Wikipedia
An environment is a complex of external factors. It acts on a system and determines its course and form of existence. An environment may be thought of as a superset, of which the given system is a subset. An environment may have one or more parameters, physical or otherwise. The environment of a given system must interact with that system.Generally, the environment or milieu of some object or action (philosophy)action consists of the substances, circumstances, objects, or conditions by which it is surrounded or in which it occurs. (Although the two terms are usually synonyms, some sciences prefer the less common ''milieu'' to avoid confusion with the more wider-known meanings of ''environment'' in ecology, politics, and sociology.)Either word may be used with specialized meaning in various contexts:
Life science - In biology, Environment may be defined as the complex of Climateclimatic, Ecologybiotic, social and edaphic factors that acts upon an organism and determines its form and survival. It, therefore, includes everything that may directly affect the metabolism or behavior of a living organism or species, including light, air, water, soil, and other living beings. See natural environment. In architecture, ergonomy, and occupational safety and healthwork safety, it is the ensemble of elements of a room or building that affect the well-being and efficiency of its occupants—including dimensions and arrangement of living spaces and furniture, light, ventilation, temperature, noise, etc. It may also refer to the collection of built structures. See built environment. See geography for a subject that is a study of the environment. (Terms like SOSE (Studies of Society & the Environment) not only refer to environmental studies, but also social sciences.) In psychology, ''environmentalism'' is the theory that environment (in the general and social sense) plays a greater role than heredity in determining an individual's development. More significantly, the environment is an important factor in many psychological theories.
Physical science - In thermodynamics, it refers to any objects that are not part of the system under study, and may receive or provide heat to it; see surroundings (thermodynamics). In chemistry and biochemistry, it is the chemical nature of a solution in which a chemical reactionreaction takes place, chiefly its pH (i.e. whether it is acid (chemistry)acidic or base (chemistry)alkaline). In metallurgy and ceramics, it often refers to the oxidationoxidizing or reductionreductive character of the gases or flames prevailing during some high-temperature process.
Liberal arts and social science - In non-technical contexts, such as politics, it often refers to ''the'' natural environment, that part of the natural world that is deemed valuable or important by human beings, for any reason. See natural environment. In literature, history, and sociology, it is the culture that an individual lives or was educated in, and the people and institutions with whom he interacts. See social environment. In fiction, especially science fiction and fantasy it can refer to any fictional universe or setting in which different stories are set. Thus the Star Wars sagas are all in one milieu while the various Star Trek series, movies, and books are in different milieus. This meaning is also relevant to fantasy roleplaying games. See fictional universe, constructed world and fantasy world. In any kind of organization or enterprise, it may also refer to the social and psychological conditions that are felt by its members. See work environment. In any kind of meeting or congress, it may signify the prevailing mood or preferences of the participants.
Computer science and informatics - In computer science, it generally means data, processes or devices which, although not explicitly named as parameters of a computation, may nevertheless affect its outcome. * In functional programming, lambda calculus, and programming languages, it usually means identifiers that are defined outside a given function (mathematics)function but can be used in it. In other words, everything with global or otherwise non-local scope (programming)scope to that function.* In certain operating systems like Unix, DOS, and Microsoft Windows, the environment is a set of environment variables in the form of ''var''=''value'' used by applications and libraries to affect default preferences.* More generally, it may also mean the hardware and operating system on which a program is executed; see system platform.
See also - List of environment topics List of environmental organizations Conservation movement Environmentalism Environmental journalismdisambig Category:Environment Category:Personal !lifebn:পরিবেশbr:En drocs:Životní? !prostředída:Miljøde:Umwelte s:Medio? !ambientefr:Environnementko:환 경it:Ambientelb:Ëmweltli:Mil jeunl:Milieuja:環境no:Miljø oc:Environamentpl:Środowiskop t:Ambienteru:Окружающ я? !средаsimple:Environmentfi :Ympäristövi:Môi? trườngzh:环境 DEBUG REDIRECT (environment)
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Websites
Iyok Ami Ecolodge
Ecolodge in cloudforest of Costa Rica working in harmony with nature. We recruit volunteers for environmental projects
http://www.iyokami.com/
point2explore - Interactive Information for Museums and Corporations
Affordable touch screen exhibit games and programs designed for children of all ages. Games designed to educate your visitors and programs designed to inform. Fully customizable for your theme, content, or venue.
http://www.point2explore.com/
System Erde / GLOBE Programm
Earth Science at School, worldwide, also see www.globe.gov
http://www.schulgeologie.de/
EE-Link - An Environmental Education Resource for Teachers
Directory of Internet resources intended to support, enhance and extend effective environmental education in grades K-12. Includes classroom materials, publications, information on grants, and general environmental links.
http://www.eelink.net
Environmental Protection Agency
Committed to protecting the natural environment.
http://www.epa.gov/
ERIC Clearinghouse for Science, Mathematics, and Environmental Education
Goal is to provide access to information for teaching and learning about science, mathematics, and the environment.
http://www.ericse.org/
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