Environmental Glossary – Key Terms You Should Know

Glossary
July 31, 2025

Sustainability
Living in a way that meets our current needs without ruining things for future generations—balancing people, planet, and profit.
Carbon Footprint
The total amount of greenhouse gases (mainly CO₂) released into the atmosphere by our actions—like driving, flying, or even eating.
Greenhouse Effect
The natural process where certain gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere—essential for life, but too much can cause global warming.
Climate Change
Long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, mostly caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels.
Global Warming
A specific part of climate change—refers to the Earth’s rising average temperature over time.
Renewable Energy
Power that comes from sources that naturally replenish—like sunlight, wind, water, and biomass.
Fossil Fuels
Coal, oil, and gas that come from ancient plants and animals—burning them gives energy but also releases harmful emissions.
Deforestation
Cutting down forests for things like farming, logging, or urban growth. It affects wildlife and speeds up climate change.
Biodiversity
The variety of life on Earth—from tiny insects to big mammals and everything in between. A healthy planet needs biodiversity.
Pollution
The introduction of harmful stuff (like chemicals, plastics, or waste) into air, water, or land, harming people and nature.
Ecosystem
A community where living things (plants, animals, microbes) interact with their environment—like a forest, coral reef, or desert.
Conservation
Efforts to protect and preserve natural resources, species, and habitats so they’re around for the future.
Environmental Justice
The fair treatment of all people, regardless of race or income, when it comes to environmental policies and protections.
Circular Economy
A system where resources are reused, recycled, or repaired—instead of being thrown away after one use.
Carbon Neutral / Net Zero
A state where you balance the amount of carbon you emit with what you remove or offset—aiming for zero overall impact.
Greenwashing
When companies pretend to be environmentally friendly in marketing but don’t actually make meaningful changes.
EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment)
A formal study to predict how a project (like a road or factory) could affect the environment before it’s approved.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
17 global goals set by the UN to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity by 2030.
Waste Management
How we collect, treat, recycle, or dispose of waste—from garbage in our homes to hazardous industrial waste.
Resilience (Environmental)
The ability of nature—or a community—to bounce back after something like a flood, drought, or wildfire.