Environmental Issues
20 Environmental Issues Terms with Meanings and Examples
1. Climate Change: A long-term change in Earth’s climate, including changes in temperature, precipitation, and sea levels.
- Example: Climate change is caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels.
2. Global Warming: The gradual increase in Earth’s average temperature.
- Example: Global warming is a major contributor to climate change.
3. Pollution: The introduction of harmful substances into the environment.
- Example: Air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution are major environmental problems.
4. Deforestation: The clearing of forests to make way for other land uses.
- Example: Deforestation is a major cause of habitat loss for many species.
5. Desertification: The process by which fertile land becomes desert.
- Example: Overgrazing and climate change are contributing to desertification in many parts of the world.
6. Biodiversity Loss: The decline in the variety of life on Earth.
- Example: Biodiversity loss is a major environmental concern.
7. Ocean Acidification: The decrease in pH of the ocean due to the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Example: Ocean acidification is harming marine ecosystems.
8. Overfishing: The harvesting of fish at a rate that exceeds the ability of the population to replenish itself.
- Example: Overfishing is a major threat to marine biodiversity.
9. Plastic Pollution: The pollution of the environment by plastic waste.
- Example: Plastic pollution is a significant problem in oceans and landfills.
10. Waste Management: The process of collecting, processing, and disposing of waste.
- Example: Effective waste management is essential for protecting the environment.
11. Renewable Energy: Energy derived from sources that are replenished naturally, such as sunlight, wind, and water.
- Example: Solar, wind, and hydro power are examples of renewable energy sources.
12. Fossil Fuels: Nonrenewable energy sources derived from the remains of ancient organisms.
- Example: Coal, oil, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels.
13. Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
- Example: Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are examples of greenhouse gases.
14. Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- Example: Sustainable development is essential for protecting the environment and ensuring a prosperous future.
15. Conservation: The protection and preservation of the natural environment.
- Example: Conservation efforts aim to protect biodiversity and maintain healthy ecosystems.
16. Pollution: The introduction of harmful substances into the environment.
- Example: Air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution are major environmental problems.
17. Deforestation: The clearing of forests to make way for other land uses.
- Example: Deforestation is a major cause of habitat loss for many species.
18. Desertification: The process by which fertile land becomes desert.
- Example: Overgrazing and climate change are contributing to desertification in many parts of the world.
19. Biodiversity Loss: The decline in the variety of life on Earth.
- Example: Biodiversity loss is a major environmental concern.
20. Ocean Acidification: The decrease in pH of the ocean due to the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Example: Ocean acidification is harming marine ecosystems.
