How to use this lesson: read each item aloud, notice the collocation, cover the definition and retrieve the word from memory. Then use at least three items in your own sentences.
10 useful words and phrases
flood
A large amount of water covering normally dry land.
Example: Heavy rain caused local floods.
Natural collocation: flash flood
conserve
To protect something from damage or waste.
Example: We need to conserve water during summer.
Natural collocation: conserve resources
sustainable
Able to continue without causing serious environmental harm.
Example: The city is investing in sustainable transport.
Natural collocation: sustainable development
biodiversity
The variety of plant and animal life in an area.
Example: The project aims to protect biodiversity.
Natural collocation: loss of biodiversity
ecosystem
A community of living things and their environment.
Example: Pollution can damage a river ecosystem.
Natural collocation: fragile ecosystem
carbon footprint
The total greenhouse gases caused by an activity or person.
Example: Taking fewer flights can reduce your carbon footprint.
Natural collocation: reduce your carbon footprint
climate
The usual weather conditions of a place over a long period.
Example: The region has a dry climate.
Natural collocation: changing climate
emission
Gas released into the air.
Example: The policy aims to cut carbon emissions.
Natural collocation: reduce emissions
pollution
Harmful substances in the environment.
Example: Air pollution is a major urban problem.
Natural collocation: reduce pollution
renewable
Naturally replaced and therefore sustainable.
Example: Solar power is a renewable source of energy.
Natural collocation: renewable energy
Quick vocabulary check
- 1. Which word means “a large amount of water covering normally dry land”? flood
- 2. Which word means “to protect something from damage or waste”? conserve
- 3. Which word means “able to continue without causing serious environmental harm”? sustainable
- 4. Which word means “the variety of plant and animal life in an area”? biodiversity
- 5. Which word means “a community of living things and their environment”? ecosystem
Make the vocabulary active
Choose five items above and make them personal. Say one true sentence about your life, work, studies or experience for each item. For stronger recall, return tomorrow and try to reproduce the collocations without looking.