Environment Vocabulary
Vocabulary for discussing climate change, sustainability, pollution, and environmental policy.
10 Band 7+ words · pronunciation, examples & collocations
sustainable
adjectiveAble to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
Band 7+ example
“Transitioning to sustainable energy sources is imperative if we are to meet the targets set by the Paris Agreement.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
We should use sustainable to save the environment.
Adopting sustainable practices is essential for long-term environmental protection.
biodiversity
nounThe variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or the world as a whole.
Band 7+ example
“Deforestation in tropical regions poses a severe threat to global biodiversity.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Biodiversity of animals is decreasing.
Biodiversity loss is accelerating at an alarming rate due to habitat destruction.
carbon footprint
nounThe total amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activities, measured in carbon dioxide equivalents.
Band 7+ example
“Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint by using public transport and minimising air travel.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Everyone should decrease their carbon footprint pollution.
Governments should incentivise citizens to reduce their carbon footprint.
deforestation
nounThe clearing or removal of forests, typically to use the land for other purposes.
Band 7+ example
“Illegal deforestation in the Amazon basin has intensified in recent years, driven by agricultural expansion.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Deforestation is cutting down trees.
Deforestation on an industrial scale has contributed significantly to rising carbon emissions.
renewable
adjectiveA resource that is not depleted when used, such as solar or wind energy.
Band 7+ example
“Investment in renewable energy infrastructure has grown exponentially over the past decade.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Renewable energy is better than normal energy.
Renewable energy offers a viable alternative to fossil fuels.
emissions
noun (plural)The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.
Band 7+ example
“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions requires coordinated international policy and significant changes in consumer behaviour.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Cars make a lot of emissions to the air.
Vehicle emissions contribute substantially to urban air pollution.
ecosystem
nounA biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Band 7+ example
“Marine ecosystems are under increasing threat from ocean acidification and plastic pollution.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
The ecosystem of the ocean is damaged.
The ocean's ecosystem has been severely degraded by pollution and overfishing.
conservation
nounThe protection of plants, animals, and natural areas; also the prevention of wasteful use of resources.
Band 7+ example
“Wildlife conservation efforts have helped several endangered species recover from the brink of extinction.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Conservation of nature is important for animals.
Conservation initiatives play a vital role in preserving endangered habitats.
pollutant
nounA substance that pollutes the environment, especially a chemical or waste material.
Band 7+ example
“Industrial pollutants discharged into waterways have devastating consequences for aquatic life.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
There are many pollutants in the air and water.
Airborne pollutants pose a significant risk to public health in densely populated urban areas.
mitigate
verbTo make something less severe, serious, or painful.
Band 7+ example
“Planting urban forests is one strategy to mitigate the effects of heat islands in major cities.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
We should mitigate the pollution problem.
Governments must take decisive action to mitigate the impact of climate change.
Ready to use these words?
Practice using environment vocabulary in your writing or speaking response.