English Refresher

Unit 8 B1 Vocabulary: Environmental Conservation

Pollution

  • Definition: The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.
  • Example: Factories can contribute to air pollution by releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere.

Public Transportation

  • Definition: Systems of buses, trains, subways, and other forms of transportation that are available for use by the general public.
  • Example: Using public transportation like buses and trains can help reduce the number of cars on the road, decreasing air pollution.

Recycle

  • Definition: The process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects.
  • Example: Recycling paper, plastic, and glass can significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.

Single-Use Plastics

  • Definition: Plastic products that are intended to be used once and then discarded.
  • Example: Straws, plastic bags, and water bottles are common single-use plastics that contribute to pollution.

Natural Resources

  • Definition: Materials or substances occurring in nature which can be exploited for economic gain.
  • Example: Water, trees, and minerals are essential natural resources that need to be conserved.

Sustainable Products

  • Definition: Products that are produced in a way that does not deplete natural resources and can be maintained for the long term.
  • Example: Buying sustainable products like recycled paper helps reduce environmental impact.

Wildlife

  • Definition: Animals, birds, and other living things that are not domesticated.
  • Example: Protecting wildlife means ensuring that animals like tigers and elephants can live in their natural habitats.

Conservation Organizations

  • Definition: Groups dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural environment and wildlife.
  • Example: Organizations like WWF and Greenpeace work to conserve natural habitats and protect endangered species.

Greenhouse Gases

  • Definition: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.
  • Example: Carbon dioxide and methane are common greenhouse gases that result from burning fossil fuels.

Renewable Energy

  • Definition: Energy from sources that are naturally replenishing and sustainable over long periods.
  • Example: Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power are forms of renewable energy that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Deforestation

  • Definition: The clearing or thinning of forests by humans.
  • Example: Deforestation for agriculture and urban development reduces biodiversity and contributes to climate change.

Ecosystem

  • Definition: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
  • Example: Coral reefs are fragile ecosystems that support a diverse range of marine life.

Emissions

  • Definition: The act of releasing something, especially gas or radiation.
  • Example: Car emissions are a major source of air pollution in urban areas.

Endangered Species

  • Definition: Species that are at risk of extinction due to loss of habitat, hunting, or other factors.
  • Example: The giant panda is an endangered species that requires special protection efforts.

Volunteering

  • Definition: Offering time and service freely without financial compensation.
  • Example: Volunteering with a local conservation group can help protect local wildlife and habitats.