[IELTS Vocabulary] Environment

IELTS vocabulary topic environment

This vocabulary list is for reference only. Your Lexical Resource scores are calculated based on the overall level of vocabulary used in your writing and speaking answers. To improve your Lexical Resource scores, it is necessary that you improve your overall level of vocabulary.

However, skillfully incorporating these words in your writing and speaking answers together with a good vocabulary level will increase the chance of enhanced Lexical Recourse scores.

Vocabulary list

1. Climate Change and Its Consequences

Word/PhraseTypeMeaningExample
Carbon footprintNoun phraseTotal amount of greenhouse gases emittedIndividuals can reduce their carbon footprint by using public transportation.
DeforestationNounClearing of forests for agriculture or developmentDeforestation contributes to climate change and loss of biodiversity.
EmissionsNounRelease of gases into the atmosphereCarbon emissions from cars contribute to air pollution.
Global warmingNoun phraseIncrease in Earth’s average temperatureThe effects of global warming are becoming increasingly evident.
Greenhouse effectNoun phraseTrapping of heat in the Earth’s atmosphereCarbon dioxide contributes to the greenhouse effect.
Melting ice capsNoun phraseReduction of polar ice due to warmingMelting ice caps lead to rising sea levels.
Climate resilienceNoun phraseAbility to withstand and recover from climate-related challengesBuilding climate resilience is crucial for vulnerable communities.
Extreme weather eventsNoun phraseSevere and unusual weather occurrencesHurricanes and droughts are examples of extreme weather events.

2. Pollution and Environmental Conservation

Word/PhraseTypeMeaningExample
Air qualityNoun phraseLevel of pollutants in the airMonitoring air quality is essential for public health.
BiodiversityNounVariety of plant and animal lifeProtecting biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem stability.
ConservationNounProtection and preservation of natural resourcesConservation efforts aim to safeguard endangered species.
Environmental degradationNoun phraseDeterioration of the environmentEnvironmental degradation threatens ecosystems worldwide.
LandfillsNounSites for waste disposalRecycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Plastic pollutionNoun phraseAccumulation of plastic in the environmentPlastic pollution harms marine life and ecosystems.
Renewable resourcesNoun phraseNatural resources that replenish over timeSolar and wind energy are renewable resources.
Sustainable developmentNoun phraseDevelopment that meets present needs without compromising future generationsSustainable development balances economic growth with environmental protection.

3. Renewable Energy Sources

Word/PhraseTypeMeaningExample
BiomassNounOrganic material used for energy productionBiomass energy is derived from plant and animal waste.
Geothermal energyNoun phraseHeat from the Earth’s interior used for energyGeothermal energy is harnessed for heating and electricity generation.
Hydroelectric powerNoun phraseElectricity generated from flowing waterHydroelectric power is a clean and renewable energy source.
Solar panelsNoun phraseDevices that convert sunlight into electricityMany households install solar panels to reduce energy costs.
Wind turbinesNoun phraseDevices that convert wind energy into electricityWind turbines are a common sight in windy regions.
Carbon-neutralAdjectiveHaving no net release of carbon dioxideCarbon-neutral practices aim to offset carbon emissions.
Energy efficiencyNoun phraseUsing less energy to accomplish tasksImproving energy efficiency reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

Idioms for Speaking

These are idioms and phrases that use topic-related figures of speech. They can also be used in different contexts.

IdiomDefinitionExample
A drop in the oceanA very small amount compared to what is needed.“Recycling one plastic bottle is good, but it’s just a drop in the ocean in addressing pollution.”
At a crossroadsFacing a critical decision or a crucial point in a situation.“As a society, we are at a crossroads in terms of choosing sustainable practices for the environment.”
Down to EarthRealistic, practical, and sensible.“We need down-to-earth solutions to combat climate change and protect the environment.”
Eco-friendlyEnvironmentally friendly or not harmful to the environment.“More companies are adopting eco-friendly practices to reduce their carbon footprint.”
Go greenTo adopt environmentally friendly habits or practices.“Many individuals are making an effort to go green by reducing waste and using sustainable products.”
Green thumbA natural skill or talent for gardening or caring for plants.“My grandmother has a green thumb; her garden is always thriving with beautiful flowers.”
In the same boatFacing the same challenges or being in the same difficult situation.“When it comes to climate change, we’re all in the same boat; we need global cooperation.”
On thin iceIn a risky or dangerous situation.“With the melting ice caps, polar bears are on thin ice in terms of their habitat and survival.”
Plant the seedsTo initiate a process or start something that will develop over time.“Educating children about environmental conservation is a way to plant the seeds for a sustainable future.”
Rain on someone’s paradeTo spoil or ruin someone’s plans or mood.“The news of deforestation can rain on the parade of those working towards forest preservation.”
The tip of the icebergA small, visible part of a much larger problem.“The polluted river is just the tip of the iceberg; there are deeper environmental issues to address.”
Throw in the towelTo give up or surrender in the face of difficulties.“We can’t afford to throw in the towel on environmental conservation; we must persist in our efforts.”
Up in the airUncertain or undecided.“The future of the endangered species is still up in the air as conservation efforts continue.”
Walk on eggshellsTo be cautious and sensitive about a delicate situation.“When discussing environmental policies, politicians often have to walk on eggshells to avoid controversy.”
Watch the world go byTo observe without taking action; to be passive or indifferent.“We can’t just watch the world go by while climate change continues; we must actively address it.”
Waste not, want notIf you use a commodity or resource carefully and without extravagance, you will never be in need.“Waste not, want not – it’s essential to conserve resources for future generations.”
In full bloomThriving, flourishing, or at the peak of development.“The community garden is in full bloom, showcasing a variety of vibrant and healthy plants.”
The grass is always greener on the other sidePeople tend to covet what they don’t have.“People often think the grass is always greener on the other side, but we should appreciate and protect our own environment.”
Tread lightlyTo be cautious and minimize one’s impact on the environment.“When hiking in natural areas, it’s important to tread lightly to preserve the ecosystem.”
All talk and no actionExpressing intentions without backing them up with real efforts or deeds.“Promising environmental policies are meaningless if they turn out to be all talk and no action.”
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Huyen Nguyen

Founder of Practice9, creator of IELTS with Huyen. Huyen has 10 years of experience with IELTS, overall 8.5.

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