AFDC Aid to Families with Dependent Children; a federal government program that provides monthly payments to poor families.

biomass Natural products such as charcoal, wood, and agricultural and animal wastes burned for energy in much of the world.

CFCs Chlorofluorocarbons; synthetic compounds composed of chlorine, fluorine, and carbon atoms; CFCs have been used commercially as coolants and in other products and are potentially damaging to the earth's ozone layer.

Cold War Roughly the period from 1945 to 1990, when a "war" of opposing ideologies polarized Western democracies and Communist nations.

cyberspace The dimensions where various types of computer communications take place.

deflation A contraction in the volume of available money or credit that results in a general decline in prices.

entitlements Federal benefits, such as Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid, that are provided mostly to poor and senior citizens.

European Community (EC) An economic and political union of twelve European...