AP French Unit 6 Global Challenges: Language, Ideas, and Exam Skills

Environmental issue

A problem that disrupts ecosystem balance (air, water, soil, biodiversity) and affects health, the economy, and quality of life.

Ecosystem balance

The stable interaction of air, water, soil, and living species that supports life and environmental health.

Pollution

Degradation of the environment caused by substances or human activities.

Air pollution

Pollution often linked to transportation, industry, and heating; associated with fine particles/smog and health problems like asthma and respiratory disease.

Water pollution

Contamination of rivers/oceans and drinking water by pesticides, industrial discharge, or plastics.

Plastic pollution

Pollution caused by single-use waste and microplastics that accumulate in the ocean and ecosystems.

Cause–consequence–solution framework

A method for analyzing a document by identifying the main cause, key consequences, and realistic responses/solutions.

Causal reasoning ("if… then…")

Explaining the logic of how an action or cause leads to specific outcomes, rather than just describing facts.

Climate change

Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, largely driven by increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Greenhouse gases

Gases (from transport, energy production, intensive agriculture, etc.) that trap heat and contribute to climate change.

Weather vs. climate

Weather is short-term conditions (today’s rain); climate is long-term trends measured over decades.

Climate vulnerability

The fact that climate impacts are not evenly shared; some regions and populations face greater risk (e.g., farmers in drought, coastal residents in floods).

Biodiversity

The variety of life (species, habitats, and genetic diversity) in an ecosystem.

Biodiversity loss

Decline in species and habitats due to habitat destruction, pollution, certain farming practices, and climate change.

Ecosystem services

Essential benefits provided by biodiversity (pollination, soil quality, water regulation) that support agriculture and daily life.

Individual actions

Personal behaviors like reducing consumption, sorting waste, avoiding food waste, and choosing low-impact transport; necessary but not sufficient alone.

Public policy actions

Collective solutions led by government, such as regulations, investment, urban planning, and education/sensitization campaigns.

Energy transition

A shift toward renewable energy and improved energy efficiency to reduce emissions and environmental impact.

Regulations (environmental)

Rules such as anti-pollution standards or bans on certain plastics designed to reduce environmental harm.

Urban planning for sustainability

City design choices like bike lanes, public transit, and greening (vegetalization) to reduce pollution and improve quality of life.

Political and social structures

How a society is organized to make decisions, distribute resources, enforce laws, and manage conflict (institutions plus social organizations).

The state (government institutions)

The set of institutions governing a territory through law/regulation, public services, justice, and political processes.

Democracy (participation and trust)

A system relying on citizen participation (voting, debate, associations) and trust in institutions; weakened trust can make reforms harder.

Social inequalities

Gaps in access to resources (education, housing, health, jobs) that can be economic, geographic, or linked to discrimination.

Civic responsibility

The idea that citizens should help improve society through voting, community involvement, volunteering, solidarity, and everyday choices.