海洋生物中毒與死亡
Oil is used for a wide variety of purposes, such as fueling cars and producing electricity, and all of these have harmful effects on the environment.
石油的用途甚廣，舉凡驅動汽車或提供電力都少不了石油，但這些用途都對環境有害。
a variety of=各種各樣的…harmful(adj.)有害的
Another major issue with oil is when it spills out of pipes or containers, directly polluting bodies of water.
石油帶來的另一個更嚴重的問題是從管道或油桶外漏直接流入水體所造成的污染。
pollute(v.)污染pollution(n.)污染
In the US alone, an estimated 4.9 million liters of oil are spilled in a typical year.
單就美國而言，每年約有490萬公升的石油外漏。
Since oil and water do not mix, the oil collects at the surface of the water and spreads in every direction until it becomes a very thin layer.
由於油水不相溶，石油會集中在水面，並往各處擴散直至剩下薄薄一層。
mix(v.)混合spread(v.)(n.)蔓延;擴散
This can poison and kill marine animals as well as block out the sun for those living farther underneath the surface.
這導致海洋生物中毒與死亡，而且阻隔了生活在較深海域的生物所需要的陽光。
poison(n.)毒藥(v.)下毒;(使)中毒block out=阻隔;隔絕
Eventually, the oil washes up on shores and sticks to animals’ fur and feathers.
石油最終會被沖上海岸，並且沾黏在動物的毛髮及羽毛上。
stick(v.)黏住
Oftentimes, animals like sea otters may lose their ability to stay warm, and birds may become unable to fly.
很多時候，海獺這類動物因此無法保暖，而鳥則無法飛行。
ability(n.)能力
Oil takes a very long time to break down, so the only way to stop the damage is to clean it up.
石油需要很長時間才會分解，因此唯一的解決辦法便是清理外漏的石油。
break down=分解
Oil is used in many different aspects of daily life, but many industries are now trying to substitute it with greener choices such as solar or wind power.
石油的用途在日常生活中隨處可見，而如今，許多產業試著以太陽能或風力等綠色能源取代石油。
substitute(v.)以…取代(n.)替代品