unit 9 vocabulary

Unit 9 Vocabulary: Is Our Climate Changing? Most definitions and example sentences are taken from either the MerriumWebster Online Learners’s Dictionary or the NorthStar 3 Reading and Writing Book (3rd  Edition)

Escape •

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Verb: to come out from Verb: somewhere Most of the sun’s heat

hits the earth and escapes back into space.

Atmosphere •

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

Fossil fuel •

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Noun: a fuel (such as Noun: 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 •

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

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Gas Noun: 1. a substance Noun: that is like air and has no fixed shape  –

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The greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

2. gasoline  –

We need to stop for

Emission •

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

Link •

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

Evidence •

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

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Sign Noun: 1. something Noun: (such as an action or event) which shows that something else exists, is true, or will happen  –

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The articles in the textbook talk about the signs of climate change. change . Some people believe that there are signs that

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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 •

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

Adapt •

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Synonym: adjust Verb: to change your Verb: behavior so that it is easier to live in a particular place or situation Can we adapt to climate change?

Agreement •

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

Climate •

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

Coal •

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

Confusion •

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

Doubt •

Verb: to be uncertain Verb: about (something)  –

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Do you doubt what the scientist say about climate change?

Noun: a feeling of being Noun: uncertain or unsure about something  –

I have doubts.

Government •

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Noun: the governing Noun: body of a nation, state or community Some governments governments support the Kyoto Protocol Protocol and some don’t.

Harmful •

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Synonym: dangerous  Adjective: causing or  Adjective: capable of causing damage or harm Pollution is harmful.

Limited •

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

Massive •

 Adjective: 1. very large  Adjective: and heavy  –

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2. large in amount or degree  –

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The soccer ball in the picture is massive.

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

3. very severe  –

Climate change is a massive problem.

Obvious •

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Synonym: clear  Adjective:: 1. easy to see or notice  Adjective  –

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Many people say climate change is obvious.

2. easy for the mind to understand or recognize  –

The winner of the debate is not obvious. o bvious.

Production •

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

Public •

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

Purpose •

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

Reduce •

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Verb: to make Verb: (something) (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.