Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Biocapacity
The capacity of ecosystems to produce useful biological materials and
to absorb waste materials generated by human production and consumption.
Biosphere
The global sum of all of the Earth's ecosystems.
Capitalism
An economic system in which the means of production, trade and
industry is based on private ownership and the accumulation of private profit.
Climate change
A significant and long-term change to global weather patterns.
Complexity
An arrangement characterized by intricate and connected linkages and
connections.
Conservation
A process, practice and movement aimed to protect flora and fauna
at a variety of scales.
Corporate (social) responsibility
A policy and practice whereby private and public
corporations operate responsibly in relation to their social, economic and
environment impacts.
Degrowth
A political and economic philosophy and potential strategy based on
anti-consumerist and ecological principles.
Democracy
A political system where all citizens have the right to participate in
government through the election of representatives.
Development
A process that refers to actions and polices that are designed to
enhance and improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of a
country's or region's inhabitants.
Earth summit
A series of United Nations sponsored conferences on sustainability,
conservation and development.
Ecoefficiency
An economic management strategy aimed at minimizing environmental
impact, optimizing resource use and increasing product or service value.
Ecofeminism
A movement and philosophy linking ecological with feminist principles
and values.
Ecological debt
The environmental liabilities of 'developed countries' such as
resource extraction, greenhouse gas emissions, etc. incurred during the process
of economic growth and development.
Ecological footprint
A measure expressing the human impact on the planet's
ecosystems.
Ecological modernization
A belief in a process whereby innovation and reform will
lead to greater economic efficiency and sustainable economies and industries.
Ecology
A scientific study of organisms as they interact with the environment.
Economic growth
The increase in the market value of goods and services produced
by a given economy or economies over time.
