Glossary H

The Environmental Glossary. Letter H +++ Popular Articles: 'Human', 'Hazard', 'Health'

Deutsch: Mensch / Español: Homo sapiens / Português: Homo sapiens / Français: Homo sapiens / Italiano: Homo sapiens

A human (variously Homo sapiens and Homo sapiens sapiens) is a primate of the family Hominidae. Humans are the only extant species of the genus Homo. Humans are distinguished from other primates by their bipedal locomotion, and especially by their relatively larger brain with its particularly well developed neocortex, prefrontal cortex and temporal lobes, which enable high levels of abstract reasoning, language, problem solving, and culture through social learning.

Deutsch: Humankarzinogen / Español: carcinógeno humano / Português: carcinogênico humano / Français: cancérogène humain / Italiano: cancerogeno umano

Human carcinogen in the environmental context refers to substances or agents that are known to cause cancer in humans. These carcinogens can be found in various environmental sources, including air, water, soil, and industrial and household products. Understanding the sources and impacts of carcinogens is crucial for public health and environmental safety.

Deutsch: Index der menschlichen Entwicklung / Español: Índice de Desarrollo Humano / Português: Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano / Français: Indice de Développement Humain / Italiano: Indice di Sviluppo Umano /

A Human Development Index (HDI) is Created by the United

In the context of the environment, human geography is the study of how human activities interact with and are influenced by the Earth's surface and its features. It examines the spatial aspects of human existence — how people and their activities are distributed across the planet, how they modify and adapt to various environments, and how they impact the natural world. This branch of geography helps in understanding the relationships between human cultures, economies, and the environment.

Deutsch: Menschliche Gesundheit / Español: Salud Humana / Português: Saúde Humana / Français: Santé Humaine / Italiano: Salute Umana

Human Health refers to the overall physical, mental, and social well-being of individuals, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. In the environment context, it specifically relates to how environmental factors—such as air quality, water purity, chemical exposure, and climate change—impact health outcomes. Environmental health assesses risks and develops strategies to mitigate harmful exposures and promote healthier living conditions.

A Humidifier Fever is a respiratory illness caused by exposure to toxins from microorganisms found in wet or moist areas in humidifiers and air conditioners.

Humus are the slightly soluble residue of undigested or partially decomposed organic material in topsoil.

Deutsch: Jagd / Español: Caza / Português: Caça / Français: Chasse / Italiano: Caccia

Hunting refers to the practice of pursuing, capturing, or killing wild animals for food, sport, or management purposes. In the environmental context, hunting has significant implications for ecosystems, biodiversity, and species conservation. While it has been a traditional means of survival and cultural practice for centuries, modern hunting is regulated to balance the needs of wildlife conservation with human activities.

English: Hurricane / Español: Huracán / Português: Furacão / Français: Ouragan / Italiano: Uragano

Hurricane refers to a powerful tropical cyclone that forms over warm ocean waters and is characterized by intense wind speeds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges.

A Hutch is an individual housing unit for young calves. Often made of white fiberglass or polyvinyl.