Concepts and Terms


To what extent does globalization affect sustainability?

As you progress through this unit, consider the following questions:

  • What does sustainability mean?

  • Does economic growth have limits?

  • Do we need to limit our lifestyle and desire for possessions to guarantee a future for our descendants?

  • What measures can we as individuals, societies, or nations, take to reduce the effects of development on ecosystems and human communities?


In this unit, you will learn more about the following big ideas:

  • Uncontrolled economic growth harms the environment and could limit prosperity in the future.

  • Individuals, businesses, and governments must assume roles in ensuring the environment is protected for future generations.



The following are important words in this unit. Select the word to read the definition, or look in the online glossary.

acid rain

biodiversity

carrying capacity

climate change

desertification

ecological footprint

economy of scale
environmentalism

factory farms

fossil fuels

genetically modified foods

global warming

greenhouse effect
greenhouse gas emissions

hazardous waste

organic farming

sustainability

stewardship

utilitarianism