Environmental science
20 Environmental Science Terms with Meanings and Examples
1. Ecosystem: A geographic area where plants, animals, and other organisms, as well as weather and landscape, work together to form a bubble of life.
- Example: The Amazon rainforest is one of the largest ecosystems on Earth.
2. Biodiversity: The variety of life on Earth, including all plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.
- Example: The loss of biodiversity is a major environmental concern.
3. Pollution: The introduction of harmful substances into the environment.
- Example: Air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution are major environmental problems.
4. Climate Change: A long-term change in Earth’s climate, including changes in temperature, precipitation, and sea levels.
- Example: Climate change is caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels.
5. Global Warming: The gradual increase in Earth’s average temperature.
- Example: Global warming is a major contributor to climate change.
6. Sustainability: The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- Example: Sustainable development is essential for protecting the environment and ensuring a prosperous future.
7. Renewable Energy: Energy derived from sources that are replenished naturally, such as sunlight, wind, and water.
- Example: Solar, wind, and hydro power are examples of renewable energy sources.
8. Deforestation: The clearing of forests to make way for other land uses.
- Example: Deforestation is a major cause of habitat loss for many species.
9. Desertification: The process by which fertile land becomes desert.
- Example: Overgrazing and climate change are contributing to desertification in many parts of the world.
10. Acid Rain: Rain or snow that is acidic due to pollution from sulfur and nitrogen oxides.
- Example: Acid rain can damage forests, lakes, and buildings.
11. Ozone Layer: A layer of ozone gas in the Earth’s stratosphere that protects the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
- Example: The ozone layer has been depleted by human activities such as the use of CFCs.
12. Greenhouse Effect: The warming of the Earth’s atmosphere caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane.
- Example: The greenhouse effect is a natural process that keeps the Earth warm, but human activities have intensified it.
13. Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by an individual, organization, or country.
- Example: Reducing your carbon footprint is important for combating climate change.
14. Conservation: The protection and preservation of the natural environment.
- Example: Conservation efforts aim to protect biodiversity and maintain healthy ecosystems.
15. Pollution: The introduction of harmful substances into the environment.
- Example: Air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution are major environmental problems.
16. Biodegradable: Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other organisms.
- Example: Biodegradable materials break down naturally and do not harm the environment.
17. Non-biodegradable: Not capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other organisms.
- Example: Plastic is a non-biodegradable material that can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
18. Habitat: The natural environment of a plant or animal.
- Example: Loss of habitat is a major threat to biodiversity.
19. Endangered Species: A species of animal or plant that is at risk of extinction.
- Example: The tiger is an endangered species.
20. Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- Example: Sustainable development is essential for protecting the environment and ensuring a prosperous future.
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