IELTS Vocabulary for Environment (40 Academic Words)
A focused set of high-frequency Environment vocabulary for IELTS Writing and Speaking. Each word includes a learner-friendly meaning and a natural example sentence. Learn them, then use Engldom to drill them with spaced repetition.
| Word | Meaning & example |
|---|---|
| pollution B1 | the presence of harmful substances or contamination in the environment Air pollution is a major concern in large cities. |
| recycle B1 | to convert waste into reusable material We should recycle paper, plastic, and glass to reduce landfill waste. |
| conservation B1 | the protection and preservation of natural resources and wildlife Wildlife conservation efforts are crucial for biodiversity. |
| environment B1 | the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates Climate change poses a threat to the global environment. |
| sustainable B1 | able to be maintained at a certain rate or level; using resources in a way that does not deplete them for future generations The company is committed to sustainable development and renewable energy. |
| habitat B1 | the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism Deforestation is destroying the habitat of many species. |
| biodiversity B1 | the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem The loss of biodiversity is a serious global issue. |
| ecosystem B1 | a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment The coral reef ecosystem is fragile and easily damaged. |
| renewable B1 | energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power Governments are investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. |
| deforestation B1 | the clearing of trees on a massive scale Deforestation contributes to soil erosion and climate change. |
| emissions B1 | the production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to combat global warming. |
| global warming B1 | the gradual heating of Earth's surface, oceans, and atmosphere Global warming is causing sea levels to rise. |
| waste B1 | unwanted or unusable material, substances, or by-products Proper waste management is important for public health and the environment. |
| climate B1 | the weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period The changing climate is affecting weather patterns worldwide. |
| natural resources B1 | materials or substances such as minerals, forests, water, and fertile land that occur in nature and can be used for economic gain It is vital to manage our natural resources responsibly. |
| conservationist B1 | a person who advocates or works for the protection of the natural environment The conservationist argued for stricter laws against poaching. |
| endangered B1 | (of a species) seriously at risk of extinction Many species are endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. |
| atmosphere B1 | the envelope of gases surrounding the earth or another planet Pollutants can damage the Earth's atmosphere and affect air quality. |
| fossil fuels B1 | natural fuels such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms The burning of fossil fuels is a primary cause of air pollution. |
| greenhouse effect B1 | the trapping of the sun's warmth in a planet's atmosphere The increased greenhouse effect is leading to a rise in global temperatures. |
| ozone layer B1 | a layer in the earth's stratosphere containing a high concentration of ozone The depletion of the ozone layer is caused by certain chemicals. |
| acid rain B1 | rain containing a high concentration of acids, resulting from atmospheric pollution Acid rain can damage forests and lakes. |
| habitat destruction B1 | the process by which a natural habitat becomes unable to support the species present Habitat destruction is a major driver of species extinction. |
| overpopulation B1 | the condition of having a population that exceeds the carrying capacity of its environment Overpopulation puts a strain on natural resources and infrastructure. |
| renewable energy B1 | energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power Governments are promoting the use of renewable energy to reduce carbon footprint. |
| climate change B1 | a long-term change in the average weather conditions that have come to define Earth's local, regional and global climates Climate change is leading to more extreme weather events. |
| natural disaster B1 | a catastrophic event caused by nature, such as an earthquake or flood The region is prone to natural disasters like hurricanes and floods. |
| contamination B1 | the process of making something impure or polluted Water contamination can lead to serious health problems. |
| exhaust fumes B1 | gases ejected from an engine or machine Exhaust fumes from vehicles are a major source of air pollution. |
| landfill B1 | a place where waste material is buried under the ground Landfills can leach harmful chemicals into the soil and water. |
| solar power B1 | energy derived from the sun's rays Solar power is a clean and abundant source of energy. |
| wind power B1 | electrical power generated by wind turbines Wind power is becoming increasingly popular as a renewable energy source. |
| agriculture B1 | the science or practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, wool, and other products Sustainable agriculture practices are essential for food security and environmental protection. |
| urbanisation B1 | the process by which towns and cities are formed and become larger as more people begin living and working in central areas Rapid urbanisation can lead to increased pollution and pressure on resources. |
| species B1 | a group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding Many rare species are found in the Amazon rainforest. |
| extinction B1 | the state or process of a species, family, or larger group being or becoming extinct The dinosaur's extinction is thought to have been caused by an asteroid impact. |
| biodegradable B1 | (of a substance or object) capable of being decomposed by the action of living organisms Biodegradable materials are better for the environment than plastics. |
| carbon footprint B1 | the total amount of greenhouse gases produced to support human activities We should aim to reduce our carbon footprint by using less energy. |
| drought B1 | a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water The prolonged drought has severely affected crop yields. |
| erosion B1 | the process of eroding or being eroded by wind, water, or other natural agents Deforestation can lead to soil erosion and desertification. |
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