Environment and conversation

You probably already know a lot of words for talking about the environment, pollution and so on.
In this topic we look at words that are often used together (collocations)

1. Threats and potential threats to the environment
_ Shrinking habitats (n- môi trường sống) (1) are a threat to both plants and animals, and endangered (v- gây nguy hiểm) species (2) need legal protection if they are to survive.
_ Meanwhile, global warming (3) will produce rising sea levels and climatic changes (4), and carbon dioxide emissions (5) from the burning of fossil fuels (n- nguyên liệu hóa thạch) (6) are contributing to the greenhouse effect (7).
_ In addition, population growth exerts severe presure on (8) finite (adj- có hạn) resources (9), and the ecological (adj- sinh thái) balance (10) may be upset by uncontrolled deforestation (11) (n- sự phá rừng).
_ Demographic projections (12) suggest the world population will grow before it begins to stabillise (v- làm ổn định).
_ One of the worst case scenarios (13) is that there will be no tropical forests left by the year 2050. Our only hope is that pristine (adj- nguyên thủy, ban sơ) environments (14) such as Antaretica can be protected from development and damage.

(1) places where animals live and breed which are decreasing in size.
(2) types of animals/plants which are in danger of no longer existing
(3) steady rise in average world temperatures
(4) changes in the weather/climate
(5) carbon dioxide gas from factories, cars, etc.
(6) coal, oil, etc.
(7) warning of the Earth's surface caused by pollution
(8) formal: puts presure on
(9) limited resources
(10) balance of natural relationships in the environment
(11) destruction/ clearing of forests
(12) forecasts about the population
(13) the worst possibilities for the future
(14) perfectly clean/untouched/unspoilt areas

2. Responses to environmental issues and problems
Look at these newspaper headlines and note the useful phrases.
_ Governing party in bid to improve Green Credentials (1)
(1) reputation for positive support of the environment.
_ Prophets of Doom and Gloom (2) should listen to scientific evidnece, says prime minister.
(2) people who always make the most depressing or pessimistic forecasts for the future.
_ Sustainable Development (3) The only answer for emerging countries, says un commission
(3) development of industry, etc. which does not threaten the environment or social and economic stability.
_ Piecemeal Conservation (4) Ineffection - national policy needed, says new report.
(4) carrying out conservation one bit at a time, with no overall plan.


_ Carbon dioxide emission from cars and factories is a major problem. (All that carbon what's it called gas put out by cars and factories)
_ These flowers here are an endangered species, so it's illegal to pick them. (a type there's not many left of)
_ A lot of wild animals have to survive in shrinking habitats. (smaller and smaller areas where they can live)
_ Most of Patagonia is a pristine environment. (completely spotless area that's never been touched)
_ We have to look after the finite resources of the planet. (the things we use on this planet because they won't last forever)
_ If deforestation continues, there will be no forest left ten years from now. (the cutting down of trees)
_ Burning fossil fuels causes a lot of pollution. (coal and oil and stuff like that)
_ There will be rising sea levels/ Sea levels will rise if global warning continues. (The sea will get higher if this heating up of the world)
_ Increasing population exerts seveve pressure on economic resources. (puts really big pressure on)
_ The ecological balance is very delicate. (The way things all balance one another in nature)

_ Prophets of doom and gloom are always saying that we are heading for an environmental catastrophe,  and that unless we adopt a policy of sustainable development we will cause irreparable damage to the plant. The worst case scenario is of a world choked by overpopulation, the greenhouse effect and traffic gridlock. Much of what is claimed is exaggerated, but politicians are influenced by such voices and are always trying to improve their green credentials in the eyes of the voters.