IELTS Vocabulary: Environment
Essential vocabulary for discussing environmental issues, climate change, and sustainability in IELTS.
15 words — Band 6 to Band 8+
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Band 6Band 6 Vocabulary
sustainability
The ability to maintain ecological balance
“Governments must prioritize sustainability in urban planning.”
carbon footprint
Total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an entity
“Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint by using public transport.”
ecosystem
A community of interacting organisms and their environment
“Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.”
renewable energy
Energy from sources that are naturally replenished
“Investment in renewable energy has increased dramatically.”
deforestation
The clearing of forests on a large scale
“Deforestation in the Amazon has accelerated in recent years.”
conservation
The protection and preservation of natural resources
“Wildlife conservation efforts have helped some species recover.”
emissions
Gases released into the atmosphere
“Carbon emissions from industry contribute to global warming.”
Band 7Band 7 Vocabulary
biodiversity
The variety of plant and animal life in a habitat
“Deforestation poses a significant threat to biodiversity.”
contamination
The presence of unwanted substances in the environment
“Water contamination remains a major public health concern.”
degradation
The process of deterioration of the environment
“Soil degradation threatens food security in many regions.”
mitigate
To make less severe or reduce the impact of
“Planting trees can help mitigate the effects of climate change.”
deplete
To reduce or exhaust a resource
“Overfishing continues to deplete marine populations.”
Band 8+Band 8+ Vocabulary
pristine
In its original, unspoiled condition
“The national park preserves pristine wilderness areas.”
exacerbate
To make a problem worse
“Industrial pollution exacerbates respiratory diseases.”
unprecedented
Never done or experienced before
“The world faces unprecedented environmental challenges.”
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