Environmental Science: Planetary Boundaries

Front

What are the control variables for the biosphere integrity boundary?

Back

Loss of functional diversity and loss of genetic diversity.

Front

What is the 'Anthropocene'?

Back

A period where global systems will be defined by human activity.

Front

What term describes the condition when an ecological process is altered to a point where its functioning is irreversibly changed?

Back

An Ecological Tipping Point.

Front

Which of the following is NOT one of the Nine Planetary Boundaries?

Back

Extinction rate.

Front

Fill the gap: The __________ is monitored using carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere; CO2 is the most important of the greenhouse gases.

Back

Climate change boundary.

Front

Define 'Planetary Boundaries'.

Back

A framework that defines the safe operating space for humanity with respect to the Earth system and its biophysical subsystems.

Front

What is 'Biosphere Integrity'?

Back

The capacity of the biosphere to maintain its structure and function, including genetic diversity and ecosystem services.

Front

Explain 'Ecological Tipping Point'.

Back

A threshold beyond which a system cannot return to its original state, leading to significant and often irreversible changes.

Front

What are 'Biochemical Flows'?

Back

The cycling of nutrients and elements through ecosystems, including nitrogen and phosphorus cycles.

Front

What is 'Climate Change Boundary'?

Back

The limit of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere that can be sustained without causing dangerous interference with the climate system.