Cycling of Matter
The process of evaporation moves this from the Earth's surface into the atmosphere as vapor.
What is water?
These plastics, made from plant-based materials like PLA and PHA, aim to reduce pollution.
What are bio-based plastics?
This gas is the main contributor to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
What is carbon dioxide?
This is one traditional Indigenous practice that helps protect the forests.
What is controlled burning?
This is the maximum number of organisms that a habitat can support over time.
What is carrying capacity?
During photosynthesis, plants absorb this gas from the atmosphere.
What is carbon dioxide?
Compared to traditional solvents, these chemicals emit fewer VOCs and are less harmful.
What are ionic liquids? (or green solvents)
Climate change causes these phenomenon in the oceans.
What are ocean warming and sea level rise?
This Indigenous practice involves using only what is needed and leaving enough resources behind to continue to support the land.
What is sustainable harvesting?
This type of interaction benefits one species while harming the other.
What is parasitism?
This is a major human activity that increases atmospheric carbon dioxide.
What is burning fossil fuels? (or deforestation)
These materials are designed to trap carbon dioxide and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
What are CO2 capture sorbents?
Climate change has led to a change in weather patterns which can be described in this way.
What is extreme and unpredictable weather?
This method involves harvesting different areas in cycles, giving plants time to recover before being used again.
What is rotational harvesting?
This process in water ecosystems occurs when excess nutrients lead to algae overgrowth.
What is eutrophication?
Bacteria in this cycle convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use.
What is the nitrogen cycle?
Solid-state batteries were developed to address this safety risk found in liquid lithium-ion batteries.
What is the risk of fire and leakage?
This occurs when CO2 dissolves in ocean water, lowering its pH.
What is ocean acidification?
This practice includes monitoring and protecting ecosystems by Indigenous community members to ensure sustainable use of land and resources.
What is land guardianship?
This relationship benefits both organisms involved.
What is mutualism?
Unlike other cycles, this one does not include an atmospheric phase and moves through rocks, soil, and organisms.
What is the phosphorus cycle?
These coatings use light to break down pollutants and improve air quality in cities.
What are photocatalytic coatings?
The thawing of permafrost releases this gas, creating a feedback loop that accelerates warming.
What is methane?
This term describes the Inuit homeland, including land, water, and ice — all considered deeply connected to culture, identity, and way of life.
Inuit Nunangat
This natural process breaks down dead plants and animals, returning nutrients to the soil.
What is decomposition?