The Environment

(of an object) able to be broken down by living organisms such as bacteria, which is then safe for the environment

Biodegradable food waste can be composted and turned into nutrient-rich soil.

describing a state in which the carbon dioxide emission reaches zero or there is a balance between the amount of carbon dioxide emitted and absorbed

The company committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2030, reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to zero.

(of a vehicle) not producing gases harmful to the environment

Electric vehicles are considered zero-emission because they do not produce tailpipe emissions.

displaying a lack of refinement or taste, often involving inappropriate content

The comedian's crude jokes about sensitive topics offended several audience members.

related to the connection between animals, plants, and humans and their environment

Ecological conservation efforts aim to protect biodiversity and preserve natural habitats.

containing or relating to a dangerous form of energy produced by nuclear reactions

Radioactive isotopes are used in medical imaging for diagnostic purposes.

related to a type of farming in which animals and birds can move around and eat freely, instead of being kept in a limited area

The farm raises chickens in a free-range environment where they can roam freely and forage for food.

to make a place, substance, etc. dirty or harmful by adding dangerous material

The factory's discharge pipes contaminated the river with toxic chemicals.

decayed leaves, plants, or other organic waste turned into a mixture that can improve the soil's quality and productivity once added to it

In early spring, Maria spread a two-inch layer of compost over her raised beds to boost vegetable yields.

to get rid of waste material, particularly in an unorganized manner

Instead of recycling, some businesses opt to dump electronic waste in landfills.

to remove unwanted or harmful substances from another substance

The water treatment plant uses filtration methods to refine drinking water and remove contaminants.

to use something once more, usually for a different purpose

She decided to reuse old jars as containers for her homemade jams.

someone who makes efforts to protect the environment and wildlife from any type of harm

The conservationist worked tirelessly to protect endangered species and their habitats.

a feeling of great worry regarding the current and future state of the environment threatened by humans

Many young people today experience eco-anxiety due to concerns about climate change and environmental degradation.

the act of getting rid of waste material

Proper disposal of hazardous waste is crucial to protect the environment and human health.

a truck with a container that can be elevated to unload waste material

The construction site used a dumper to transport gravel and sand across the site.

a ship, aircraft, or road vehicle for carrying liquids, particularly crude oil or gas in large quantities

The tanker ship transported crude oil across the ocean to refineries.

a section of a tree trunk that has been cut or fallen, usually stripped of branches

He carried a heavy log to the fireplace.

an odorless, colorless, and poisonous gas that is produced from the burning of fossil fuels, which proves lethal in some cases

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels.

very small plastic pieces in the environment that originate from personal care products, clothing, etc. and the degradation of other plastic products

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size that pollute the environment.

a tall metal structure used for carrying high-voltage power lines above the ground

The transmission lines were supported by tall pylons across the countryside.

a large machine or structure used for producing nuclear energy

The nuclear reactor generates electricity by harnessing the energy from nuclear fission.

electricity that is produced from the power of water

Hydroelectricity is generated by harnessing the energy of flowing water to spin turbines.

a layer of gases in the earth's atmosphere that does not let the sun's ultraviolet radiation pass through

The ozone layer is a region of the Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the sun's ultraviolet radiation.

a device that converts the energy of the sun into electricity

A solar cell, also known as a photovoltaic cell, converts sunlight directly into electricity.

an area for birds and animals to live and to be protected from dangerous conditions and being hunted

The wildlife sanctuary provides a safe habitat for endangered species to thrive.

a charge collected for the use of a road, bridge, or tunnel

Drivers paid a toll to cross the bridge.

a large fire that spreads fast and causes much destruction

The wildfire spread rapidly through the dry forest due to strong winds.

a massive ocean wave generated by an undersea earthquake, racing toward shore with destructive force

A sudden jolt on the seismograph alerted coastal towns to an approaching tidal wave.

a chemical substance that kills plants, used for destroying plants that are not wanted

Farmers use herbicides to control weeds and improve crop yields.

any substance that is harmful to the environment

Carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas pollutant emitted from burning fossil fuels.

to completely disappear or cease to exist

Some endangered species are at risk of dying out due to habitat loss.

to become destroyed, often due to the action of bacteria or fungi over time

If not refrigerated, food can quickly rot.

a large facility used for drilling oil or gas from underground or under the sea

The oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico extracts crude oil from deep beneath the seabed.