Question
Answer
biodiversity
The variety of plant and animal life in an ecosystem. "Rainforests contain an extraordinary level of biodiversity."
carbon footprint
The amount of carbon dioxide produced by a person's or organization's activities. "Flying frequently significantly increases your carbon footprint."
conservation
The protection of natural environments and wildlife. "Conservation efforts have helped several species recover."
deforestation
The clearing of forests, usually for farming or development. "Deforestation is a major driver of climate change."
degradation
The process of something being damaged or worn down. "Soil degradation threatens food production in many regions."
ecosystem
A biological community of interacting organisms and their environment. "Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth."
emission
A substance, especially a gas, discharged into the air. "Vehicle emissions are a leading cause of urban air pollution."
endangered
Seriously at risk of extinction. "Poaching has pushed several species onto the endangered list."
extinction
The state of no longer existing. "Habitat loss is the primary cause of species extinction."
fossil fuel
A fuel formed from the remains of ancient organisms, such as coal or oil. "Reducing reliance on fossil fuels is central to climate policy."
greenhouse gas
A gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to warming. "Carbon dioxide is the most abundant greenhouse gas."
habitat
The natural home of a plant or animal. "Wetland habitats support a wide range of bird species."
hazardous
Risky or dangerous, especially to health or the environment. "Hazardous waste must be disposed of carefully."
irreversible
Impossible to change back to a previous state. "Some environmental damage may be irreversible."
landfill
A site for the disposal of waste by burying it. "Much of the plastic we throw away ends up in landfills."
non-renewable
A resource that cannot be replaced once used up. "Oil and natural gas are non-renewable resources."
renewable
A resource that is naturally replenished, such as solar or wind energy. "Renewable energy now accounts for a growing share of electricity production."
pollutant
A substance that contaminates the environment. "Industrial pollutants have contaminated the local water supply."
pollution
The presence of harmful substances in the environment. "Air pollution is a serious problem in many major cities."
preserve (verb)
To protect something from harm or damage. "National parks were created to preserve natural landscapes."
recycling
The process of converting waste into reusable material. "Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills."
reforestation
The replanting of trees in an area that has been cleared. "Reforestation projects aim to restore damaged ecosystems."
resource depletion
The using up of natural resources faster than they can be replenished. "Overfishing has led to severe resource depletion in some regions."
sustainability
The ability to be maintained at a certain level without depleting resources. "Sustainability should be a core principle of urban planning."
toxic
Poisonous; harmful to living organisms. "Toxic chemicals from factories can leak into rivers."
wildlife
Animals living in their natural environment. "The reserve protects wildlife from illegal hunting."
contaminate
To make something impure or harmful by adding a polluting substance. "Chemical runoff can contaminate groundwater supplies."
ecological
Relating to the environment and living organisms. "The dam has had a significant ecological impact on the river."
erosion
The gradual wearing away of soil or rock. "Deforestation accelerates soil erosion."
global warming
The long-term rise in Earth's average temperature. "Global warming is causing glaciers to melt at an alarming rate."
industrialization
The development of industries on a large scale. "Rapid industrialization has come at a significant environmental cost."
natural disaster
A sudden event caused by natural processes that causes great damage. "Coastal cities are increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters."
ozone layer
The layer of the atmosphere that absorbs most of the sun's harmful UV radiation. "The ozone layer has slowly begun to recover since harmful chemicals were banned."
scarcity
A shortage or lack of something. "Water scarcity affects millions of people worldwide."
waste management
The collection, treatment, and disposal of waste materials. "Effective waste management reduces pollution and conserves resources."
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