For upper-intermediate learners — master precise environmental vocabulary used in news, reports, and discussions about climate change and ecology.
35 cards
deforestation
the large-scale clearing or cutting down of forests, often to make way for farming or urban development.
biodiversity
the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or on earth as a whole.
greenhouse effect
the trapping of the sun's warmth in the earth's atmosphere by gases such as carbon dioxide, causing the planet to heat up.
emission
the release of a substance, especially gas or radiation, into the atmosphere from a vehicle, factory, or process.
fossil fuels
natural fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas formed from ancient plant and animal remains over millions of years.
contaminate
to make water, soil, or air dirty or unsafe by introducing harmful substances.
atmospheric
relating to the atmosphere, the layer of gases that surrounds the earth.
erosion
the gradual wearing away and removal of soil or rock by water, wind, or ice over time.
ecological
relating to the relationship between living organisms and their natural environment.
carbon footprint
the total amount of greenhouse gases produced by a person, organisation, or product.
renewable energy
energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, or water power.
methane
a colourless, flammable greenhouse gas produced by livestock, landfills, and natural gas operations.
runoff
water from rain or melting snow that flows over land and carries pollutants into rivers and lakes.
habitat fragmentation
the breaking up of a large, continuous habitat into smaller, isolated patches that are harder for wildlife to use.
overfishing
the practice of catching fish faster than populations can naturally reproduce, leading to their decline.
tectonic
relating to the large plates of rock that make up the earth's crust and cause earthquakes and volcanoes when they move.
monoculture
the practice of growing a single crop species over a large area, which can damage soil and reduce biodiversity.
desalination
the process of removing salt from seawater to produce fresh water suitable for drinking or irrigation.
biofuel
fuel produced from organic materials such as plants or animal waste rather than fossil fuels.
sediment
tiny particles of rock, sand, or soil carried and deposited by water, wind, or ice.
ozone layer
a region of the earth's atmosphere that absorbs most of the harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
invasive species
a plant or animal introduced to an area outside its natural range that spreads rapidly and harms native species.
degrade
to reduce the quality of a natural environment, making it less able to support wildlife or human use.
water table
the level below the earth's surface at which water is found in the ground.
particulate
a tiny piece of solid or liquid matter suspended in the air, often from burning fuel, that can harm health.
biodegradable
describing a substance that can be broken down naturally by bacteria or other organisms into harmless materials.
evaporation
the process by which liquid water turns into water vapour and rises into the atmosphere.
famine
a severe shortage of food affecting a large region, often caused by drought, conflict, or crop failure.
reservoir
a large natural or man-made lake used to store water for public supply or irrigation.
algae bloom
a rapid growth of algae in a body of water, often caused by excess nutrients, which depletes oxygen and harms wildlife.
subsidence
the gradual sinking of an area of land, often caused by the removal of groundwater or underground mining.
mitigate
to lessen the severity or harmful effects of something, especially a problem or risk.
arid
describing a climate or region with very little rain, making it dry and difficult for most plants to grow.
thermal
relating to heat, especially energy produced or stored as heat.
canopy
the upper layer of a forest formed by the tops of the tallest trees, which shades the ground below.