Modern school

Fossil fuels give off large amounts of carbon when burned which is damaging to the atmosphere.



atmosphere – the layer of gases surrounding the Earth or any other planet.

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      Asteroids usually burn up when they enter the Earth’s atmosphere.
      

ozone layer – a layer of the colourless gas ozone that exists high above the Earth's surface and which prevents harmful ultraviolet light from the sun from reaching the Earth.

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    Without the ozone layer, it would be very difficult for anything to survive on Earth. carbon dioxide – a gas formed when carbon is burned, or when people or animals breathe out.
    

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    Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen which helps to keep our atmosphere healthy.
    

carbon monoxide – a poisonous gas formed by the burning of carbon, especially in the form of car fuel.

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    You can’t smell carbon monoxide which makes it a deadly killer, so it’s important to install a carbon monoxide alarm near your gas boiler.
    

greenhouse gas – a gas in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, that absorbs radiation and gives off heat.

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    Greenhouse gases contribute to the problem of global warming.
    

greenhouse effect – the gradual warming of the surface of the Earth due to greenhouse gases being trapped in the atmosphere above the Earth.
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-The greenhouse effect is believed by many to be responsible for climate change.


Environment Vocabulary Set 4: Environmental issues


erosion – the gradual wearing-away of something by the natural forces of the wind, rain and water.

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      Crop rotation is important to ensure the soil isn’t left bare and subject to erosion by the wind and rain.
      

Collocations:

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      coastal erosion – damage to the coastline caused mainly by waves.
      
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      soil erosion – removal of the upper layer of the soil, mainly by water or wind.
      

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      wind erosion – a process where soil or rocks are worn away by the wind. deforestation – the cutting down or burning of all the trees in an area.
      

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      Deforestation results in the loss of habitat for millions of species, leads to soil erosion and, according to scientists, is a major cause of climate change.
      

land clearance – the process of removing vegetation to create new areas of land suitable for farming.

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