Human Impacts on the Environment MS-ESS3-4

NGSS

carbon cycle

The biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the Earth's spheres. carbon cycle. The carbon cycle is the process where carbon moves through the air, ground, plants, animals, and back into the atmosphere.

carrying capacity

the largest population that an environment can support

conservation

the careful management and use of resources

fossil fuel

an energy source made of the remains of organisms that lived long ago, like coal or oil

greenhouse effect

the warming of the Earth when the atmosphere traps heat like a blanket

natural resource

a material or an energy source in the environment, like trees, water or wind

nonrenewable resource

a natural resource that is consumed faster than it can be created

pollution

adding harmful substances to the land, water or air

renewable resource

a resource that is replaced by nature more quickly than it is consumed

sustainability

The ability to exist constantly. Sustainability. Sustainability means using resources wisely so they last for future generations.