IE3 Unit 4 – The Environment – Additional Vocabulary

Nouns:
1. Biodiversity (Noun): The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
• Example: Conserving biodiversity is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced
ecosystem.
2. Renewable energy (Noun): Energy derived from sources that are naturally replenished, such as
sunlight or wind.
• Example: Investing in renewable energy is crucial for reducing our dependence on fossil
fuels.
3. Deforestation (Noun): The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
• Example: Deforestation contributes to habitat loss and negatively impacts global climate
patterns.
4. Carbon footprint (Noun): The amount of carbon dioxide emissions for which an individual or
organization is responsible.
• Example: Reducing our carbon footprint is a key strategy in combating climate change.
5. Sustainable development (Noun): Development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
• Example: Countries are working towards sustainable development to balance economic
growth and environmental conservation.
6. Ocean acidification (Noun): The ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans, caused by
the uptake of carbon dioxide.
• Example: Ocean acidification poses a threat to marine life, particularly coral reefs and
shell-forming organisms.
7. Greenhouse gases (Noun): Gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to the
greenhouse effect.
• Example: Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, release greenhouse gases that
contribute to global warming.
8. E-waste (Noun): Discarded electronic devices and equipment.
• Example: Proper disposal and recycling of e-waste are crucial to prevent environmental
contamination.
9. Conservation (Noun): The protection and preservation of natural resources.
• Example: National parks play a vital role in the conservation of biodiversity and
ecosystems.
10. Pollution (Noun): The introduction of contaminants into the natural environment, causing
adverse changes.
• Example: Efforts to reduce air and water pollution are essential for environmental
health.
11. Habitat degradation (Noun): The deterioration of a natural environment where organisms live.
• Example: Urbanization often leads to habitat degradation, threatening the survival of
many species.
 12. Microplastics (Noun): Tiny particles of plastic that pollute the environment.
• Example: Microplastics in oceans can harm marine life and enter the food chain.
13. Conservationist (Noun): A person who advocates for the protection and preservation of the
environment.
• Example: Conservationists work tirelessly to raise awareness about endangered species
and ecosystems.
14. Wetlands (Noun): Areas of land covered with shallow water or saturated with water.
• Example: Wetlands play a crucial role in filtering water and providing habitats for
diverse species.
15. Wildlife corridor (Noun): A linear stretch of habitat that facilitates the movement of wildlife
between isolated patches.
• Example: Creating wildlife corridors helps maintain genetic diversity by allowing animals
to roam freely.

Adjectives:
16. Sustainable (Adjective): Capable of being maintained over the long term without harming the
environment.
• Example: Sustainable agriculture practices prioritize environmental health and resource
conservation.
17. Renewable (Adjective): Capable of being replenished naturally.
• Example: Solar and wind power are examples of renewable energy sources.
18. Ecological (Adjective): Relating to the relationships between living organisms and their
environment.
• Example: Ecological balance is crucial for the health of ecosystems.
19. Polluted (Adjective): Contaminated with harmful substances.
• Example: Polluted water sources pose a significant threat to both human health and the
environment.
20. Resilient (Adjective): Capable of recovering quickly from difficult conditions.
• Example: Resilient ecosystems can adapt to environmental changes and disturbances.
21. Biodegradable (Adjective): Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.
• Example: Using biodegradable materials helps reduce environmental impact.
22. Vulnerable (Adjective): Susceptible to harm or damage.
• Example: Polar bears are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change as their sea ice
habitat diminishes.
23. Green (Adjective): Environmentally friendly or beneficial.
• Example: Choosing green alternatives, such as eco-friendly products, supports
environmental conservation.
24. Adaptive (Adjective): Able to adjust to new conditions.
• Example: Adaptive management strategies help ecosystems cope with changing
environmental factors.
 25. Invasive (Adjective): Tending to spread aggressively and harmfully.
• Example: Invasive species can disrupt native ecosystems and threaten biodiversity.

Verbs:
26. Conserve (Verb): To protect and preserve natural resources.
• Example: It is essential to conserve water by practicing responsible usage.
27. Mitigate (Verb): To make less severe or harmful.
• Example: Planting trees can help mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing
carbon dioxide.
28. Preserve (Verb): To maintain in its original state.
• Example: National parks aim to preserve natural landscapes and wildlife habitats.
29. Sustain (Verb): To support or uphold over the long term.
• Example: Sustainable practices aim to sustain ecosystems for future generations.
30. Recycle (Verb): To convert waste into reusable material.
• Example: Recycling paper, glass, and plastic reduces the environmental impact of waste.
31. Educate (Verb): To provide knowledge and awareness about a particular subject.
• Example: Educating the public about environmental issues promotes responsible
behavior.
32. Restore (Verb): To bring back to a former or original condition.
• Example: Efforts to restore degraded ecosystems can enhance biodiversity and
ecological balance.
33. Combat (Verb): To take action to reduce or prevent something harmful.
• Example: International agreements aim to combat climate change through collective
efforts.
34. Monitor (Verb): To observe and check the progress or quality of something over a period.
• Example: Scientists monitor air quality to assess the impact of industrial activities.
35. Adapt (Verb): To adjust to new conditions or changes.
• Example: Animals in the Arctic have adapted to the harsh environmental conditions.

Collocations:
36. Carbon offset (Collocation): A reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse
gases.
• Example: Individuals and businesses can purchase carbon offsets to compensate for their
carbon footprint.
37. Environmental impact assessment (Collocation): An evaluation of the potential environmental
effects of a proposed project.
• Example: Before starting a new construction project, an environmental impact
assessment is often required.
 38. Climate change adaptation (Collocation): Strategies and actions to adjust to the effects of
climate change.
• Example: Communities in low-lying areas are implementing climate change adaptation
measures to address rising sea levels.
39. Sustainable agriculture (Collocation): Farming practices that prioritize environmental health
and resource conservation.
• Example: Sustainable agriculture methods aim to minimize the use of pesticides and
promote soil health.
40. Carbon neutrality (Collocation): Achieving a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing an
equivalent amount from the atmosphere.
• Example: Companies are adopting carbon neutrality goals to address their
environmental impact.

Idioms:
41. Tip of the iceberg (Idiom): A small, visible part of a much larger problem.
• Example: The plastic pollution we see on beaches is just the tip of the iceberg; much of it
remains in the ocean.
42. In the same boat (Idiom): Facing the same challenges or difficulties.
• Example: When it comes to environmental conservation, we are all in the same boat and
need to work together.
43. Throw in the towel (Idiom): To give up or surrender.
• Example: Despite facing challenges, environmental activists are not ready to throw in the
towel on conservation efforts.
44. Raining cats and dogs (Idiom): Raining heavily.
• Example: The sudden downpour was like it was raining cats and dogs, making outdoor
activities challenging.
45. A drop in the ocean (Idiom): A very small amount compared to the whole.
• Example: While individual actions matter, sometimes it feels like our efforts are just a
drop in the ocean compared to the scale of environmental issues.