Environment & Sustainability

the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or in the world as a whole

The rainforest is home to incredible biodiversity.

the cutting down and clearing of forests or trees, usually to use the land for something else

Deforestation is a major cause of habitat loss.

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

Coral reefs support a rich marine ecosystem.

the state or process of a species of animal or plant ceasing to exist

Many species are now at risk of extinction.

the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism

Rising sea levels are destroying coastal habitats.

(of energy or a resource) able to be replaced naturally and not permanently used up

The government is investing heavily in renewable energy.

animals and plants that live in the wild, not kept by people

The national park protects a wide range of wildlife.

the protection and careful management of the environment and natural resources

The charity works on wildlife conservation across the region.

to collect and treat waste materials so they can be used again

Local councils encourage residents to recycle their household waste.

to make a substance or place dirty or impure by adding a harmful or poisonous substance

Industrial waste can contaminate nearby rivers.

to reduce the amount of something, especially a natural resource, over time

Overfishing has severely depleted fish stocks in the area.

(of a species) seriously at risk of extinction

The tiger is classified as an endangered species.

the gradual wearing away of soil or rock by wind, water, or other natural forces

Coastal erosion is threatening several villages.

a long period of unusually low rainfall that causes a serious shortage of water

The region has suffered a severe drought this year.

the process of planting trees again in an area where a forest has been cut down

The government launched a reforestation programme in the hills.

relating to or using energy from the sun

The village now relies on solar power for electricity.

a machine with rotating blades that produces power, often used to generate electricity

The wind farm has more than fifty turbines.

a place where animals or birds are protected and allowed to live safely

The elephants were moved to a wildlife sanctuary.

the illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals

Poaching remains a serious threat to rhinos.

catching too many fish from the sea or a river so that fish numbers become dangerously low

Overfishing has pushed several species close to extinction.

an area of land where large amounts of waste are buried

Most of the city's rubbish still ends up in landfill.

containing poison or harmful substances that can cause illness or death

The factory was fined for releasing toxic chemicals into the river.

able to decay naturally and harmlessly without polluting the environment

The company switched to biodegradable packaging last year.

to send out gas, heat, light, or another substance into the air

Older vehicles emit much higher levels of carbon dioxide.

to keep something in its original state or protect it from harm or damage

Local communities are working together to preserve the mangrove forest.

to damage the quality or condition of something, especially the natural environment

Plastic waste can degrade soil quality over many years.

a group of animals or plants that share similar characteristics and can breed with each other

Scientists discovered a new species of frog in the forest.

a chemical substance used to kill insects or other pests that damage crops

Farmers are being encouraged to reduce their use of pesticides.