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This deck builds the vocabulary you need to read, write and speak confidently about the environment in IELTS.
By the end of this deck you will be able to:
The deck is divided into five topic sections and one language section. Each section includes vocabulary words, collocations, and essay phrases.
Term
pollution
Definition
pollution
Example
Pollution is a serious problem in many large cities.
Noun (uncountable). Common phrases: cause / reduce / tackle pollution. Types: air pollution / water pollution.
Term
climate change
Definition
climate change
Example
Climate change is affecting weather patterns around the world.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Common phrases: tackle / address / slow down climate change.
Term
wildlife
Definition
wildlife
Example
Human activity can have a negative impact on wildlife.
Noun (uncountable). Common phrases: protect / threaten wildlife. Related: wildlife conservation.
Term
natural resources
Definition
natural resources
Example
We should use natural resources more carefully.
Noun phrase (plural). Common phrases: use / deplete / protect natural resources.
Term
environmental policy
Definition
environmental policy
Example
Strong environmental policy can help protect natural resources.
Noun phrase. Common phrases: strong / introduce / enforce environmental policy.
Term
This can have a negative impact on the environment.
Definition
This can have a negative impact on the environment.
Example
Air pollution can have a negative impact on the environment.
Use to explain the bad effect of something. Pattern: [Subject] can have a negative impact on [noun].
Term
cause air pollution
Definition
cause air pollution
Example
Cars and factories can cause air pollution.
Verb phrase. Pattern: [subject] + cause air pollution. Also: create / produce air pollution.
Term
tackle climate change
Definition
tackle climate change
Example
Governments should take action to tackle climate change.
Verb phrase. Also: address / combat / fight climate change.
Term
protect wildlife
Definition
protect wildlife
Example
National parks can help protect wildlife.
Verb phrase. Also: conserve / save wildlife. Related: wildlife protection.
Term
natural resources
Definition
natural resources
Example
We need to use natural resources more carefully.
Noun phrase (plural). Common phrases: use / deplete / protect natural resources.
Term
environmental policy
Definition
environmental policy
Example
Strong environmental policy can help reduce pollution.
Noun phrase. Common phrases: strong / introduce / enforce environmental policy.
Term
One possible solution is to reduce the use of plastic.
Definition
One possible solution is to reduce the use of plastic.
Example
One possible solution is to reduce the use of plastic in shops and restaurants.
Use to introduce a solution. Pattern: One possible solution is to + verb.
Term
air pollution
Definition
air pollution
Example
Air pollution can cause health problems, especially for children and elderly people.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Used with: cause / reduce / tackle air pollution.
Term
global warming
Definition
global warming
Example
Global warming may lead to rising sea levels and more extreme weather.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Caused by greenhouse gases. Related: climate change.
Term
habitat
Definition
habitat
Example
Forests provide a natural habitat for many animals.
Noun. Common phrases: natural habitat / destroy / provide a habitat. Related: habitat loss.
Term
resource depletion
Definition
resource depletion
Example
Resource depletion can become a serious problem if people consume too much.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Caused by overconsumption. Common phrase: lead to resource depletion.
Term
regulation
Definition
regulation
Example
Government regulation is needed to control industrial pollution.
Noun. Common phrases: government / strict regulation / introduce regulation.
Term
Governments should take steps to tackle climate change.
Definition
Governments should take steps to tackle climate change.
Example
Governments should take steps to tackle climate change before the problem becomes worse.
Use to recommend government action. Pattern: Governments should take steps to + verb.
Term
reduce pollution
Definition
reduce pollution
Example
Using public transport can help reduce pollution.
Verb phrase. Also: tackle / cut / decrease pollution.
Term
reduce carbon emissions
Definition
reduce carbon emissions
Example
Public transport can help reduce carbon emissions.
Verb phrase. Also: cut / lower carbon emissions.
Term
natural habitats
Definition
natural habitats
Example
Deforestation destroys many natural habitats.
Noun phrase (plural). Common phrases: destroy / protect natural habitats. Main threat: deforestation.
Term
resource depletion
Definition
resource depletion
Example
Overconsumption can lead to resource depletion.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Caused by overconsumption. Common phrase: lead to resource depletion.
Term
government regulation
Definition
government regulation
Example
Government regulation is needed to control industrial pollution.
Noun phrase. Common phrases: strict / introduce government regulation.
Term
Individuals can help by recycling more.
Definition
Individuals can help by recycling more.
Example
Individuals can help by recycling more and using less plastic.
Individuals can help by recycling more and using less plastic.
Term
water pollution
Definition
water pollution
Example
Water pollution can harm fish, plants, and people who depend on rivers.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Used with: cause / reduce / prevent water pollution.
