Topic Vocabulary & Exercises
12. Environmental Problems
VOCABULARY
Audio File
Topic Vocabulary:
biodiversity (noun [u]):
Definition: The number of plants and animals that live in an area, or in the world.
Example: Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest threatens the biodiversity of the region.
climate change (noun phrase):
Definition: When the Earth's weather patterns and temperatures start to change due to human activity.
Example: Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are evidence of climate change.
conservation (noun [u]):
Definition: The act of protecting and preserving natural resources, habitats, and species.
Example: The organisation works tirelessly to promote the conservation of endangered species and their habitats.
deforestation (noun [u]):
Definition: The clearing or removal of forests or trees on a large scale.
Example: Deforestation is a major cause of climate change.
drought (noun [u]):
Definition: When there's not enough rain for a long time, and it makes things very dry.
Example: The lack of rain caused a severe drought, leading to water shortages.
eco-friendly (adjective):
Definition: Environmentally friendly or sustainable, causing minimal harm to the environment.
Example: Using eco-friendly products helps reduce environmental impact.
ecosystem (noun [c]):
Definition: A community of living things (like plants, animals, and insects) that interact and depend on each other to live .
Example: The coral reef is a diverse and fragile ecosystem that supports a wide range of marine life.
emissions (noun [pl]):
Definition: Gases that are released into the air, usually from things like cars, factories, or power plants.
Example: The factory reduced its carbon emissions by implementing cleaner technology.
endangered (adjective):
Definition: When a species is close to disappearing from the planet.
Example: The number of endangered species is continually increasing as large areas of forest are cut down.
energy consumption (noun phrase):
Definition: The amount of energy that is used or consumed by people or machines.
Example: Energy-saving measures can significantly reduce household energy consumption.
exhaust fumes (noun phrase):
Definition: Emissions produced from burning fuel.
Example: The exhaust fumes from cars contribute to air pollution and can harm the environment.
extinction (noun [u]):
Definition: The complete disappearance of a species.
Example: The rapid decline in the population of elephants is pushing them towards extinction.
fossil fuel (noun phrase):
Definition: Things like coal, oil, and gas that come from ancient plants and animals. We burn them to make energy.
Example: Coal, oil, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels used for energy production.
habitat (noun [c]):
Definition: The natural environment where organisms live.
Example: The rainforest is the natural habitat for various species of monkeys and birds.
mitigate (verb):
Definition: To reduce the severity, intensity, or impact of a risk or problem.
Example: Planting trees helps mitigate the impact of carbon emissions on the environment.
natural resources (noun phrase):
Definition: Naturally occurring materials, such as minerals, or forests, that have economic or ecological value.
Example: Water and minerals are examples of valuable natural resources.
pollutant (noun [c]):
Definition: A harmful substance or contaminant in the environment.
Example: Carbon monoxide is a pollutant that can have detrimental effects on human health.
renewable (adjective):
Definition: Something that can be used but won't run out, like the sunshine, wind, or water.
Example: Solar power is a renewable energy source that harnesses energy from the sun.
smog (noun [u]):
Definition: A kind of pollution that happens when dirty air gets trapped near the ground.
Example: The city's air quality was poor due to smog, resulting from factory and vehicle emissions.
sustainable (adjective):
Definition: Able to be continued over the long term without causing environmental damage.
Example: The company implemented sustainable practices to minimise waste and conserve resources.
Exercise 1: Multiple-Choice Exercise
Choose the best vocabulary word to complete each sentence.
1. The ___________ of the polar bear will be a direct consequence of climate change.
a) extinction
b) habitat
c) eco-friendly
2. Using ___________ transportation options, such as bicycles or electric cars, can help reduce emissions.
a) renewable
b) pollutant
c) eco-friendly
3. The construction of highways often leads to ___________, negatively impacting the environment.
a) emissions
b) biodiversity
c) deforestation
4. ___________ practices aim to preserve natural resources and protect the environment.
a) Sustainable
b) Endangered
c) Mitigate
5. The depletion of ___________ can have severe consequences for humanity’s future.
a) energy consumption
b) natural resources
c) ecosystem
Exercise 2: Gap-fill Exercise
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word or phrase from the list provided below.
1. The Amazon rainforest is facing serious threats from ___________, leading to the loss of diverse plant and animal species.
2. The construction of factories and industries often contributes to high levels of ___________ in urban areas.
3. It is crucial to ___________ the impact of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
4. The destruction of the ___________ of a species leads to its extinction.
5. An ___________ is a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their environment.
6. Using ___________ energy sources like solar and wind power can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
7. Every year more animal species become ___________ as their numbers fall very low.
8. ___________ practices are practices that can be carried out over the long term without damaging the environment.
9. The prolonged ___________ in the region has led to serious agricultural challenges with many crops failing due to the lack of water.
10. The Amazon rainforest is famous for its ___________, with a huge range of animal and plant life thriving there.
habitat
deforestation
biodiversity
renewable
pollutants
endangered
drought
sustainable
mitigate
eco-system
Exercise 3: Matching Exercise
Match the word or phrase with its corresponding definition below.
1. climate change
2. emissions
3. fossil fuels
4. smog
5. conservation
6. energy consumption
7. habitat
8. eco-friendly
a. When the Earth's weather patterns and temperatures start to change due to human activity.
b. The act of protecting and preserving natural resources, habitats, and species.
c. A kind of pollution that happens when dirty air gets trapped near the ground.
d. Environmentally friendly or sustainable, causing minimal harm to the environment.
e. Things like coal, oil, and gas that come from ancient plants and animals. We burn them to make energy.
f. The amount of energy that is used or consumed by people or machines.
g. The natural environment where organisms live.
h. Gases that are released into the air, usually from things like cars, factories, or power plants.
Vocabulary Answer Key:
Exercise 1: 1a, 2c, 3c, 4a, 5b
Exercise 2: 1. deforestation, 2. pollutants, 3. mitigate, 4. habitat, 5. eco-system, 6. renewable, 7. endangered, 8. Sustainable, 9. drought, 10. Biodiversity
Exercise 3: 1a, 2h, 3e, 4c, 5b, 6f, 7g, 8d