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acid rain<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nPrecipitation containing higher than normal amounts of sulfuric acid and nitric acid, formed when natural rainwater combines with sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emitted by burning of fossil fuels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
active solar heating<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nA system that uses mechanical devices such as pumps or fans to move heated air or liquid between solar collectors and a building. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
adaptation<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nAdjustment in natural or human systems to a new or changing environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
advanced ecologically engineered system (AEES) <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nA biological wastewater treatment system which use a series of tanks containing communities of microorganisms, protozoa, higher animals such as snails, and plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
aerobic<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nLiving systems or processes that occur in the presence of oxygen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
aerosol<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nMinute solid or liquid airborne particles that remain suspended in the atmosphere for at least several hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Agenda 21<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nAn action plan to promote sustainable development by addressing social, economic, and environmental impacts of human activity, adopted by delegates to the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, or Earth Summit, in Rio de Janeiro. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
aggregate<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nCoarse particles of rock, used in concrete and paving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
agriculture<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe practice of cultivating plants and animals for food and fiber. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
agroecology<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nAn interdisciplinary approach which applies principles of ecology to the practice of agriculture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
agroforestry <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe intercropping of annual or perennial agricultural crops with trees or other woody plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
albedo<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nA measure of a surface\u2019s ability to reflect sunlight, often expressed as a decimal fraction on a scale of 0 to 1. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
allergen<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nA substance that activates the body\u2019s immune system, causing a response when a response is not necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
alternative energy<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nAn energy source that is an alternative to fossil fuels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
anaerobic<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nLiving systems or processes that occur in the absence of oxygen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anthropocene<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nAn informal term for the most recent period in Earth\u2019s history during which human activities have had significant impact on climate and ecosystems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
anthropocentrism<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nA view of reality in which human values and interests are primary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
anthropogenic<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nResulting from human activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
aquaculture<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe industrial farming of fish or seafood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
aquifer<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nAn underground water-bearing layer of permeable rock, sand, or gravel capable of supplying wells or springs. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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