Environmental Science ch.1

environment

the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.

Environmental Science

The study of the natural processes that occur in the environment and how humans can affect them.

Environmentalism

an organized movement of concerned citizens, businesses, and government agencies designed to protect and improve people's current and future living environment

natural resources

Materials or substances such as minerals, forests, water, and fertile land that occur in nature and can be used for economic gain

nonrenewable resource

A natural resource that is not replaced in a useful time frame.

sustainable

able to meet the current demand for a resource without depleting the future supply

fossil fuels

coal, oil, natural gas

ecological footprint

The amount of biologically productive land and water needed to support a person or population.

renewable resource

Any natural resource (as wood or solar energy) that can be replenished naturally with the passage of time