Term
carbon emissions
Definition
carbon emissions
Example
Countries need to reduce carbon emissions to slow down climate change.
Noun phrase (plural). Common phrases: reduce / cut carbon emissions.
Term
habitat loss
Definition
habitat loss
Example
Habitat loss is one reason why many animals are becoming endangered.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Main cause: deforestation. Effect: species become endangered.
Term
overconsumption
Definition
overconsumption
Example
Overconsumption leads to more waste and greater environmental damage.
Noun (uncountable). Common phrases: overconsumption of goods / leads to waste / resource depletion.
Term
public transport
Definition
public transport
Example
Using public transport can help reduce traffic and air pollution.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Common phrases: use / improve / invest in public transport.
Term
This issue is mainly caused by human activity.
Definition
This issue is mainly caused by human activity.
Example
Climate change is mainly caused by human activity.
Use to explain a cause. Pattern: This issue is mainly caused by + noun.
Term
plastic waste
Definition
plastic waste
Example
Plastic waste is a serious problem in many countries.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Common phrases: reduce / produce / manage plastic waste.
Term
greenhouse gas emissions
Definition
greenhouse gas emissions
Example
Greenhouse gas emissions are a major cause of global warming.
Noun phrase (plural). Common phrases: reduce / measure greenhouse gas emissions.
Term
habitat loss
Definition
habitat loss
Example
Habitat loss is one reason why some animals become endangered.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Main cause: deforestation. Effect: species become endangered.
Term
consumer goods
Definition
consumer goods
Example
The production of consumer goods can harm the environment.
Noun phrase (plural). Common phrases: produce / buy / demand consumer goods.
Term
public transport
Definition
public transport
Example
Better public transport can reduce traffic and air pollution.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Common phrases: use / improve / invest in public transport.
Term
A more sustainable approach would be to use renewable energy.
Definition
A more sustainable approach would be to use renewable energy.
Example
A more sustainable approach would be to use renewable energy instead of fossil fuels.
Use to propose a better alternative. Pattern: A more sustainable approach would be to + verb.
Term
plastic waste
Definition
plastic waste
Example
Plastic waste often ends up in oceans and harms marine animals.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Common phrases: reduce / produce plastic waste. Related: single-use plastic.
Term
greenhouse gases
Definition
greenhouse gases
Example
Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere.
Noun phrase (plural). Trap heat in the atmosphere. Common phrase: greenhouse gas emissions.
Term
endangered species
Definition
endangered species
Example
Governments should do more to protect endangered species.
Noun phrase (plural). Common phrases: protect / save endangered species. Causes: habitat loss, illegal hunting.
Term
consumer goods
Definition
consumer goods
Example
The production of consumer goods can create pollution and waste.
Noun phrase (plural). Common phrases: produce / buy consumer goods. Related: overconsumption.
Term
sustainability
Definition
sustainability
Example
Sustainability means using resources in a way that protects the future.
Noun (uncountable). Adjective: sustainable. Common phrases: environmental sustainability / promote sustainability.
Term
This is harmful to both people and wildlife.
Definition
This is harmful to both people and wildlife.
Example
Water pollution is harmful to both people and wildlife.
Use to describe harm to multiple things. Pattern: This is harmful to both [A] and [B].
Term
industrial waste
Definition
industrial waste
Example
Industrial waste can pollute rivers and oceans.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Common phrases: manage / dispose of industrial waste. Can cause water pollution.
Term
rely on fossil fuels
Definition
rely on fossil fuels
Example
Many countries still rely on fossil fuels.
Verb phrase. Also: depend on fossil fuels. Opposite: switch to renewable energy.
Term
endangered species
Definition
endangered species
Example
Governments should do more to protect endangered species.
Noun phrase (plural). Common phrases: protect / save endangered species.
Term
single-use plastic
Definition
single-use plastic
Example
Many shops are trying to reduce single-use plastic.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Common phrases: ban / reduce single-use plastic. Examples: bags, straws.
Term
sustainable development
Definition
sustainable development
Example
Sustainable development protects the environment while supporting the economy.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Common phrases: promote / achieve sustainable development.
Term
It is important to protect natural habitats.
Definition
It is important to protect natural habitats.
Example
It is important to protect natural habitats so that animals can survive.
Use to emphasise importance. Pattern: It is important to + verb.
Term
landfill
Definition
landfill
Example
A large amount of household rubbish is sent to landfill every year.
Noun. Common phrases: send to landfill / landfill sites. Used with: rubbish / waste is sent to landfill.
Term
fossil fuels
Definition
fossil fuels
Example
Many countries still rely on fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas.
