Glossary



Global Warming: The warming of the Earth currently occuring because of man-related activities.. All 10 of the hottest years record have occured in the last 15 years.



Carbon Dioxide: A gas which natuarally exists in the air and acts like a blanket to keep the planet warm. Burning fossil fuels releases excess carbon dioxide into the air and is causing the earth to heat more than normal.



Greenhouse Effect: This is the process that describes how carbon dioxide in the upper atmosphere acts like a greenhouse to keep the heat in. The carbon dioxide is like the glass in a greenhouse or like a blanket, as mentioned above.



Fossil Fuels: These are the fuels we burn to run most of our cars, power plants, and appliances. The energy that powers your hot water heater or fridge in your house, for example, releases carbon dioxide into the air.



Conservation: This is the act of preserving, restoring, and protecting the environment from damage or loss. To 'conserve energy' means to use only what you need and to adopt energy habits that remove all wasteful releases of energy. For example, in the summer to make a room really cold with air conditioning is wasteful and does not conserve energy, just like leaving a door open in the summer or winter lets out cold air or the heat from your house.



Green Power: Renewable forms of energy. Solar panels, wind mills and geothermal (heat that natuarally comes from within the earth) are examples that use infinite sources of natural energy without causing damage to the environment.



Global Footprint: This is the amount of carbon dioxide you personally release into the atmosphere. The challenge is to take actions which earse your footprint.



Hybrid Car: This is a car which uses both an electric battery along with a traditional engine to power your car. Hybrid cars get much better gas mileage, save you monet at the gas pump, and release far less carbon dioxide into the air.



CFL Bulbs or Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs: Stnadard light bulb waste 90% of the energy they use on creating heat. CFL bulbs cost a little more in the store but over the span of their life will save around $30 in energy costs, making them better for both the environment and you bank account!



Acknowledgement: http://www.hippoworks.com/animalsearth/glossarylyrics.pdf



PS. I spend a long time typing it! :(



kang leng