"Environmental science is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physics, biology, and geography (including ecology, chemistry, plant science, zoology, mineralogy, oceanography, limnology, soil science, geology and physical geography, and atmospheric science) to the study of the environment and the solution of environmental problems."
The study of the physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur in the natural environment, including the impact of human activity on ecosystems.
Biodiversity: The variety and abundance of living organisms on Earth and their ecological roles.
Ecology: The study of how organisms interact with one another and with their environment.
Climate Change: The global phenomenon of increasing temperatures and altered weather patterns associated with increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Sustainability: The ability of ecosystems, human societies, and economies to exist and thrive in the long term.
Environmental policy: The set of laws, regulations, and guidelines that govern how governments and other organizations manage natural resources and protect the environment.
Ecosystem services: The benefits that humans derive from natural ecosystems, including food, water, air quality, and recreational opportunities.
Organic and sustainable agriculture: Farming practices that prioritize environmental sustainability and minimize the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Remediation and restoration: The process of repairing or improving natural and human-made environments that have been damaged or degraded.
Water management: The management of water resources for human use, conservation, and environmental protection.
Green energy: Renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, that are environmentally sustainable and have low impacts on ecosystems.
Environmental Justice: The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws.
Environmental Health: The branch of public health concerned with how the environment affects human health and well-being.
Waste management: The disposal and recycling of waste materials in ways that minimize negative impacts on the environment.
Pollution Control: The practice of preventing, reducing, or eliminating pollutants from the environment to protect human health and the health of ecosystems.
Natural Resource Conservation: The sustainable management and use of natural resources such as forests, fisheries, and minerals, to ensure long-term availability and viability.
Atmospheric Science: The study of the earth's atmosphere and its interactions with other systems.
Ecology: The study of the interactions between organisms and their environment.
Environmental Science: The interdisciplinary study of the environment, including the physical, chemical, and biological factors affecting ecosystems and human societies.
Geography: The study of the spatial distribution of natural and human systems.
Geology: The study of the earth's physical structure, composition, and history.
Hydrology: The study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth.
Oceanography: The study of the ocean, including its composition, dynamics, and ecosystems.
Conservation Biology: The study of the conservation and management of species and ecosystems.
Environmental Policy: The study of the decision-making processes and institutions involved in environmental governance.
Wildlife Management: The study of the management and conservation of wildlife populations.
Sustainable Development: The study of the social, economic, and environmental challenges and opportunities of sustainable development.
Environmental Education: The teaching and learning of environmental issues and sustainability.
Natural Resource Management: The management of natural resources, including forests, fisheries, and minerals.
Environmental Health: The study of the effect of environmental factors on human health.
Library and Museum Studies: The study of the management and preservation of collections of natural history specimens, artifacts, and other cultural and scientific materials in libraries and museums.
"Environmental science emerged from the fields of natural history and medicine during the Enlightenment."
"Today it provides an integrated, quantitative, and interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental systems."
"Environmental studies incorporates more of the social sciences for understanding human relationships, perceptions, and policies towards the environment."
"Environmental engineering focuses on design and technology for improving environmental quality in every aspect."
"Environmental scientists seek to understand the earth's physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes."
"Environmental scientists study issues such as alternative energy systems, pollution control and mitigation, natural resource management, and the effects of global warming and climate change."
"Environmental issues almost always include an interaction of physical, chemical, and biological processes."
"Environmental scientists bring a systems approach to the analysis of environmental problems."
"Key elements of an effective environmental scientist include the ability to relate space and time relationships as well as quantitative analysis."
"Environmental science came alive as a substantive, active field of scientific investigation in the 1960s and 1970s."
"The development of environmental science was driven by the need for a multi-disciplinary approach, the arrival of substantive environmental laws, and growing public awareness of a need for action."
"Events that spurred this development included the publication of Rachel Carson's landmark environmental book Silent Spring along with major environmental issues becoming very public, such as the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill and the Cuyahoga River of Cleveland, Ohio, 'catching fire'."
"The publication of Rachel Carson's landmark environmental book Silent Spring...helped increase the visibility of environmental issues and create this new field of study."
"Major environmental issues becoming very public, such as the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill and the Cuyahoga River of Cleveland, Ohio, 'catching fire'."
"Environmental science integrates physics, biology, and geography...to the study of the environment and the solution of environmental problems."
"Environmental studies incorporate more of the social sciences for understanding human relationships, perceptions, and policies towards the environment."
"Environmental engineering focuses on design and technology for improving environmental quality in every aspect."
"Environmental issues almost always include an interaction of physical, chemical, and biological processes."
"The growing public awareness of a need for action in addressing environmental problems."