Saving Energy Vocabulary List

greenhouse effect an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide and other gases in the
atmosphere (= mixture of gases around the earth), that is believed to be the cause of
a gradual warming of the surface of the earth

heat wave a period of days during which the weather is much hotter than usual
harmful Causing harm.
renewable energy energy that is produced using the sun, wind, etc., or from crops, rather than
using fuels such as oil or coal
emission the act of sending out gas, heat, light, etc

endangered in danger of being harmed, lost, unsuccessful, etc

famine a situation in which there is not enough food for a great number of
people, causing illness and death, or a particular period when this happens
global warming a gradual increase in world temperatures caused by gases such as carbon dioxide that
are collecting in the air around the earth and stopping heat escaping into space
to be aware To be known of something exist
balance Equal weight or force
biodegradable Able to decay naturally and in a way that is not harmful
carbon dioxide The gas formed when carbon is burned, or when people or animals breathe out.
catastrophe A sudden event that causes very great trouble or destruction.
to chop down To cut down into pieces with an axe, knife, or other sharp instruments
Climate change Changes in the world’s weather, getting warmer as a result of human activity increasing
the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
sewage plant A place where sewage is treated so that it can be safely got rid of or change into fertilizer.
to contaminate To make it something less pure or make it poisonous.
to destroy To damage something so badly that it cannot be used.
ozone layer a layer of air containing ozone high above the earth that prevents
harmful ultraviolet light from the sun from reaching the earth
the polar ice caps a thick layer of ice that permanently covers an area of land in the North and South Pole
pollution damage caused to water, air, etc. by harmful substances or waste
prevention the act of stopping something from happening or of stopping someone from doing
something
drought a long period when there is little or no rain:
oxygen a chemical element that is a gas with no smell or colour. Oxygen forms a large part of
the air on earth, and is needed by animals and plants to live.
dumping the act of getting rid of something that is not wanted:
to recycle to sort and collect rubbish in order to treat it and produce useful materials that can be
used again:
fertilize to spread a natural or chemical substance on land or plants, in order to make
the plants grow well