Aerosol - Particles of solid or liquid matter that can remain suspended in the air from a few minutes to many months depending on the particle size and weight.
Air Pollution - Unwanted particles, mist or gases put into the atmosphere as a result of motor vehicle exhaust, the operation of industrial facilities or other human activity.
Atmosphere - The gaseous mass or envelope of air surrounding the Earth. From ground-level up, the atmosphere is further subdivided into the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere and the thermosphere.
Biodiesel - a biodegradable transportation fuel for use in diesel engines that is produced through the transesterification of organically- derived oils or fats. It may be used either as a replacement for or as a component of diesel fuel.
Biogas - The mixture of methane, carbon dioxide, and other minor gases formed from the decomposition of organic materials.
Biomass - Energy resources derived from organic matter. These include wood, agricultural waste and other living-cell material that can be burned to produce heat energy. They also include algae, sewage and other organic substances that may be used to make energy through chemical processes.
CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons or chlorinated fluorocarbons) - A family of artificially produced chemicals receiving much attention for their role in stratospheric ozone depletion.
Deep Mining - Extraction of coal or minerals at depths greater than 1,000 feet. Coal usually is deep-mined at not more than 1,500 feet.
Energy - The capacity for doing work. Forms of energy include: thermal, mechanical, electrical and chemical. Energy may be transformed from one form into another.
Energy Efficiency - Using less energy/electricity to perform the same function. Programs designed to use electricity more efficiently - doing the same with less.
Geothermal energy - Natural heat from within the earth, captured for production of electric power, space heating or industrial steam.
Greenhouse Effect - The effect produced as greenhouse gases allow incoming solar radiation to pass through the Earth's atmosphere, but prevent most of the outgoing infra-red radiation from the surface and lower atmosphere from escaping into outer space.
Renewable Energy - Resources that constantly renew themselves or that are regarded as practically inexhaustible. These include solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, and wood.
Zero Emission (ZE) - An engine, motor, process, or other energy sources, that emits no waste products that pollute the environment or disrupt the climate.
