Threats to the environment
Our planet is facing a serious environmental crisis, made worse by our growing carbon footprint – the total amount of greenhouse gases each person, company, or country produces.
- greenhouse gases are gases such as carbon dioxide that trap heat in the atmosphere. They are released mainly by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
- The build-up of these gases causes the greenhouse effect, which warms the planet and leads to global warming and wider climate change.
As global temperatures rise, we see more extreme weather, melting ice, and rising sea levels. At the same time, desertification turns once-fertile land into dry, unusable areas, often because of long droughts and poor land use.
Large-scale deforestation – cutting down forests for farming or development – makes these problems worse. Trees store carbon, so when forests are removed, more CO₂ is released and the planet’s natural ability to absorb it is reduced.
All of this is reflected in our ecological footprint, a measure of how much land, water, and other resources our lifestyles require compared with what the Earth can renew.
Another global threat is plastic waste, which builds up in seas, rivers, and on land. Because most plastics take hundreds of years to break down, they pollute ecosystems and contribute to shrinking habitats, putting many species at risk.
| Key term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| carbon footprint | total greenhouse gases produced by a person, group, or activity | We’re trying to reduce our family’s carbon footprint by using public transport. |
| greenhouse gases | gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere | Carbon dioxide is one of the most common greenhouse gases. |
| fossil fuels | non-renewable fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas | Many power stations still rely on fossil fuels for electricity. |
| global warming | gradual rise in the Earth’s average temperature | Global warming is already affecting weather patterns worldwide. |
| desertification | process where fertile land gradually becomes desert | Overgrazing has contributed to desertification in the region. |
| plastic waste | discarded plastic items that pollute land and water | Plastic waste in the ocean is a major threat to marine life. |
| shrinking habitats | loss or reduction of natural areas where species live | Shrinking habitats are forcing many animals closer to cities. |
Helping the environment
Around the world, people and governments are adopting eco-friendly practices – everyday actions designed to protect nature and use fewer resources.
A key step is switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy such as solar and wind power. Huge solar farms and tall wind turbines can generate clean electricity without emitting CO₂.
Protecting and restoring forests is another priority. Effective forest protection and reforestation (planting new trees) help absorb carbon, prevent soil erosion, and support wildlife conservation by keeping habitats healthy.
Growing environmental awareness means more people are calling for sustainable practices – ways of living and producing goods that do not permanently damage the planet.
Governments and companies are investing in better pollution control and waste management: filtering factory emissions, treating wastewater, and improving recycling systems.
Recycling helps reduce rubbish in landfills and supports the production of eco-friendly products, often made from recycled or organic materials. These products are designed to be less harmful at every stage of their life cycle.
| Key term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| eco-friendly practices | actions that reduce harm to the environment | Small eco-friendly practices, like saving water, can make a big difference. |
| renewable energy | energy from sources that do not run out (sun, wind, etc.) | Our school uses renewable energy from rooftop solar panels. |
| forest protection | efforts to prevent forests from being damaged or destroyed | Forest protection laws stop companies from cutting down ancient trees. |
| reforestation | planting trees again in areas where forests were removed | Reforestation projects help restore local ecosystems. |
| wildlife conservation | protecting wild species and their habitats | Wildlife conservation programmes support endangered animals. |
| pollution control | methods to limit or reduce pollution | New pollution control technology has cut emissions from the factory. |
| waste management | how rubbish and recycling are collected, treated, and disposed of | Good waste management systems separate food waste from plastic. |
| eco-friendly products | items designed to have a low impact on the environment | Eco-friendly products often use less packaging and recycled materials. |
Verb phrases and phrasal verbs
Useful verbs for describing environmental problems and solutions.
Reducing harm
-
cut down
(a tree): to chop through the trunk so that the tree falls.
The company was fined for cutting down trees in a protected forest. -
cut back (on) something: to reduce the amount of something, such as CO₂
emissions or energy use.
Factories are being asked to cut back on their emissions by 30%. -
switch to something: to change from one system or material to a cleaner,
more sustainable option.
Our city plans to switch to clean energy by installing more solar panels. -
preserve resources / species: to protect them so that they are not
damaged or destroyed.
The new nature reserve was created to preserve endangered species. -
tackle a problem: to deal with it actively and try to solve it.
International agreements are needed to tackle climate change effectively.
Pollution, waste and sustainability
-
break down: to slowly decay or separate into smaller parts.
Some types of plastic can take centuries to break down in the ocean. -
dump waste: to throw away rubbish or chemicals in a place where they
should not be left.
Factories that dump toxic waste into rivers can destroy local ecosystems. -
become self-sufficient: to produce enough of your own energy or food so
that you do not depend heavily on outside sources.
By growing their own vegetables and using solar power, the family became almost self-sufficient. -
harm the environment: to cause damage to nature through pollution or
destructive activities.
Excessive use of pesticides can harm the environment and contaminate water supplies.