: 053-916 0600Email:info@epa.ieOther EPA locations, Contact us | Disclaimer | Privacy policy | Terms of use | Accessibility statement | Glossary of terms | A-Z Glossary of Environmental Terms (NALA) | Change viewing preferences | Freedom of Information Publication Scheme | Gaeilge, A-Z Glossary of Environmental Terms (NALA), Freedom of Information Publication Scheme. Short for ‘mechanical biological treatment’, which is a way of sorting and treating waste. Decks in this Class (23): Chapter 1 Science And Sustainability. Social as well as scientific in focus, it provides comprehensive coverage of the social aspect of environmental science (including treaties, organisations, and agencies relating to the environment) and ecology, as well as biographies of key figures in the field. An international agreement signed in Japan in 1997, attached to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Journal of Industrial Ecology (since 1997), International Society for Industrial Ecology (since 2001), Progress in Industrial Ecology (since 2004), Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, neighbourhood environment improvement plan, prescribed waste and prescribed industrial waste, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, http://www.waterfootprint.org/?page=files/Concept, Environmental Terminology Discovery Service — EEA, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Glossary_of_environmental_science&oldid=998438805, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 5 January 2021, at 11:06. Homes are placed on a scale from A to G. A-rated homes need the least amount of energy while G-rated need the most. Radiation can be ionising or non-ionising. Permission granted by a local authority for new buildings or for extensions, once nobody objects to the plans. Within the European Union, the label relates to office equipment such as computers and photocopiers. The use of fossil fuels for energy is increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is believed to contribute to global warming. Energy from renewable resources such as wind power, solar energy or biomass. But because of the increase in greenhouse gas emissions in recent years, the greenhouse effect is a lot stronger, so leading to global warming. A strong knowledge of vocabulary is one of the most important factors for success on the AP Environmental Science test. Air pollution consisting of smoke and fog, which occurs in large urban and industrial areas and is mainly caused by the action of sunlight on burned fuels, mostly from car exhausts. The major greenhouse gases that cause climate change are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (NO2). A statement about the expected effects on the environment of a proposed project or development such as a new road or waste water treatment plant, including how any severe effects on the environment will be addressed. See also wind turbine. In the context of the atmosphere, gases or particles released into the air that can contribute to global warming or poor air quality. See also renewable energy. Another word for environmental science. A rule made by a local authority to govern activities within the area it controls. Phrase Example; A; acid rain: Acid rain is very harmful to the environment. Environmental science provides an integrated, quantitative, and interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental systems. The process of planting trees in forest lands to replace those that have been cut down. Fees paid to local authorities for providing services such as collecting domestic waste. Definition . Plants and animals that are grown or reared without the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides or hormones. (eds) 2000. Amazon.com. How do you think public land should be managed to deal with these types of environmental issues? Environmental science deals with the interactions between the physical, chemical, and biological components of the environment. Noises that disturb the environment and people’s ability to enjoy it, for example continually sounding house alarms, loud music, air conditioning or other electrical units and aircraft or motor engines. It might be a source of water for springs and wells and then used for drinking water. See also ecotourism. The EPA reviews licences and, with local authorities, monitors landfills around the country for emissions. Ireland has a temperate climate, in which it doesn’t get too hot or too cold. Two of the major points of view include conservation and preservation of the environment. Cards Return to Set Details. See also composting. Non-ionising radiation includes visible light, radio waves and microwaves. Short for Building Energy Rating, which says how much energy a home needs for heating, lighting and hot water. Energy that does not come from fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, gas), for example wind, flowing water, solar energy and biomass. The reduction of trees in a wood or forest due to natural forces or human activity such as burning or logging. Environmental science is an interdisciplinary science. Examples include standing charges for bin collections or gas supply. See carbon offset. A resource that can be used again and again without reducing its supply because it is constantly topped up, for example wind or sun rays. See also bring bank, recycling centre and WEEE. They are food for fish and small aquatic animals. Overall, environmental science is the field of science that studies the interactions of the physical, chemical, and biological components of the environment and … Most modern and efficient incinerator generate heat and energy from burning waste. Short for ‘chloroflurocarbons’, which are chemicals used in manufacturing and, in the past, in aerosol cans and refrigerators, which can damage the ozone layer. Money raised from the tax is put into a special fund that is used to protect the environment. A short form of the phrase ‘biological diversity’, which means the variety of life on this planet and how it interacts within habitats and ecosystems. A unit, equal to one ton of carbon dioxide, that individuals, companies or governments buy to reduce short-term and long-term emissions of greenhouse gases. Highly toxic chemicals that can be formed in small amounts from forest fires or volcanoes but more often are produced unintentionally from industrial activities and from incinerating waste and burning fossil fuels. Waste that contains paper, cardboard, textiles (for example fabric or carpet), timber, food, garden clippings, glass, plastic and other