Unit 7

Word

Definition

Example

carbon footprint

the total amount of carbon dioxide and other gases a person or activity produces.

We're trying to reduce our carbon footprint by using our bikes more and the car less.

climate change

long-term changes in the Earth's weather patterns, often caused by human activity.

We need to take climate change more seriously, or our world is going to become a very different place.

global warming

the gradual increase in the Earth's temperature due to pollution and greenhouse gases.

If we don't do something about global warming, some islands are going to disappear under the sea.

greenhouse effect

the trapping of heat in the Earth's atmosphere that keeps the planet warm.

The greenhouse effect means our planet is becoming warmer than it should be.

ozone layer

a layer of gas high in the atmosphere that protects the Earth from harmful sunlight.

Although we can't see it, the ozone layer protects us from dangerous UV radiation.

renewable energy

energy that comes from natural sources that can be replaced, like the sun, wind, or water.

We need to rely more on renewable energy like solar energy to generate electricity.

sustainable development

progress that meets current needs without harming the environment or future generations.

Governments are now more concerned about sustainable development, but they still don't do enough to control economic growth.

toxic waste

dangerous or poisonous materials produced by factories or industries.

There is a lot of industry there, and the river and sea are polluted with toxic waste.

call for

require, demand

This situation calls for immediate action.

chop down

make a tree, etc. fall by cutting it

We decided to chop down the old oak tree in the garden.

clean up

make a place completely clean and tidy

Why don't you clean up your room before your friends arrive?

die out

become less common and then disappear

Does anyone know why the dinosaurs died out?

do away with

get rid of

They've done away with the traffic lights outside the school.

run out

if sth runs out, you don't have any more of it

One day, all the world's oil supply will run out. What will we do then?

throw away

get rid of sth you no longer want

Do you mind if I throw away all these old magazines?

wipe out

destroy completely

Wolves were wiped out in Britain centuries ago.

affected by

changed or influenced by something.

Were you affected by the recent floods?

exposed to

in a situation where you are not protected from something harmful.

Young children shouldn't be exposed to cigarette smoke.

harmful to

causing damage or injury to someone or something.

Building another airport will be very harmful to the local environment.

protect from

to keep someone or something safe from danger or harm.

Elephants need to be protected from local hunters.

threatened by

in danger because of something that could harm or destroy you.

The local wildlife is threatened by pollution from factories.

waste of

a bad or careless use of something valuable like time or money.

Trying to explain something to Harry is a waste of time because he never listens.

benefit

(v) to be helped or improved by something; (n) an advantage or positive result.

Students benefit from studying in small groups.

industry

the business of producing goods or providing services.

The tourism industry provides thousands of jobs in this region.

live

(v) to have life or exist; (adj) happening now or being broadcast as it happens; (adv) in a way that shows something is happening in real time.

They live in a small apartment in the city center.

ordinary

normal or not special.

She's just an ordinary student with a big dream.

origin

the beginning, source, or cause of something.

Scientists are studying the origin of the universe.

signify

to represent, mean, or show something.

A red flag can signify danger or warning.

storm

very bad weather with strong winds, rain, thunder, or snow.

The storm caused several trees to fall across the road.

tradition

a custom or belief that has been passed down through generations.

It's a family tradition to have dinner together every Sunday.