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Environmental Change

Definition

Environmental change refers to any alteration in the physical, chemical, or biological components of an ecosystem caused by natural processes or human activities. These changes can have profound effects on biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and human well-being.

Analogy

Think of your bedroom as an ecosystem. If you rearrange furniture, open windows for fresh air, or introduce new plants, you are causing environmental changes within your room that affect its overall dynamics and comfort level.

Related terms

Climate Change: Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature patterns, precipitation levels, wind patterns, and other aspects of Earth's climate system due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

Habitat Loss: Habitat loss occurs when natural habitats are destroyed or significantly altered by factors like deforestation, urbanization, or pollution. This loss threatens many species with extinction.

Pollution: Pollution involves the introduction of harmful substances into the environment, such as air pollution from vehicle emissions or water pollution from industrial waste. It can have detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health.