Green Basics
What does it mean when something is called “green”?
It supports environmental sustainability or reduces harm to the environment.
What is the built environment?
Human-made surroundings like buildings, roads, and infrastructure.
What are greenhouse gases?
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, like CO₂ and methane.
What is an apprenticeship?
A paid training program that combines hands-on work with classroom instruction.
What is industrialization?
The process of developing industries in a country or region on a wide scale.
What is a green job?
A job that helps improve the environment or conserve natural resources.
What is the natural environment?
All living and non-living things occurring naturally on Earth.
What is global warming?
The gradual increase in Earth’s average temperature due to greenhouse gases.
What is a labor union?
An organization of workers that protects workers’ rights and negotiates for fair wages and conditions.
What are fossil fuels?
Natural fuels like coal, oil, and gas formed from ancient plant and animal remains.
What is the green economy?
An economy that focuses on sustainable development and environmental protection.
What are natural resources?
Materials from the Earth used by humans, like water, air, soil, and minerals.
What is climate change?
Long-term changes in temperature, weather patterns, and extreme events.
What is a career pathway?
A planned route to move from training to employment in a certain industry.
What are nonrenewable resources?
Resources that cannot be replaced in a short time, like coal and oil.
What is the triple bottom line?
People, Planet, and Profit – the three goals of a sustainable business.
What does sustainable development mean?
Development that meets today’s needs without harming future generations’ ability to meet theirs.
What is climate injustice?
When climate change impacts some communities more than others, especially low-income or marginalized groups.
What is a green social enterprise?
A business that helps the environment and serves the community while earning revenue.
What is bioaccumulation?
When harmful chemicals build up in an organism over time.
What is the Green New Deal?
A proposed policy plan that aims to address climate change and economic inequality through green jobs and infrastructure.
What is planned obsolescence?
Designing products to wear out or become outdated quickly, leading to more waste.
What is the precautionary principle?
The idea that if something might harm people or the environment, action should be taken even without full scientific proof.
What is a social entrepreneur?
A person who starts a business to solve social or environmental problems.
What is the synergistic effect?
When two or more pollutants combine and create a stronger harmful impact than each alone.