Noun phrase (plural). Common phrases: rely on / burn fossil fuels. Examples: coal, oil, gas.
Term
biodiversity
Definition
biodiversity
Example
Biodiversity is important because every species plays a role in nature.
Noun (uncountable). Common phrases: loss of / protect biodiversity.
Term
single-use plastic
Definition
single-use plastic
Example
Many restaurants are trying to reduce single-use plastic.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Common phrases: reduce / ban single-use plastic. Examples: bags, straws.
Term
eco-friendly
Definition
eco-friendly
Example
Many people prefer eco-friendly products because they are less harmful to the environment.
Adjective. Common phrases: eco-friendly products / packaging / option. Related: sustainable, green.
Term
Public transport can help reduce carbon emissions.
Definition
Public transport can help reduce carbon emissions.
Example
Public transport can help reduce carbon emissions in large cities.
Use to explain a benefit. Pattern: [Subject] can help reduce + noun.
Term
household waste
Definition
household waste
Example
Recycling can reduce the amount of household waste.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Common phrases: reduce / collect household waste.
Term
renewable energy sources
Definition
renewable energy sources
Example
Solar and wind power are renewable energy sources.
Noun phrase (plural). Examples: solar, wind, hydroelectric power.
Term
loss of biodiversity
Definition
loss of biodiversity
Example
Deforestation can lead to a loss of biodiversity.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Causes: deforestation / pollution / habitat loss.
Term
excessive packaging
Definition
excessive packaging
Example
Excessive packaging creates unnecessary waste.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Common phrases: reduce / avoid excessive packaging. Creates unnecessary waste.
Term
eco-friendly products
Definition
eco-friendly products
Example
Many consumers prefer eco-friendly products.
Noun phrase (plural). Common phrases: use / choose / buy eco-friendly products.
Term
Companies should be encouraged to use eco-friendly packaging.
Definition
Companies should be encouraged to use eco-friendly packaging.
Example
Companies should be encouraged to use eco-friendly packaging instead of plastic.
Use to recommend action for organisations. Pattern: [Subject] should be encouraged to + verb.
Term
recycling
Definition
recycling
Example
Recycling helps reduce waste and save natural resources.
Noun (uncountable). Verb: recycle. Common phrases: recycling programme / encourage recycling.
Term
renewable energy
Definition
renewable energy
Example
Renewable energy is a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Common phrases: switch to / invest in renewable energy. Types: solar, wind.
Term
ecosystem
Definition
ecosystem
Example
Pollution can damage the ecosystem and affect many living things.
Noun. Common phrases: damage / protect the ecosystem. Adjective: natural ecosystem.
Term
packaging
Definition
packaging
Example
Excessive packaging creates unnecessary waste.
Noun (uncountable). Common phrases: excessive / eco-friendly packaging / reduce packaging.
Term
awareness
Definition
awareness
Example
Schools can raise awareness about recycling and pollution.
Noun (uncountable). Common phrase: raise awareness (about something) / public awareness.
Term
Stricter laws are needed to protect the environment.
Definition
Stricter laws are needed to protect the environment.
Example
Stricter laws are needed to protect the environment from industrial pollution.
Use to recommend stronger policy. Pattern: Stricter laws are needed to + verb.
Term
waste management
Definition
waste management
Example
Good waste management is important in large cities.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Common phrases: good / effective waste management.
Term
energy consumption
Definition
energy consumption
Example
People should try to reduce their energy consumption.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Common phrases: reduce / increase energy consumption.
Term
forest conservation
Definition
forest conservation
Example
Forest conservation is important for protecting wildlife.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Common phrases: promote / support forest conservation.
Term
water shortage
Definition
water shortage
Example
Climate change can make water shortages worse.
Noun phrase. Common phrases: face / cause a water shortage.
Term
raise awareness
Definition
raise awareness
Example
Schools can help raise awareness about environmental problems.
Verb phrase. Common structure: raise awareness about / of something.
Term
People should be encouraged to use reusable bags.
Definition
People should be encouraged to use reusable bags.
Example
People should be encouraged to use reusable bags when they go shopping.
Use to suggest encouraging public behaviour. Pattern: People should be encouraged to + verb.
Term
contamination
Definition
contamination
Example
Water contamination can make it unsafe for people to drink.
Noun (uncountable). Common types: water / soil contamination. Verb: contaminate.
Term
solar power
Definition
solar power
Example
Solar power can provide electricity without producing air pollution.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Related: solar panels / solar energy. Common phrase: use / generate solar power.
Term
deforestation
Definition
deforestation
Example
Deforestation destroys forests and reduces animal habitats.
Noun (uncountable). Effects: habitat loss, climate change, loss of biodiversity.
