Unit 9 Vocabulary: Is Our Climate Changing?

Most definitions and example sentences are taken from either the MerriumWebster Online Learnerss Dictionary or the NorthStar 3 Reading and Writing Book (3rd Edition)

Escape
Verb: to come out from somewhere Most of the suns heat hits the earth and escapes back into space.

Atmosphere
Noun: mixture of gases that surround the earth The atmosphere is getting warmer.

Fossil fuel
Noun: a fuel (such as coal, oil, or natural gas) that is formed in the earth from dead plants or animals When fossil fuels are burned, carbon dioxide is released.

Carbon dioxide
Noun: colorless gas breathed out by people and animals
The increase of carbon dioxide is related to global warming.

Gas
Noun: 1. a substance that is like air and has no fixed shape
The greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

2. gasoline
We need to stop for some gas.

Emission
Noun: something sent out or given off There are international limits for gas emissions.

Link
Noun: a connection or relationship between things
The link between greenhouse gases and climate change is strong.

Evidence
Synonym: proof Noun: something which shows that something else exists or is true Some scientists say there is evidence that the climate is changing.

Sign
Noun: 1. something (such as an action or event) which shows that something else exists, is true, or will happen
The articles in the textbook talk about the signs of climate change. Some people believe that there are signs that aliens exist.

Sign
2. a piece of paper, wood, etc., with words or pictures on it that gives information about something 3. a motion, action, or movement that you use to express a thought, command, or wish

Energetic
Adjective: having or showing a lot of energy The man in the picture is energetic. One sign of climate change is more energetic weather.

Adapt
Synonym: adjust Verb: to change your behavior so that it is easier to live in a particular place or situation

Can we adapt to climate change?

Agreement
Noun: 1. the act of agreeing 2. an arrangement or contract The Kyoto Protocol is an agreement that set international limits for gas emissions.

Climate
Noun: the usual weather conditions in a particular place or region
Our climate is changing.

Coal
Noun: a black or brownish-black hard substance within the earth that is used as a fuel Coal is a fossil fuel.

Confusion
Noun: lack of understanding The different views of climate change can cause confusion.

Doubt
Verb: to be uncertain about (something)
Do you doubt what the scientist say about climate change?

Noun: a feeling of being uncertain or unsure about something

I have doubts.

Government
Noun: the governing body of a nation, state or community
Some governments support the Kyoto Protocol and some dont.

Harmful
Synonym: dangerous
Adjective: causing or capable of causing damage or harm

Pollution is harmful.

Limited
Adjective: not high or great in number, amount
These sunglasses are a limited edition. Carbon dioxide emissions need to be limited.

Massive
Adjective: 1. very large and heavy
The soccer ball in the picture is massive.

2. large in amount or degree

A massive effort is required to slow climate change. What will you do?

3. very severe
Climate change is a massive problem.

Obvious
Synonym: clear Adjective: 1. easy to see or notice
Many people say climate change is obvious.

2. easy for the mind to understand or recognize

The winner of the debate is not obvious.

Production
Noun: the process of making or growing something for sale or use
Production of this product has increased.

Public
Noun: the people of a country, state Overall, the American public believes global warming is happening.

Purpose
Noun: the reason why something is done or used; the aim or intention of something The purpose of the IPCC meeting in 1988 was to talk about three critical issues.

Reduce
Verb: to make (something) smaller in size, amount, number, etc (needs an object) It is important for the rich countries of the world to reduce their gas emissions.