1.2 How Are Our Ecological Footprints Affecting Earth?

Ecological Footprint

Amount of land and water needed to supply a population with renewable resources and to absorb and recycle the waste and pollution such resource use produces.

Pollution

Contamination of the environment by any chemical or agent, such as noise or thermal energy, at levels considered harmful to the health, survival, or activities, or organisms.

Environmental Degradation

Depletion, deterioration, or waste of Earth's natural capital.

Point Source

Single identifiable source that discharges pollutants into the environment.

Nonpoint Source

Type of pollution in which pollutants come from many diffuse sources that are hard to pinpoint.