Enviroment IELTS 3.5 -5.5 Flashcards
Dirty or harmful substances in the air, water, or soil that make it dangerous for living things.
Pollution
Example: Air pollution from cars and factories can cause health problems like asthma.
Cutting down trees in large areas, often to make space for farms or cities.
Deforestation
Example: Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is threatening many animal species.
Changes in the Earth’s weather patterns over a long time, often caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels.
Climate Change:
Example: Climate change is making weather more extreme, with hotter summers and stronger storms.
Gases like carbon dioxide that trap heat from the sun in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing global warming.
Greenhouse Gases:
Example: Cars and factories produce greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
The thinning of the ozone layer in the Earth’s atmosphere, which protects us from harmful UV rays.
Ozone Depletion:
Example: Using aerosol sprays with chemicals like CFCs can cause ozone depletion.
Rainwater that is polluted and acidic because of gases like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the air.
Acid Rain:
Example: Acid rain damages buildings and harms fish in lakes and rivers.
Waste materials that are dangerous or toxic to living things and the environment.
Hazardous Waste:
Example: Chemicals from factories can create hazardous waste that needs careful disposal.
The wearing away of land by natural forces like wind and water.
Erosion
Example: Soil erosion from heavy rains can wash away nutrients needed for plants to grow.
When animals and plants become fewer in number or disappear from an area
Loss of Wildlife:
Example: Habitat destruction is causing a loss of wildlife in many forests and wetlands.
Unexpected events or disasters in factories or workplaces that can harm people and the environment.
Industrial Accidents:
Example: An oil spill from a tanker can cause an industrial accident that damages marine life and beaches.
Energy derived from natural sources that are replenished over time, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power.
Renewable Energy
Example: Investing in renewable energy is crucial for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
Capable of being maintained or continued over the long term without depleting natural resources.
Sustainable
Example: Sustainable farming practices aim to minimize environmental impact while maintaining productivity.
Free from dirt, pollutants, or harmful substances.
Clean (adjective):
Example: Clean water is essential for human health and ecosystem balance.
Not harmful to the environment; designed to have minimal impact on nature.
Environmentally Friendly (adjective phrase):
Example: Using environmentally friendly products helps reduce pollution and conserve resources.
To reduce the number or amount of something
Cut down (phrasal verb):
Example: We need to cut down on plastic waste by using reusable bags.
To get rid of something, especially waste or unwanted material, in a proper way.
Dispose of (phrasal verb):
Example: It’s important to dispose of hazardous chemicals safely to prevent environmental contamination.
To adopt environmentally friendly practices or products.
Go green (phrase):
Example: Many households are going green by installing solar panels and composting.
The protection and preservation of natural habitats, wildlife, and ecosystems.
Nature conservation (phrase):
Example: Nature conservation efforts are essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.
The release of gases or particles into the atmosphere, especially as a result of human activities.
Emission (noun):
Example: Vehicle emissions are a major contributor to air pollution in urban areas.
The natural environment where an organism or species lives and thrives.
Habitat (noun):
Example: Destruction of coral reef habitats threatens the survival of many marine species.
The process of converting waste materials into reusable materials.
Recycling (noun):
Example: Recycling paper helps conserve forests and reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Capable of being decomposed by natural biological processes.
Biodegradable (adjective):
Example: Biodegradable plastics break down more easily in the environment compared to traditional plastics.
Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or resources.
Efficient (adjective):
Example: Energy-efficient appliances help reduce electricity consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
Resilient (adjective):
Example: Resilient ecosystems can adapt to changes in climate and environmental stressors.
To remove dirt, pollution, or unwanted substances from an area.
Clean up (phrasal verb):
Example: Volunteers organized a beach clean-up to remove plastic debris and trash.
To gradually stop using or producing something.
Phase out (phrasal verb):
Example: The government plans to phase out coal-fired power plants in favor of renewable energy sources.
The amount of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, emitted by human activities.
Carbon footprint (phrase):
Example: People are encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint by using public transportation and conserving energy at home.
An evaluation of the potential environmental consequences of a proposed project or development.
Environmental impact assessment (phrase):
Example: An environmental impact assessment is required before construction can begin on a new highway.
The ability to maintain or support an ecological balance without depleting natural resources.
Sustainability (noun):
Example: Sustainable agriculture aims to minimize environmental impact while meeting the needs of current and future generations.
