Glossary
Air Pollution
The presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere, often resulting from human activities like burning fossil fuels or industrial emissions.
Example:
Reduced tree cover in urban areas can worsen air pollution as fewer trees are available to absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants.
Biodiversity
The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem, encompassing genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.
Example:
The rich biodiversity of tropical rainforests means they are home to an incredible array of plant and animal species.
Carbon Cycle
The biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the Earth.
Example:
Photosynthesis by plants is a crucial part of the carbon cycle, as it removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in biomass.
Clearcutting
A logging method where all trees in a specific area are removed at once, regardless of size or species.
Example:
After a large section of forest was clearcut, the exposed soil quickly eroded during the next heavy rainfall.
Climate Change
A long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns, primarily caused by increased levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases due to human activities.
Example:
Rising global temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events are key indicators of ongoing climate change.
Deforestation
The permanent removal of forests for other land uses, such as agriculture, urbanization, or logging.
Example:
The Amazon rainforest is experiencing significant deforestation due to cattle ranching and soybean cultivation, leading to widespread habitat loss.
Greenhouse Gases
Gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
Example:
Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are common greenhouse gases released by human activities that contribute to climate change.
Group or Patch Cutting
A logging technique where small groups or patches of trees are removed, creating openings that allow for natural regeneration and maintaining forest structure.
Example:
Instead of clearcutting, the forest managers opted for group or patch cutting to create diverse age classes of trees and promote wildlife habitat.
Habitat Destruction
The process by which a natural habitat is rendered unable to support the species present, often leading to displacement or extinction.
Example:
The habitat destruction caused by urban sprawl forces many native animal species to relocate or face population decline.
Pesticide Use
The application of chemical substances to control pests, including insects, weeds, or fungi, which can have unintended environmental impacts.
Example:
Excessive pesticide use in agriculture can contaminate local water sources and harm non-target organisms like pollinators.
Selective Logging
A sustainable logging method where only specific trees, typically mature or diseased ones, are harvested, leaving the majority of the forest intact.
Example:
Through selective logging, a timber company was able to harvest valuable wood while minimizing disruption to the forest ecosystem and allowing for natural regeneration.
Soil Erosion
The displacement of the upper layer of soil by natural forces like wind or water, often exacerbated by the removal of vegetation.
Example:
Without the stabilizing roots of trees, the steep hillside experienced severe soil erosion after the intense storm, washing sediment into the nearby river.