‘climate resilience’?
Ability to recover from climate-related events
Example: Building climate resilience involves preparing infrastructure for extreme weather events.
What is ‘carbon neutrality’?
Emitting no net carbon dioxide
Example: Many companies are pledging carbon neutrality to align with global sustainability goals.
What does ‘biodiversity loss’ refer to?
The decline in the variety of life
Example: Biodiversity loss threatens ecosystems and food security worldwide.
What is ‘deforestation’?
Cutting down forests
Example: Deforestation in the Amazon has accelerated, while reforestation projects struggle to keep pace.
What are ‘renewable energy sources’?
Sustainable power sources like wind or solar
Example: Transitioning to renewable energy sources is key to reducing global emissions.
Define ‘environmental stewardship’.
Taking care of the Earth responsibly
Example: Young people are increasingly embracing environmental stewardship through local activism.
What does ‘anthropogenic impact’ mean?
Human-caused environmental changes
Example: Climate scientists emphasize the urgency of reducing anthropogenic impact on the planet.
What are ‘conservation initiatives’?
Programs to protect nature
Example: Conservation initiatives have successfully restored habitats for endangered species.
What is ‘experiential learning’?
Learning through real-world experience
Example: Field trips and internships offer valuable forms of experiential learning.
Define ‘lifelong education’.
Learning that continues throughout life
Example: In a rapidly changing world, lifelong education is no longer optional.
What is ‘intellectual autonomy’?
Ability to think independently
Example: Universities must foster intellectual autonomy rather than passive learning.
What does ‘cognitive development’ refer to?
Growth of thinking and understanding
Example: Early childhood education is crucial for optimal cognitive development.