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Vocabulary

Vocabulary · Updated 2026-06-13

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.

WordMeaning & example
pollution B1the presence of harmful substances or contamination in the environment
Air pollution is a major concern in large cities.
recycle B1to convert waste into reusable material
We should recycle paper, plastic, and glass to reduce landfill waste.
conservation B1the protection and preservation of natural resources and wildlife
Wildlife conservation efforts are crucial for biodiversity.
environment B1the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates
Climate change poses a threat to the global environment.
sustainable B1able 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 B1the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism
Deforestation is destroying the habitat of many species.
biodiversity B1the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem
The loss of biodiversity is a serious global issue.
ecosystem B1a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
The coral reef ecosystem is fragile and easily damaged.
renewable B1energy 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 B1the clearing of trees on a massive scale
Deforestation contributes to soil erosion and climate change.
emissions B1the production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to combat global warming.
global warming B1the gradual heating of Earth's surface, oceans, and atmosphere
Global warming is causing sea levels to rise.
waste B1unwanted or unusable material, substances, or by-products
Proper waste management is important for public health and the environment.
climate B1the weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period
The changing climate is affecting weather patterns worldwide.
natural resources B1materials 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 B1a 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 B1the envelope of gases surrounding the earth or another planet
Pollutants can damage the Earth's atmosphere and affect air quality.
fossil fuels B1natural 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 B1the 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 B1a 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 B1rain containing a high concentration of acids, resulting from atmospheric pollution
Acid rain can damage forests and lakes.
habitat destruction B1the process by which a natural habitat becomes unable to support the species present
Habitat destruction is a major driver of species extinction.
overpopulation B1the condition of having a population that exceeds the carrying capacity of its environment
Overpopulation puts a strain on natural resources and infrastructure.
renewable energy B1energy 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 B1a 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 B1a catastrophic event caused by nature, such as an earthquake or flood
The region is prone to natural disasters like hurricanes and floods.
contamination B1the process of making something impure or polluted
Water contamination can lead to serious health problems.
exhaust fumes B1gases ejected from an engine or machine
Exhaust fumes from vehicles are a major source of air pollution.
landfill B1a place where waste material is buried under the ground
Landfills can leach harmful chemicals into the soil and water.
solar power B1energy derived from the sun's rays
Solar power is a clean and abundant source of energy.
wind power B1electrical power generated by wind turbines
Wind power is becoming increasingly popular as a renewable energy source.
agriculture B1the 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 B1the 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 B1a group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding
Many rare species are found in the Amazon rainforest.
extinction B1the 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 B1the total amount of greenhouse gases produced to support human activities
We should aim to reduce our carbon footprint by using less energy.
drought B1a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water
The prolonged drought has severely affected crop yields.
erosion B1the 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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