Glossary
Biodiversity Decline
A reduction in the variety of life on Earth, encompassing the loss of species, genetic diversity within species, and the degradation of ecosystems.
Example:
Habitat destruction in rainforests is a major contributor to biodiversity decline, as countless species lose their homes.
Carbonic Acid
A weak acid formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water, playing a key role in ocean acidification by releasing hydrogen ions that lower pH.
Example:
When CO2 from the atmosphere dissolves into seawater, it forms carbonic acid, which then dissociates and increases the ocean's acidity.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Synthetic organic compounds once widely used in refrigerants, aerosols, and foam production, known for their role in depleting the stratospheric ozone layer.
Example:
The phasing out of CFCs in older air conditioners was a critical step in allowing the ozone layer to begin its recovery.
Endangered Species Act (USA)
A landmark U.S. law enacted in 1973 that provides for the conservation of species that are endangered or threatened throughout all or a significant portion of their range, and the conservation of the ecosystems on which they depend.
Example:
The Endangered Species Act has been instrumental in protecting iconic American wildlife, such as the bald eagle and the grizzly bear, from extinction.
Generalist Organisms
Species that can thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and utilize diverse resources, making them more adaptable to change.
Example:
Raccoons are generalist organisms that can live in various habitats, from forests to urban areas, and eat a wide range of foods.
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
A measure of how much heat a given mass of a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time period, relative to the same mass of carbon dioxide.
Example:
Methane has a much higher Global Warming Potential than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, meaning it traps significantly more heat per molecule in the short term.
Greenhouse Effect
A natural process where certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun, warming the planet's surface to a temperature suitable for life.
Example:
Without the natural greenhouse effect, Earth's average temperature would be too cold to support liquid water and most life forms.
Greenhouse Gases
Atmospheric gases that absorb and emit infrared radiation, trapping heat and contributing to the greenhouse effect; key examples include CO2, CH4, N2O, and H2O vapor.
Example:
Burning fossil fuels releases large amounts of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, intensifying the warming of the planet.
HIPPCO
An acronym representing the six major threats to biodiversity: Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Population growth, Pollution, Climate change, and Over-exploitation.
Example:
Understanding HIPPCO helps environmental scientists categorize and address the primary human-caused pressures leading to species extinction.
K-selected Organisms
Species characterized by long lifespans, few offspring, extensive parental care, and late reproductive maturity, making them vulnerable to population declines.
Example:
Elephants are K-selected organisms; their slow reproductive rate means that poaching can have devastating, long-lasting impacts on their populations.
Kyoto Protocol
An international treaty adopted in 1997 that committed industrialized countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Example:
While the Kyoto Protocol set emission reduction targets, its effectiveness was limited by the non-participation of some major emitting countries.
Montreal Protocol
An international treaty signed in 1987 designed to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances like CFCs.
Example:
The Montreal Protocol is often cited as a highly successful example of global environmental cooperation, demonstrating that nations can unite to solve planetary issues.
National Invasive Species Act (NISA) (USA)
A U.S. law passed in 1996 aimed at preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species, particularly through ballast water management.
Example:
The National Invasive Species Act mandates regulations for ships to exchange ballast water at sea to prevent the introduction of non-native organisms into U.S. waters.
Ocean Acidification
The ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans, caused by the absorption of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) from human emissions.
Example:
Increased CO2 emissions are leading to ocean acidification, making it harder for marine organisms like oysters and corals to build their shells.
Ozone Layer
A region within the stratosphere containing a high concentration of ozone (O3) molecules, crucial for absorbing most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Example:
Without the protective ozone layer, life on Earth would be severely impacted by increased rates of skin cancer and cataracts.
Paris Agreement
A legally binding international treaty on climate change adopted in 2015, with the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.
Example:
Under the Paris Agreement, countries submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) outlining their plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Specialist Organisms
Species that thrive only in a narrow range of environmental conditions or have a limited diet, making them highly vulnerable to environmental changes.
Example:
The giant panda, with its diet almost exclusively of bamboo, is a classic example of a specialist organism highly susceptible to habitat loss.
Stratosphere
The atmospheric layer above the troposphere, extending from about 10-15 km to 50 km, which contains the ozone layer that absorbs harmful UV radiation.
Example:
High-altitude research balloons often ascend into the stratosphere to study atmospheric composition and ozone levels.
Troposphere
The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the surface up to about 10-15 km, where most weather phenomena occur and greenhouse gases are concentrated.
Example:
When you see clouds or experience rain, you are observing weather events happening within the troposphere.
r-selected Organisms
Species characterized by short lifespans, many offspring, little to no parental care, and early reproductive maturity, allowing for rapid population growth.
Example:
Mice are r-selected organisms that can quickly reproduce and colonize new areas, making them resilient to many environmental disturbances.