A ‣ Fossil fuels

Fossil fuels are sources of energy which were formed underground from plant and animal remains millions of years ago.
Several new oil wells¹ were constructed in the desert last year.
Off shore² drilling platforms explore the ocean bed for oil and gas.
Older, coal-fired³ power stations generally cause high levels of pollution.
The coal mines⁴ in the north of the country are no longer profitable.
A new gas pipeline⁵ was built to bring cheaper energy to the capital city.

¹ hole made in the ground for the removal of oil
² away from or at a distance from the coast
³ using coal as a fuel
⁴ deep hole or system of holes under the ground from which coal is removed
⁵ very large tube through which liquid or gas can flow for long distances

B ‣ Renewable energy

Renewable energy is energy that can be produced again as quickly as it is used.

¹ on the land (opp. = off shore)
² group of wind turbines that are used for producing electricity
³ devices that change energy from the sun into electricity
⁴ producing electricity by the force of fast-moving water such as rivers or waterfalls
⁵ dead plant and animal material suitable for using as fuel
⁶ using the force of the sea tide to produce energy
⁷ using the force of waves in the sea to produce energy
⁸ note that renewable can also be used as a countable noun
⁹ using the power produced when the nucleus of an atom is divided or joined to another nucleus
¹⁰ using the heat inside the earth

C ‣ Using energy

What can ordinary citizens do to reduce energy consumption¹? Some simple things include using fewer power-hungry² appliances³ around the home, monitoring⁴ your use of electricity and consuming⁵ less energy by switching off unnecessary lights and entertainment systems that use power while on standby. Is your car a gas-guzzler⁶? Think about changing to a more energy-efficient⁷ model. Think more about food miles⁸ and buy local products, so that fuel consumption in the transporting of goods is reduced. We can also reduce our carbon footprint⁹ by planning travel more carefully and cutting out unnecessary journeys. Remember, the world’s coal, oil and gas deposits¹⁰ are finite¹¹; one day they will run out, so think now about what you can do to consume less.

¹ how much is used of something
² using a great amount of energy
³ equipment, especially electrical equipment, used in the home, e.g. washing machines, fridges
⁴ regularly watching and checking something over a period of time
⁵ using (e.g. energy, time), especially in large amounts
⁶ one that uses a lot of fuel; informal
⁷ using only a little electricity, gas, etc.
⁸ distance food is transported from where it is produced to when it reaches the consumer
⁹ measurement of the amount of carbon dioxide that your activities create
¹⁰ layer formed under the ground, especially over a very long period
¹¹ having an end or lasting a limited time