Environment
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Vocabulary for IELTS: Environment
"Environment" is one of the most frequently discussed topics in the IELTS exam, particularly in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3. You may be asked to talk about climate change, pollution, sustainability, deforestation, and conservation. Mastering advanced vocabulary related to the environment will help you present well-structured, persuasive, and academically appropriate arguments in your essays and discussions.
Below is a curated list of very useful vocabulary terms ranging from commonly used expressions to advanced academic terms, all formatted and explained with examples to help you use them effectively in the IELTS test.
1. Climate change: [Meaning: A long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns]
Example 1: Climate change is causing more frequent and intense weather events across the globe.
Example 2: Governments must collaborate to address climate change through unified policies.
2. Pollution: [Meaning: The introduction of harmful substances into the environment]
Example 1: Urban areas face severe air pollution due to traffic congestion and industrial emissions.
Example 2: River pollution has led to the extinction of several aquatic species.
3. Deforestation: [Meaning: The large-scale removal of forests]
Example 1: Deforestation in the Amazon has reached alarming levels.
Example 2: Conservationists are campaigning against illegal deforestation.
4. Recycling: [Meaning: The process of converting waste materials into reusable objects]
Example 1: Schools should introduce recycling programmes to encourage environmental awareness.
Example 2: Proper recycling reduces the strain on landfills and raw materials.
5. Renewable energy: [Meaning: Energy from sources that are naturally replenished]
Example 1: Solar and wind power are popular forms of renewable energy.
Example 2: Investing in renewable energy is essential for a sustainable future.
6. Carbon footprint: [Meaning: The amount of carbon dioxide emitted due to an individual's or organisation's activities]
Example 1: Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint by using public transport.
Example 2: Companies are now required to monitor and report their carbon footprints.
7. Conservation: [Meaning: The protection of natural resources and the environment]
Example 1: Wildlife conservation is crucial to maintain biodiversity.
Example 2: Environmental conservation should be a top priority in national development plans.
8. Ecological balance: [Meaning: A stable relationship between living organisms and their environment]
Example 1: Human activities have disrupted the ecological balance of many ecosystems.
Example 2: Maintaining ecological balance is vital for sustainable development.
9. Environmental degradation: [Meaning: The deterioration of the environment through the depletion of natural resources]
Example 1: Industrialisation often leads to environmental degradation if not properly managed.
Example 2: We must reverse environmental degradation through policy reforms.
10. Biodiversity loss: [Meaning: The extinction or decline of various species in a given habitat]
Example 1: Biodiversity loss threatens the stability of ecosystems.
Example 2: Deforestation is a primary driver of biodiversity loss.
11. Greenhouse gases: [Meaning: Gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere]
Example 1: Carbon dioxide and methane are the most common greenhouse gases.
Example 2: The rise in greenhouse gas emissions is accelerating global warming.
12. Sustainable development: [Meaning: Development that meets current needs without compromising future generations]
Example 1: Urban planning must align with principles of sustainable development.
Example 2: Governments worldwide are adopting sustainable models of growth.
13. Carbon neutrality: [Meaning: Achieving a balance between emitting and absorbing carbon emissions]
Example 1: Sweden has set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.
Example 2: Businesses are exploring ways to reach carbon-neutral operations.
14. Environmental justice: [Meaning: Fair treatment and involvement of all people in environmental laws and policies]
Example 1: Environmental justice ensures that marginalised communities are not disproportionately affected.
Example 2: Activists are demanding environmental justice for low-income neighbourhoods.
15. Eutrophication: [Meaning: The excessive richness of nutrients in a body of water]
Example 1: Eutrophication leads to algal blooms and fish death in lakes and rivers.
Example 2: Agricultural runoff is the primary cause of eutrophication.
16. Environmental resilience: [Meaning: The ability of ecosystems to recover from disturbances]
Example 1: Forests with greater biodiversity exhibit higher environmental resilience.
Example 2: Climate adaptation strategies should enhance resilience to future shocks.
17. Greenwashing: [Meaning: False marketing used to appear environmentally friendly]
Example 1: The company was accused of greenwashing its environmental initiatives.
Example 2: Consumers must be cautious of greenwashed products.
18. Anthropogenic impact: [Meaning: Environmental changes caused by human activity]
Example 1: Scientists have documented the anthropogenic impacts of industrialisation on ecosystems.
Example 2: The anthropogenic contribution to climate change is now undeniable.
19. Carbon sequestration: [Meaning: Capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide]
Example 1: Forests act as natural sites for carbon sequestration.
Example 2: New technologies aim to enhance artificial carbon sequestration methods.
20. Circular economy: [Meaning: An economic model focused on sustainability and minimising waste]
Example 1: A circular economy reduces waste through reuse and recycling.
Example 2: Environmental advocates promote the shift toward a circular economic model.
21. Ecosystem services: [Meaning: Benefits provided by ecosystems to humans]
Example 1: Pollination and water purification are examples of ecosystem services.
Example 2: The loss of biodiversity undermines vital ecosystem services.
22. Habitat fragmentation: [Meaning: Division of ecosystems into smaller, isolated areas]
Example 1: Roads and infrastructure contribute to habitat fragmentation.
Example 2: Wildlife corridors are proposed to reduce fragmentation.
23. Environmental stewardship: [Meaning: Responsible management and care for the environment]
Example 1: Practicing environmental stewardship is a civic duty.
Example 2: Indigenous knowledge plays a key role in stewardship practices.
24. Agroecology: [Meaning: An ecological approach to sustainable farming]
Example 1: Agroecology integrates biodiversity into food systems.
Example 2: Policymakers are encouraged to invest in agroecological practices.
25. Environmental externalities: [Meaning: Uncompensated environmental side effects of production or consumption]
Example 1: Air pollution from factories is a classic environmental externality.
Example 2: Economists argue for taxing negative externalities to correct market failure.
26. Planetary boundaries: [Meaning: Limits within which humanity can operate safely]
Example 1: Scientists warn that we are approaching critical planetary boundaries.
Example 2: Breaching planetary limits could lead to irreversible environmental damage.
27. Environmental governance: [Meaning: The political processes for managing environmental issues]
Example 1: Effective environmental governance requires international cooperation.
Example 2: Transparency is essential in the governance of environmental policies.
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