1-2 how are our ecological footprints affecting the earth

ecological tipping point

Point at which an environmental problem reaches a threshold level, which causes an often irreversible shift in the behavior of a natural system.

pollution cleanup (output pollution control)

involves cleaning up or diluting pollutants after they have been produced

natural capital degradation

occurs when human activities use renewable resources faster than they can be replenished

point source pollution

pollution that comes from a specific site

non-point source pollution

pollution that does not have a specific point of release, open,loop recycling,when materials are reused to form new products.

per capita ecological footprint

the average ecological footprint of an individual in a given country or area

ecological footprint

the impact of a person or community on the environment, expressed as the amount of land required to sustain their use of natural resources.

affluence

wealth

Culture

Beliefs, customs, and traditions of a specific group of people.

pollution prevention (input pollution control)

Device or process that prevents a potential pollutant from forming or entering the environment or sharply reduces the amount entering the environment.

sustainability revolution

Major cultural change in which people learn how to reduce their ecological footprints and live more sustainably, largely by copying nature and using the six principles of sustainability to guide their lifestyles and economies.

pollution

Release of harmful materials into the environment

environmental degradation

damage to or destruction of the natural environment