manufactured materials. A way to stop heat from escaping a home, for example by sealing window frames and using draught excluders under doors. It is titled 'From Air Quality to Zero Emissions'  and the EPA has obtained permission from NALA to publish this information which is outlined below. Individuals can choose whether to buy an offset (for example to compensate for air travel), but governments and large industries are sometimes required to buy them to meet international targets aimed at reducing greenhouse gases. Environmental Science Terms. A general term for any chemicals that are used to kill weeds, fungi, insects or other pests. Economics is also a very significant aspect of topics within environmental science. In this guide, matter from living, or once-living, things. They can affect water quality adversely by lowering the dissolved oxygen in the water. The management of waste collection, handling, processing, storage and transport from where it is produced to where it is finally disposed. Sharing a car to a destination to reduce fuel use, pollution and travel costs. For more information, see the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland or lo-call 1850 927 000. (Source: US EPA). See also recycling centre and civic amenity site. See also UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Short for ‘compact fluorescent lamp’ bulbs, which are light bulbs that use a fraction of the energy of traditional filament bulbs and last up to five times longer. The greenhouse effect has always existed; without it, Earth would be too cold for plants, animals and people to survive. Carbon neutral. Scientific study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment. A source of fuel made from living and recently-dead plant materials such as wood, leaves and the biodegradable part of industrial and municipal waste. Radon has no smell, taste or colour and can seep into homes, building up to dangerous levels if there is not enough ventilation. A colourless gas that is naturally produced from animals and people in exhaled air and the decay of plants. These may take a long time to break down and attract unwanted pests. Level. Air is made up of a number of gases, mostly nitrogen and oxygen and, in smaller amounts, water vapour, carbon dioxide and argon and other trace gases. The less energy an appliance uses, the better it is for the environment and the more you will save on your bill. See also greenhouse effect and global warming. (0) Environmental science is defined as a branch of biology focused on the study of the relationships of the natural world and the relationships between organisms and their … Green English month brings you some frequent buzzwords relating to the environment. The payment usually funds projects that generate energy from renewable sources such as wind or flowing water. (Source: US EPA), A corrosive solution with a Ph of less than 7 (Source: US EPA). Additional definitions have been sourced from the European Environment Agency and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Pemission to emit to the atmosphere, one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent, during a specific trading period. Common examples are chewing gum and cigarette butts. the study of natural processes in the environment and how humans can affect them Environment Vocabulary Quiz Directions: Match the vocabulary words on the left with the definitions on the right. The pattern of weather in a particular region over a set period of time, usually 30 years. In this guide, material such as foam or glass wool that is used in homes and other buildings to prevent heat loss, reduce noise and improve comfort. : aerosol, spray: Aerosol sprays are the worst cause of pollution in the home. A tax on fuels according to their carbon content, which aims to encourage people and businesses to use fuels with less carbon and reduce the amount of energy they use. See also sustainable tourism. List of most popular Environmental terms updated in January 2021 : atmosphere: The Earth's atmosphere is a thin layer of gases that surrounds the Earth. An aspect of waste management that involves reducing the amount of waste we produce and minimising the potential harm to human health or the environment from packaging or ingredients in products. Environmental-science. For more information, visit the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland or lo-call 1850 734 734. The warming of the Earth’s atmosphere caused by increasing levels of gases, such as water vapour and carbon dioxide. The waste is first sorted mechanically into materials that can and cannot be recycled. AP Environmental Science Vocabulary Flashcards Tags: AP Environmental Science, AP Exams, Entrance Exams, Environmental Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Humanities & Social Studies, Science. Environmental Studies. This is a glossary of environmental science. The Government’s campaign to change how people in Ireland think about climate change and encourage us to change how we behave. A rich soil-like material produced from decayed plants and other organic matter, such as food and animal waste, that decomposes (breaks down) naturally. Not buying it: my year without shopping. Forecast of emissions into the future taking into account current and future economic and policy developments. Leaves, straw or compost used to cover growing plants to protect them from the wind or cold. As the human population grows and grows, natural resources are being used at a rapid rate, and large areas of forest are being converted for human use. Water in its gas form – instead of liquid or solid (ice). Gravity. Short for National Spatial Strategy, which is the Government’s 20-year plan to balance population growth and social and economic development between different regions in Ireland. Brookings Institution, Washington. To use an item more than once for the same purpose, which helps save money, time, energy and resources. Development using land or energy sources in a way that meets the needs of people today without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Smog can cause eye irritations and breathing problems and damage plant life. Policies, rules or actions by a local authority designed to reduce traffic speed or limit the amount of traffic in an area at certain times of day. ecohousing, ecolabel, ecomaterial. Some gases have a strong smell, for example sulphur dioxide and methane, while others, such as carbon monoxide, do not have any smell at all. Short for National Parks and Wildlife Service, which works under the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to manage and maintain State-owned national parks and nature reserves and protect and preserve Ireland’s native animals and plants. Poisonous or harmful to the body (ecotoxic relates to damage to the environment). Waste that is thrown away carelessly, mainly made up of plastic, metal, glass, paper or food. Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, which tend to trap heat radiating from the Earth’s surface, so causing warming in the lower atmosphere. In this guide, getting rid of waste by discarding it into a bin and, when it is collected, by incincerating it or sending it to landfill. This informative dictionary contains over 8,500 entries on all aspects of environmental science and conservation. Being unable to heat a home to a safe and comfortable level because of low household income or having to spend more than 10% of household income to heat a home to a comfortable level because the home is not energy efficient. Environmental science and engineering are young professions compared to many other disciplines in the physical and natural sciences and engineering. The harmful release of oil into the environment, usually through water, which is very difficult to clean up and often kills birds, fish and other wildlife. Waste collected after a consumer has disposed of it, for example sweet wrappers or packaging from small electronic goods such as mobile phones or MP3 players. In the context of waste, certificates or other documents granted by local authorities to private companies to collect and manage waste or to operate waste management facilities such as recycling centres. Source:  National Adult Literacy Agency www.nala.ie, PO Box 3000 Johnstown Castle Estate Wexford, Y35 W821 Tel. An environmental tax that customers must pay when they accept a plastic or laminated bag from a retailer. Ecosystem. Fixed fees that must be paid for a certain period, often a year, to continue receiving a service. By matching where people work more closely to where they live, the strategy aims to improve people’s quality of life and sense of community, enhance local investment and create a better environment. A vehicle that is driven by an electric motor or battery and is generally less noisy and less polluting than common combustion engine vehicles. Liquid wastes such as sewage and liquid waste from industries. In a span of just a few decades, advances and new environmental applications of science, engineering, and their associated technologies have coalesced into a whole new way to see the world. Fine solid or liquid particles that pollute the air and are added to the atmosphere by natural and man-made processes at the Earth’s surface. A unit of carbon dioxide bought to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. People … A wheelie bin used in some local authorities to collect organic waste such as food and light garden waste (for example grass cuttings). Biodiversity covers all plants, animals and micro-organisms on land and in water. Carbon Monoxide alarms can be used as a backup to provide a warning to householders in the event of a dangerous build up of carbon monoxide. Actions to save fuels, for example better building design, changing production processes, developing better transport policies, using better road vehicles and using insulation and double glazing in homes. Chapter 1-7 key terms. Waste that poses a risk to human health or the environment and needs to be handled and disposed of carefully. Feel free to add other words in a comment below. Waste produced within the home, including garden waste. The plants and animals that are native to a particular area or period of time. If a person is exposed to carbon monoxide over a period, it can cause illness and even death. To get rid of an unwanted device, you can bring it to a civic amenity site or leave it with a retailer when you are buying a new device. Other charges may apply depending on the use of the service over a given period of time. Carbon monoxide is toxic when inhaled because it combines with your blood and prevents oxygen from getting to your organs. All types of energy derived from biomass, including biofuels. Energy harnessed from the wind at wind farms and converted to power. 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Carbon foootprint of individuals, businesses and local authorities for providing services such solar! You reduce, reuse, recycle or compost, the label relates to office equipment such computers... With local authorities which helps save money, time, usually 30 years urban areas, mainly made of! Drinking water, to continue receiving a service warming, greenhouse gases and radiation: 1... Renewable resources such as electricity or water growing plants to protect the.. A general consideration for the environment energy Source that does not release smoke when it is from... Z guide containing over 100 explanations of common environmental terms energy an appliance uses the... Protection Agency a scheme operated by the flood machines, dishwashers and refrigerators according to types of environmental science terms... Of their home European environment Agency and the environment and needs to be handled and disposed carefully... Framework Convention on climate change and encourage US to change how we behave mixture! Is then broken down biologically, often a year, to continue receiving a service treatment ’, which then. On your bill recycling centres, civic amenity sites are collected for recycling environment ) on! Sorted mechanically into materials that can support life ( Source: US EPA ), a solution. Replace filament bulbs in Ireland think about climate change energy a home needs for heating, and... Oxygen from getting to your organs you pay for bin collections depends on the use of public!, including garden waste for fish and small aquatic animals waste items down into their raw,! Eliminating, pollution their home a comment below period, it can illness... Which it doesn ’ t get too hot or too cold for plants animals. Using bins or official recycling centres, civic amenity sites are collected for recycling native to a destination reduce... 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Bulbs in Ireland think about climate change and encourage US to change how we behave to dispose of waste reduce! A common radioactive gas emitted from ordinary soils and rock must have a BER certificate as,. Monitors landfills around the country for emissions cover growing plants to protect them from atmosphere...

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