thelivinggreen

Green Terms

Acid Rain:  Rain which contains chemicals from industrial pollution, like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.  Acid rain can kill plants and trees and damage buildings.
 
Biodiversity:  Describes the wealth of species in the world.
 
Environmentalist:  Person who is concerned about, and wants to protect, the environment.
 
Fossil Fuels:  Fuels, such as oil, gas, and coal, which are made from fossilized substances.  Once used, they cannot be replaced, so they are known as non-renewable resources.
 
Global Warming:  The warming of the atmosphere, which also causes the surface of the Earth to heat up.  Many scientists believe gloabl warming is caused by greenhouse gasses.
 
Greenhouse Effect:  Natural process that traps warm air around the Earth's surface, in a similar way to glass in a greenhouse, making it warm enough for life. 
 
Greenhouse Gassses:  Gasses that many people believe disturb the greenhouse effect, and increase global warming.
 
Ozone Layer:  A protective "shield" of gas that stops harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun passing through the Earth's atmosphere.
 
Pesticide:  A chemical used on crops to kill insects and pests.
 
Pollution:  The damaging of the environment by man-made gasses, chemicals, and waste. 
 
Ultraviolet Rays (UV Rays):  Harmful rays from the sun which can cause skin cancer.