- air quality: the cleanliness of the air we breathe
- to become extinct: to no longer exist
- to be under threat: to be in danger of becoming extinct
- climate change: the change in worldwide weather patterns
- to die out: see ‘to become extinct’
- endangered species: categories of animals or plants that are in danger of becoming extinct
- energy conservation: the careful management of energy resources to ensure they last as long as possible
- environmentally friendly: behaviour and products that do not harm the environment
- exhaust fumes: the toxic gases given off by vehicles powered by petrol
- flash floods: floods that happen quickly
- fossil fuels: energy resources like gas and oil that are produced deep below the ground over millions of years
- future generations: the people who live after us
- to get back to nature: to live a life that is closer to nature
- global warming: the increasing temperature of the world brought about by gases such as carbon dioxide
- heavy industry: the manufacture of heavy articles and materials in large numbers
- humanitarian aid: the act of showing support to people struggling to survive
- impact on: the effect on
- loss of habitat: the decline in areas of land where animals and plants would normally exist
- man-made disaster: widespread damage or loss of life brought about by the action of humans
- natural disaster: an event such as an earthquake, flood or hurricane which causes widespread damage or loss of life
- natural environment: the place where animals and plants would normally be found in nature
- the natural world: the world of nature
- oil spill: waste usually deposited in the seas and oceans after an accident at sea
- poaching: to hunt and kill wild animals illegally
- pollution levels: the amount of toxic waste
- pressure group: a group of people who try to raise awareness of issues and try to affect the views and actions of people and organisations
- toxic waste: poisonous, unwanted rubbish often produced by industrial processes
- wildlife conservation: to protect animals and plants and their habitats
Our effect on the natural world
When we’re the discussing the environment, it’s important not to forget that
our actions have an impact not only on us but on the natural
world and other species. So, for example, certain
species are now endangered because of our actions. it’s not
just because of hunting, but because we have destroyed their natural
habitats: they do not enough food or anywhere to live. If we carry on
in this way, the biodiversity of the planet is under
threat.
Pollution
I would have said that one of the most serious environmental problems today is of course pollution. It’s a very pressing green issue and if you travel to any of the large cities in