Environmental Issues in Europe Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to environmental issues in Europe and nuclear power safety.

Acid rain

Rain or other precipitation made unusually acidic by air pollution.

Sulfur dioxide

A gas produced when certain fossil fuels are burned; it can contribute to acid rain.

Nitrogen oxides

Polluting gases produced by vehicles, factories, and power plants that can contribute to acid rain.

Fossil fuels

Coal, oil, and natural gas formed from ancient organisms and burned for energy.

Coal

A fossil fuel burned to produce heat and electricity.

Factory

A building where goods are manufactured, often using large amounts of energy.

Power plant

A facility that produces electricity.

Emission

A gas or particle released into the air.

Pollutant

A substance that harms the environment.

Air pollution

Harmful gases, particles, or chemicals in the air.

Forest damage

Harm to trees and other plants that can result from acid rain.

Water pollution

Contamination of rivers, lakes, or other water sources.

Smog

Polluted air, often created when smoke and other pollutants mix in the atmosphere.

Vehicle emissions

Polluting gases and particles released by cars, trucks, and buses.

Industrial pollution

Pollution produced by factories and other industries.

Respiratory problems

Health problems involving the lungs and breathing that can be worsened by polluted air.

Clean air

Air containing low levels of harmful pollutants.

Environmental regulation

A rule or law designed to protect the environment.

Chernobyl

The site of a major nuclear power plant disaster in Ukraine in 1986.

Nuclear power

Energy produced using reactions involving atoms.

Nuclear power plant

A facility that uses nuclear reactions to produce electricity.

Nuclear reactor

The part of a nuclear power plant where nuclear reactions occur.

Nuclear disaster

A serious accident involving nuclear materials or radiation.

Radiation

Energy released from certain materials that can be harmful at high levels.

Radioactive

Describes material that gives off radiation.

Contamination

The spread of harmful substances into an area.

Evacuation

Moving people away from a dangerous location.

Exclusion zone

An area people are restricted from entering because it may be dangerous.

Long-term effects

Effects that continue for many years after an event.