IELTS Vocabulary for the Environment

climate change — long-term shifts in global weather patterns. "Climate change is the defining challenge of this century."

global warming — the rise in average temperatures specifically. "Global warming is driving more frequent heatwaves."

carbon footprint — the emissions a person or activity produces. "Flying regularly dramatically increases your carbon footprint."

deforestation — clearing forests. "Deforestation destroys habitats faster than any conservation programme can restore them."

air/water pollution — contamination of air or water. "Air pollution now kills more people annually than many diseases."

endangered species — animals or plants at risk of extinction. "The orangutan is among the most endangered species on earth."

fossil fuels — coal, oil and gas. "Economies built on fossil fuels face a painful transition."

to reduce emissions — to release less pollution. "Governments must reduce emissions, not just promise to."

renewable energy — power from sun, wind or water. "Renewable energy is now cheaper than coal in many regions."

to tackle climate change — to act against it. "Individual choices alone cannot tackle climate change."

conservation — protecting nature. "Conservation efforts have brought several species back from the brink."

sustainable development — growth that does not destroy the future. "Sustainable development balances economic needs against environmental limits."

to phase out — to remove gradually. "Several countries plan to phase out petrol cars by 2040."

single-use plastics — disposable plastic items. "Banning single-use plastics is a popular first step, but a small one."

at an alarming rate — "Sea levels are rising at an alarming rate."

to bear the brunt of — to suffer the worst effects. "Poorer nations bear the brunt of a crisis they did little to cause."

a collective responsibility — "Protecting the environment is a collective responsibility, not a lifestyle choice."

irreversible damage — "Without urgent action, some ecosystems face irreversible damage."

Environment questions usually ask whether individuals or governments should act. Have one phrase ready for each side: 'individual choices' language and 'collective responsibility' language.

Avoid vague dramatic words like 'destroy' and 'disaster' without specifics. 'Irreversible damage to coral reefs' scores; 'destroying our planet' does not.