tion? How does an increase in the standard of living for people living in poverty affect
the planet?- What evidence is there that humans are exceeding Earth’s carrying capacity for our
species? - What is sustainable development?
Vocabulary
carrying capacity The number of individuals of a given species a particular environment
can support.
Green Revolution Changes in the way food is produced since World War II that have
resulted in enormous increases in production.
invasive species A species of organism that spreads in an area where it is not native, and
negatively impacts the native vegetation. People often introduce invasive species either
purposefully or by accident.
limiting factor The one factor that limits the population of a region. The limiting factor
can be a nutrient, water, space, or any other biotic or abiotic factor that species need.
over-consumption Resource use that is unsustainable in the long term; obtaining many
more products than people need.
overpopulation When the population of an area exceeds its carrying capacity or when
long-term harm is done to resource availability or the environment.
pesticide A chemical that kills a certain pest that would otherwise eat or harm plants that
humans want to grow.
sustainable development Economic development that helps people out of poverty, use
resources at a rate at which they can be replaced, and protects the environment.
Points to Consider
- How much impact on the planet does an infant born in the United States have during
its lifetime, compared with one born in Senegal? - How does consuming less impact global warming?
- Can ordinary people really make a difference in changing society toward more sustain-
able living?