9781422274538

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

asbestos a mineral that does not burn easily and can be used for making fabrics and other materials

asphalt a black sticky substance used for making roads

bauxite an ore from which the metal aluminum is obtained

biodegradable the substance that can be broken down by bacteria so that it is not harmful to the environment

cadmium a metallic element that is used in batteries

carbon footprint the amount of CO 2 organization, building, etc., produces

that a person,

combustion the process of burning

compost a mixture of decaying plants and animals used as a fertilizer

compress to press or squeeze something

contaminant a substance that makes something dirty, polluted, or poisonous

countertop a flat working surface in kitchens or bathrooms

deplete to reduce the amount of something

disposable something that is designed to be thrown away after it has been used once or a few times

CLIMATE CHANGE: Problems and Progress

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