anthropocentric Interpreting or regarding the world in terms of human values and experiences.
biocentric Considering all forms of life as having intrinsic value.
deep ecology A movement or a body of concepts that considers humans no more important than other species and that advocates a corresponding radical readjustment of the relationships between humans and nature.
domino effect A cumulative effect produced when one event initiates a succession of similar events.
ecofeminism A movement or theory that applies feminist principles and ideas to ecological issues.
ecosystem An ecological unit made up of organisms and the environment they live in.
ecoterrorism The sabotage of activities that are harmful to the environment or animals, often by violent means.
erosion The process of slowly wearing away.
extinction In biology, the dying out or termination of a species.
herbicide An agent (such as a chemical) used to destroy or inhibit plant growth; specifically, a selective weed killer that does not injure crop plants.
lobby To conduct activities with the objective of influencing public officials and especially members of a legislative body with regard to legislation and other policy decisions.
ozone A form of oxygen in which the molecule contains three atoms instead of two.
ozone layer, or ozonosphere Region in the upper atmosphere between about 9 and 22 miles (15 and 35 kilometers) in altitude, in which there are appreciable concentrations of ozone; it protects Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.
pesticide An agent (such as a chemical) used to destroy pests.
recycling The recovery and reuse of materials from spent products.
reforest To renew forest cover on denuded land by natural seeding or artificial planting.
sanction A measure taken against a country that violates a law.
smelter An establishment that processes metal.
stewardship The careful, responsible management of something (such as natural resources) entrusted to one’s care.
timbering The act of cutting down trees for commercial purposes.
troika Any group of three acting in unison to exert influence, control, and so forth.