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Glossary of Key Terms
Biomass – the total weight of organisms within a given area.
Carbon sink – the ability of natural environments and organisms to absorb and retain
carbon.
Charcoal – carbon obtained from burning wood, bone or other substances in the absence
of air. Used for cooking on open fires.
Climate – weather conditions in a wide area over a long period.
Deforestation – removal of trees and woodlands, often leading to complete destruction of
the woodland habitat.
Ecology – interaction of living things with each other and their physical environment.
Erosion – process by which stone and soils are weathered away by action of water, wind or
other natural factors.
Extinction – when all members of a species have died.
Global Warming – the gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth’s
atmosphere caused by greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions – a group of gasses which contribute to global warming by
absorbing infrared radiation.
Infrastructure – basic physical and organisational structures and facilities needed for
society to function (roads, buildings, power, water).
Mining – removal of valuable materials contained within the soil.
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