Environmental Science
Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field that examines the relationships between humans and the natural world. It encompasses concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and social sciences.
Key Concepts
- Sustainability
- The ability to meet current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.
- Biodiversity
- The variety and variability of life on Earth.
- Climate Change
- A long-term change in the average temperature patterns that have come to define Earth's local, regional, and global climates.
- Pollution
- The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.
- Conservation
- The preservation and protection of natural resources.
Important Definitions
- Species: A group of organisms that share common characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
- Ecosystem: A community of living and non-living things that interact with each other in a particular environment.
- Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- Renewable Resources: Resources that can be replenished over time, such as wind and solar power.
- Non-Renewable Resources: Resources that cannot be replenished over time, such as oil and coal.
Environmental Challenges
- Climate Change
- Air Pollution
- Water Scarcity and Pollution
- Deforestation
- Loss of Biodiversity
- Plastic Pollution
- Overfishing
Key Takeaways
- Environmental science is the study of humans' impact on the natural world.
- Sustainability, biodiversity, climate change, pollution, and conservation are key concepts in environmental science.
- Renewable resources are important for sustainable development.
- Climate change, air and water pollution, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, plastic pollution, and overfishing are environmental challenges that need to be addressed.