IB Environmental systems and societies Topic 7: Natural Resources Key Definitions

Aesthetic value refers to the beauty and visual appeal of natural landscapes, which inspire art, photography, and personal reflection.

Biodegradability refers to the ability of a substance to be broken down into simpler, harmless substances by natural processes, typically through the action of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, etc.).

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in an ecosystem, encompassing different levels of biological organization.

Bottom trawling is an industrial fishing method that drags heavy nets along the seabed, capturing bottom-dwelling species but causing severe damage to habitats and high bycatch rates.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a technology that captures CO₂ emissions from industrial processes or power plants and stores it underground in geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers.

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) and storing it in solid or liquid form.

The circular economy is an economic model that decouples economic growth from resource consumption by keeping materials, products, and resources in use for as long as possible.

Cultural value encompasses the tangible and intangible aspects of nature that shape traditions, languages, and knowledge systems.

Economic sustainability refers to the development of economic structures and systems that allow for the long-term production and consumption of goods and services in a way that meets human needs without depleting natural resources or causing irreversible environmental damage.

Economic value refers to the monetary worth of natural resources and the ecosystem services they provide.

Ecosystem services or intangible natural capital are nature’s "free services" that support life and human well-being.

Energy security refers to a country’s ability to access affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy sources without major disruptions.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a critical tool for ensuring that development projects are sustainable and that their potential environmental, social, and economic impacts are fully considered before they are approved and implemented.

Eutrophication is a process where excess nutrients, primarily nitrates and phosphates, enter aquatic ecosystems, triggering a cascade of ecological changes.

A fish stock refers to a population of a particular species of fish that is managed as a unit. It may include all individuals in a defined geographical area.

Food security is defined as the physical and economic availability of food, ensuring all individuals can access the balanced diet necessary for a healthy and active life.

Greenhouse gases are atmospheric gases that absorb infrared radiation emitted from the Earth’s surface and re-radiate it back, contributing to atmospheric warming.

Half-life is a scientific term used to describe the time it takes for half of a given quantity of a substance to degrade or transform into another substance.

Health value refers to the benefits nature provides for human health, both physically and mentally.

Natural capital refers to the total stock of natural resources (both renewable and non-renewable) that provide ecosystem services benefiting humans and the environment.

Natural resources are materials and energy sources found in nature that humans use to meet their needs.

Non-renewable natural capital is a resource that exists in finite amounts and cannot be replenished within a human lifespan.

The Passive House (Passivhaus) concept is an architectural approach that significantly reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling by maximizing natural insulation, ventilation, and solar gain.

Pumped hydroelectric storage is a method used to store energy by moving water between two reservoirs at different elevations.