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IELTS Environment Vocabulary

On this page you will find environment vocabulary. These words will help you write about the topic or talk about it in the test. It will also help with your reading if you have a text related to this topic.

You will find:

  • The word
  • The definition
  • An example sentence

At the bottom of the page you will find links to essays connected to environment topics so you can see the environmental vocabulary you have learned in context. 

Useful IELTS Environmental Vocabulary

environment vocabulary

Biodiversity

The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat, a high level of which is usually considered important and desirable.

  • The rich and diverse biodiversity of our planet must be protected.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

The gas formed when carbon is burned, or when people or animals breathe out.

  • The burning of fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which leads to global warming.
  • Trees absorb carbon dioxide.

Climate

The weather conditions generally present in an area or over a long period.

  • The Mediterranean region tends to have a mild climate over the winter.

Climate Change

The change in global climate patterns which appeared from the mid to late 20th century onwards, caused mainly by the increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

  • The climate around the world has been changing rapidly over the last decade.
  • Climate change is one of the most serious problems that the world is facing today.

Contamination

To make something less pure by exposing it to poisonous or polluting substances.

  • The water has been contaminated by the release of toxic chemicals into the river.
  • The water supply is being tested for contamination.

Deforestation

Cutting down and clearing areas of forest.

  • Deforestation is destroying animal habitats.

Drought

A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water.

  • The severe drought this year has led to the loss of many lives.

Ecosystem

All the living things in an area and the way they affect each other and the environment.

  • The world has a delicately balanced ecosystem, and pollution can damage this.
  • The marine ecosystem was badly damaged by the oil spill.

Emission

The production and discharge of something.

  • Emissions from car exhausts cause pollution around cities.
  • Carbon dioxide emissions must be reduced.

The Environment

The air, water, and land in or on which people, animals, and plants live.

  • More must be done to protect the environment from pollution.
  • Environmental problems are becoming very severe in many countries.

Erosion

To gradually reduce or destroy.

  • Over-farming causes soil erosion.

Fossil Fuels

A natural fuel such as coal, gas, or oil formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.

  • Some people do not believe that humans' reliance on fossil fuels is to blame for global warming.

Global Warming

A gradual rise in the world's temperatures caused by polluting gases such as carbon dioxide, which are collecting in the air around the Earth and preventing heat escaping into space.

  • Deforestation is contributing to global warming because trees absorb carbon dioxide.

Greenhouse Effect

The trapping of the sun's heat in the Earth's lower atmosphere due to gases like carbon dioxide and methane.

  • The greenhouse effect contributes to global warming.
  • Reducing emissions can help mitigate the greenhouse effect.

Habitat

The natural environment in which an animal or plant usually lives.

  • With so many areas of woodland being cut down, a lot of wildlife is losing its natural habitat.

Pollution

Damage caused to water, air, land, etc., by harmful substances or waste.

  • Environmental pollution must be a top priority for governments.
  • The air around the factory is very polluted.

Renewable Energy

Energy from natural resources that can be replenished, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power.

  • Renewable energy is key to reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Wind farms are a growing source of renewable energy.

Sustainable

Causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue for a long time.

  • Countries need to promote sustainable development in order to protect the environment from further damage.

Toxic 

Poisonous 

  • The dumping of toxic waste has contaminated the area.
  • Leaded fuel from cars releases toxins into the air, which can affect the brain.

Waste

A material or substance which is eliminated or discarded as no longer useful or required after the completion of a process.

  • The Green Party opposes any kind of nuclear waste being dumped at sea.

Water Conservation

The practice of using water efficiently to reduce unnecessary water usage.

  • Water conservation is essential in areas affected by drought.
  • Installing rainwater harvesting systems helps in water conservation.

View model essays that include environment vocabulary:

Global Warming Essay

More Topic Related Vocabulary:


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