Environment & Climate

20 words

1. 1

   climate changecollocation/ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/

   Long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns on Earth.

   “Many coastal cities are planning for the effects of climate change.”

2. 2

   extreme weather eventscollocation/ɪkˈstriːm ˈwɛðə ɪˈvɛnts/

   very severe or unusual weather occurrences such as hurricanes or heatwaves.

   “Coastal communities have become more vulnerable to extreme weather events in recent years.”

3. 3

   environmental degradationcollocation

   the deterioration of the environment through loss of quality or damage caused by human activity.

   “Rapid industrialisation has accelerated environmental degradation in the region.”

4. 4

   energy efficiency measurescollocation

   actions or technologies designed to reduce the amount of energy used, such as insulation or efficient lighting.

   “Installing double-glazed windows is one of the simplest energy efficiency measures.”

5. 5

   global warmingcollocation/ˈɡlɒbəl ˈwɔːmɪŋ/

   An increase in the Earth's average surface temperature.

   “Global warming has contributed to more frequent heatwaves.”

6. 6

   urban sprawlcollocation/ˈɜːbən sprɔːl/

   the uncontrolled spreading of a city and its suburbs over rural land.

   “Urban sprawl has consumed large areas of farmland around the city.”

7. 7

   soil erosioncollocation/sɔɪl ɪˈrəʊʒən/

   the wearing away of topsoil by water, wind, or human activities.

   “Intense rainfall can accelerate soil erosion on steep slopes.”

8. 8

   fossil fuel consumptioncollocation/ˈfɒsəl fjuːəl kənˈsʌmpʃən/

   The amount of coal, oil and natural gas used by a country, sector or population.

   “Reducing fossil fuel consumption is central to climate policy.”

9. 9

   pollution hotspotscollocation/pəˈluːʃən ˈhɒtspɒts/

   locations where pollution is concentrated and poses high risk to health or environment.

   “Industrial suburbs often become pollution hotspots that affect nearby schools.”

10. 10

    sea level risenoun phrase/ˈsiː ˈlɛvəl raɪz/

    An increase in the average level of the oceans, mostly caused by melting ice and thermal expansion.

    “Coastal communities are planning defences against sea level rise.”

11. 11

    deforestation ratescollocation/ˌdiːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃən reɪts/

    The speed at which forests are being cleared or reduced over time.

    “Conservation projects aim to slow deforestation rates in the Amazon.”

12. 12

    water scarcitynoun phrase/ˈwɔːtə ˈskeəsəti/

    A long-term lack of sufficient freshwater for people or agriculture in a region.

    “Water scarcity affects crop yields in many dry regions.”

13. 13

    environmental policycollocation/ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmɛntəl ˈpɒlɪsi/

    the set of plans and actions by a government or organisation to protect the environment

    “The government's environmental policy focuses on reducing industrial pollution.”

14. 14

    waste management systemsnoun phrase/ˈweɪst ˈmænɪdʒmənt ˈsɪstəmz/

    Organised ways that a city or company collects, treats and disposes of rubbish.

    “Many developing cities lack efficient waste management systems.”

15. 15

    air pollution levelscollocation/eər pəˈluːʃən ˈlɛvəlz/

    The measured concentration or severity of pollutants in the air of a particular area.

    “Air pollution levels in the city often exceed safe limits.”

16. 16

    habitat lossnoun phrase/ˈhæbɪtæt lɒs/

    The disappearance or reduction of the natural living space of species, often from human activity.

    “Rapid urban expansion causes habitat loss for many wildlife species.”

17. 17

    conservation effortsnoun phrase/ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃən ˈefət(s)/

    Actions or programmes intended to protect wildlife, habitats or natural resources.

    “International conservation efforts have helped recover some endangered species.”

18. 18

    recycling programmesnoun phrase/ˌriːˈsaɪklɪŋ ˈprəʊɡræmz/

    Organised schemes that encourage or provide ways to recycle materials.

    “The neighbourhood started recycling programmes to reduce plastic waste.”

19. 19

    sustainable agriculturecollocation/səˈsteɪnəbəl ˈæɡrɪkʌltʃə/

    farming methods that meet current food needs without harming the environment or exhausting resources

    “Many NGOs promote sustainable agriculture to protect soil and water.”

20. 20

    sustainable developmentcollocation/səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈvɛləpmənt/

    Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

    “Sustainable development balances economic growth with environmental protection.”