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Our endangered world You probably already know a lot of words for talking about the environment, pollution, and so on. In this unit we focus particularly on collocations (words that are often used together). Try to learn these and use them in your writing.
A
Threats and potential threats to the environment Shrinking habitats1 are a threat to biodiversity2, in terms of both plants and animals, and endangered species3 need legal protection if they are to survive. Although some climate change sceptics4 disagree, most scientists believe that global warming5 will increase. This will encourage polar ice to melt, resulting in rising sea levels and climatic changes. Carbon (dioxide) emissions6 from the burning of fossil fuels7 are contributing to the greenhouse effect8. In addition, population growth exerts severe pressure on9 finite resources10, and the ecological balance11 may be upset by uncontrolled deforestation12. Demographic projections13 suggest the world population will continue to grow exponentially14, putting extra pressure on depleting resources15. Waste disposal16 is an increasing problem and toxic waste17 is contaminating18 many rivers and seas. Safe water may become an increasingly precious commodity19, leading to issues of water security20. One of the worst-case scenarios21 is that there will be no tropical rainforests left by the year 2050. Our only hope is that pristine environments22 such as Antarctica can be protected from development and damage, so that at least these habitats are preserved. 1
2 places where animals live and breed which are decreasing in size variety of different types of biological 3 4 species types of animals/plants which are in danger of no longer existing people who do not believe 5 6 that climate change is a serious issue steady rise in average world temperatures carbon dioxide gas 7 8 from factories, cars, etc. coal, oil, etc. warming of the Earth’s surface caused by pollution, where 9 10 gases trap and redirect heat back down to the Earth’s surface puts great pressure on; formal limited 11 resources that will eventually run out / be exhausted balance of natural relationships in the environment 12 13 14 unrestricted destruction/clearing of forests forecasts about the population grow extremely rapidly 15 16 17 18 resources that are reducing getting rid of waste poisonous waste materials poisoning 19 20 (something) very valuable substance ability to ensure that a population has safe drinking water 21 22 the worst possibilities for the future perfectly clean/untouched/unspoilt areas
B
Responses to environmental issues and problems Look at these newspaper headlines and note the useful phrases. GOVERNING PARTY IN BID TO IMPROVE GREEN CREDENTIALS1
PROPHETS OF DOOM AND GLOOM2 SHOULD LISTEN TO SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE, SAYS PRIME MINISTER
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT3 THE ONLY ANSWER FOR EMERGING COUNTRIES, SAYS UN COMMISSION RENEWABLE ENERGY4 – GOVERNMENT DEVELOPS NEW STRATEGY 1
reputation for positive support of the environment and for making policies that reflect this people who always make the most depressing or pessimistic predictions about the future 3 development of industry, etc. which does not damage the environment or social and economic stability, and which can continue over a period of time 4 energy produced using sun, wind or crops rather than coal or other fuels which cannot be replaced once used 2
Common mistakes People cause damage to the environment (NOT damages). 72
English Vocabulary in Use Advanced