A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Ecosystem (noun):
Example: Coral reefs are highly diverse ecosystems that provide habitat for numerous marine species.
The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by human activities.
Carbon Footprint (noun phrase):
Example: Flying contributes to a significant carbon footprint due to the emissions produced by aircraft.
Not harmful to the environment; designed to have minimal impact on nature.
Eco-friendly (adjective):
Example: Eco-friendly packaging uses recycled materials and is biodegradable.
Produced or grown without the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizers.
Organic (adjective):
Example: Organic farming practices promote soil health and biodiversity.
Reduced in quality or condition, especially as a result of environmental damage.
Degraded (adjective):
Example: Deforestation has led to degraded soil and loss of habitat for wildlife.
To reduce the amount of something, especially expenses or usage.
Cut back (phrasal verb):
Example: We need to cut back on water usage during the drought to conserve resources.
To change from one thing to another.
Switch to (phrasal verb):
Example: Many households are switching to renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.
To keep something safe from harm, damage, or loss.
Protect (verb):
Example: It’s important to protect our environment by conserving resources and reducing pollution.
To put seeds or young plants in the ground to grow.
Plant (verb):
Example: We can help the environment by planting trees to provide shade and absorb carbon dioxide.
To convert waste into reusable material.
Recycle (verb):
Example: It’s easy to recycle paper, plastic, and glass to reduce waste and conserve resources.
To make something smaller in size, amount, or degree.
Reduce (verb):
Example: We can reduce waste by using reusable containers instead of disposable ones.
A large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth.
Forest (noun):
Example: The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, deer, and birds.
A dry, barren area of land, often sandy and without vegetation, due to low rainfall.
Desert (noun):
Example: Camels are well-adapted to survive in the harsh conditions of the desert.
A vast body of saltwater that covers much of the Earth’s surface.
Ocean (noun):
Example: The ocean is home to countless species of marine life, from tiny plankton to giant whales.
A large open area covered with grass, often used for grazing livestock
Grassland (noun):
Example: The African savanna is a vast grassland teeming with wildlife like lions, zebras, and elephants.
A low-lying area of land, such as a marsh or swamp, where the soil is saturated with water.
Wetland (noun):
Example: Wetlands provide important habitat for birds, amphibians, and other aquatic species.
A vast, treeless Arctic or Antarctic region characterized by permafrost and low-growing vegetation.
Tundra (noun):
Example: Polar bears are well-adapted to life in the harsh conditions of the tundra.
A large body of water surrounded by land.
Lake (noun):
Example: People enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing in the lake during the summer months.
A densely populated area with a high concentration of buildings, infrastructure, and human activity.
Urban Area (noun):
Example: Cities and towns are urban areas where people live, work, and play.
An area on the outskirts of a city or town, typically characterized by residential neighborhoods and commercial developments.
Suburban Area (noun):
Example: Suburban areas offer a balance between urban amenities and suburban tranquility.
An area of countryside with low population density and typically characterized by agricultural or natural landscapes.
Rural Area (noun):
Example: Rural areas are known for their scenic beauty and slower pace of life compared to urban areas.
A marine ecosystem composed of calcium carbonate structures built by corals.
Coral Reef (noun):
Example: Coral reefs support a diverse range of marine life, including fish, sea turtles, and sharks.
A large persistent body of ice that slowly moves under its own weight.
Glacier (noun):
Example: Glaciers carve out valleys and leave behind distinct landforms as they advance and retreat.
A large piece of freshwater ice that has broken off from a glacier or ice shelf and is floating freely in open water.
Iceberg (noun):
Example: The Titanic famously struck an iceberg while crossing the North Atlantic Ocean, leading to its tragic sinking.
Large masses of ice covering less than 50,000 square kilometers (19,305 square miles) of land, usually found in polar regions
Ice caps (noun):
Example: The melting of ice caps contributes to rising sea levels and threatens the habitats of polar bears and other Arctic wildlife.
Animals, birds, and plants living in their natural environment, especially those that are not kept as pets or raised on farms.
Wildlife (noun):
Example: National parks are established to protect and preserve wildlife habitats and biodiversity.
The careful management and protection of natural resources and ecosystems.
Conservation
Example: National parks are established for the conservation of biodiversity and wildlife.