Term
water shortage
Definition
water shortage
Example
Some countries face water shortages because of drought and climate change.
Noun phrase. Common phrases: face / cause a water shortage. Causes: drought, climate change.
Term
conservation programme
Definition
conservation programme
Example
A conservation programme can help protect endangered animals.
Noun phrase. Common phrases: introduce / run / support a conservation programme.
Term
Many environmental problems are caused by overconsumption.
Definition
Many environmental problems are caused by overconsumption.
Example
Many environmental problems are caused by overconsumption and waste.
Use to state a general cause. Pattern: Many [problems] are caused by + noun.
Term
landfill sites
Definition
landfill sites
Example
A lot of rubbish is sent to landfill sites.
Noun phrase (plural). Common phrase: send rubbish to landfill sites.
Term
solar power
Definition
solar power
Example
Solar power is becoming more popular around the world.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Related: solar panels / solar energy. Common phrase: generate solar power.
Term
natural ecosystem
Definition
natural ecosystem
Example
Pollution can damage the natural ecosystem.
Noun phrase. Common phrases: protect / damage the natural ecosystem.
Term
food waste
Definition
food waste
Example
Food waste is a serious problem in many developed countries.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Common phrases: reduce / address food waste.
Term
conservation programmes
Definition
conservation programmes
Example
Conservation programmes can help protect endangered species.
Noun phrase (plural). Common phrases: introduce / run / support conservation programmes.
Term
The government should invest more in renewable energy.
Definition
The government should invest more in renewable energy.
Example
The government should invest more in renewable energy such as solar and wind power.
Use to recommend government investment. Pattern: The government should invest more in + noun.
Term
litter
Definition
litter
Example
Litter makes public spaces dirty and can harm wildlife.
Noun & verb. As noun: drop / pick up litter. As verb: people litter (= drop rubbish carelessly).
Term
energy consumption
Definition
energy consumption
Example
People can reduce their energy consumption by using less electricity.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Common phrases: reduce / lower energy consumption.
Term
conservation
Definition
conservation
Example
Conservation is necessary to protect wildlife and natural areas.
Noun (uncountable). Common phrases: wildlife / forest conservation / conservation programme.
Term
food waste
Definition
food waste
Example
Food waste is a major problem in many developed countries.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Common phrases: reduce / address food waste.
Term
reusable
Definition
reusable
Example
Reusable bags are better for the environment than plastic bags.
Adjective. Common phrases: reusable bags / bottles / containers. Opposite: single-use.
Term
Raising public awareness could help solve this problem.
Definition
Raising public awareness could help solve this problem.
Example
Raising public awareness could help solve this problem by changing people's habits.
Use to propose awareness as a solution. Pattern: Raising public awareness could help + verb.
Term
water contamination
Definition
water contamination
Example
Factories can cause water contamination if waste is not controlled.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Caused by: industrial waste, chemicals, pollution.
Term
rising temperatures
Definition
rising temperatures
Example
Rising temperatures can affect people, animals, and crops.
Noun phrase (plural). Caused by greenhouse gases. Affects: people, animals, and crops.
Term
illegal hunting
Definition
illegal hunting
Example
Illegal hunting is a threat to many wild animals.
Noun phrase (uncountable). Also called: poaching. Threatens many wild animals.
Term
overconsumption of goods
Definition
overconsumption of goods
Example
The overconsumption of goods leads to more waste.
Noun phrase. Leads to: resource depletion / environmental damage.
Term
reusable bags
Definition
reusable bags
Example
Using reusable bags can reduce plastic waste.
Noun phrase (plural). Alternative to: plastic bags. Common phrases: use / carry reusable bags.
Term
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today.
Definition
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today.
Example
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today.
Use to open an essay or introduce a topic. Pattern: [Topic] is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today.
Term
This could lead to serious environmental damage.
Definition
This could lead to serious environmental damage.
Example
Deforestation could lead to serious environmental damage.
Use to describe a consequence. Pattern: This could lead to + noun phrase.
Term
Both governments and individuals have a role to play.
Definition
Both governments and individuals have a role to play.
Example
Both governments and individuals have a role to play in protecting the environment.
Use to share responsibility between groups. Pattern: Both [A] and [B] have a role to play.
Term
In order to reduce pollution, people should use public transport more often.
Definition
In order to reduce pollution, people should use public transport more often.
Example
In order to reduce pollution, people should use public transport more often.
Use to link a cause and solution. Pattern: In order to + verb, [subject] should + verb.
Term
Protecting the environment should be a priority.
Definition
Protecting the environment should be a priority.
Example
Protecting the environment should be a priority for every country.
Use to make a strong concluding point. Pattern: [Verb-ing + noun] should be a priority.