envi sci

• Sustainable development


  Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
• Dimensions of Sustainable DevelopmentUNESCO

  • Environment
  • Economy
  • Society
  • Culture
• Sustainability


  A concept for thinking about the future in which environmental, societal, and economic considerations are balanced in the pursuit of improved quality of life
• The three domains of Sustainable Development

  • Environment/Ecosystem
  • Economy
  • Society
• Environment


  • The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal or plant lives or operates
  • The complex of physical, chemical, and biotic factors (such as climate, soil, and living things) that act upon an organism or an ecological community and ultimately determine its form and survival
• Economy


  • A system of organizations and institutions that either facilitate or play a role in the production and distribution of goods and services in a society
  • Management of financial matters for a community
• Sustainable Development Goals are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all
• Land Degradation


  When humans clear forests to use them either for agriculture or for habitation
• Greenhouse effect


  The way in which heat is trapped close to Earth's surface by "greenhouse gases"
• Greenhouse gases


  • Carbon dioxide
  • Methane
  • Nitrous oxide
  • Water vapor
• Effects of Greenhouse gases

  • Climate change
  • Respiratory disease from smog and air pollution
  • Extreme weather
  • Food supply disruptions
  • Increased wildfires
• Ozone layer


  A thin part of the Earth's atmosphere that absorbs almost all of the sun's harmful ultraviolet light
• Chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a reason we have a thinning ozone layer
• Water contamination


  When harmful substances - often chemicals or microorganisms- contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, and other body of water, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic to humans or the environment
• Red tide


  A phenomenon caused by dinoflagellates, small organisms that float near the surface of the sea or ocean. The increase of dinoflagellates is due to excessive nutrients that reach the surface water
• Acid rain


  Formed when two pollutant gases, sulfur and nitrogen oxides, combine with water. Sulfuric acid and nitric acid are formed
• Biota


  All kinds of species of plants and animals, our biological resources
• Ways by which the natural biota is destroyed

  • Destruction of Habitat
  • Pollution
  • Hunting of animals for commercial purposes
  • Use of pesticides and other pest control like DDT
  • Introduction of new species