AP Japanese Unit 6 Global Challenges: Language Tools and Cultural Understanding

Environmental issues（環境問題）

Problems that affect the natural world and, as a result, human health, safety, and the economy; in AP Japanese, discussed with cause/effect, trade-offs, and solutions.

Climate change（気候変動）

Long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, largely influenced today by greenhouse gas emissions.

Global warming（地球温暖化）

The warming of Earth’s climate system; often discussed as leading to increased extreme weather and impacts on health, agriculture, and transportation.

Greenhouse gases（温室効果ガス）

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change.

CO2 reduction（CO2削減）

Efforts/policies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to mitigate climate change.

Renewable energy（再生可能エネルギー）

Energy sources that can be replenished naturally (e.g., solar, wind); presented as a key climate solution, though stable supply can be a challenge.

Energy conservation（省エネ）

Reducing energy use through efficient behavior or technology; promoted alongside renewable energy use.

Pollution/contamination（汚染）

Harmful introduction of substances into the environment; includes air, water, and soil pollution.

Air pollution（大気汚染）

Pollution of the air that can harm health and the environment.

Water pollution（水質汚染）

Contamination of water bodies that harms ecosystems and human use.

Sorting trash（ごみの分別）

Separating waste into categories for collection and recycling; rules can differ by municipality.

Single-use items（使い捨て）

Items designed to be used once and thrown away; convenient but a cause of increased waste.

Plastic waste（プラスチックごみ）

Discarded plastic materials; a major issue linked to litter and pollution of rivers and oceans.

Food loss/waste（食品ロス）

Edible food that is thrown away; discussed as part of waste-system problems (production → consumption → disposal).

Natural disasters（自然災害）

Events such as earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, and heavy rain; tied to preparedness, response, and recovery.

Disaster preparedness/prevention（防災）

Actions taken before disasters (training, planning, infrastructure) to reduce damage and improve response.

Evacuation / shelter（避難／避難所）

Leaving dangerous areas during emergencies and staying in designated facilities; requires cooperation in shared living spaces.

Recovery/reconstruction（復興）

The long-term phase after a disaster focused on rebuilding housing, jobs, and community well-being (including mental health).

Trade-off marker（〜一方で）

A phrase meaning “while/on the other hand,” used to show balanced pros/cons (e.g., renewables help the environment but may face supply challenges).

Debate-framing phrase（〜をめぐって）

A phrase meaning “concerning/surrounding,” used to frame public debates (e.g., opinions differ concerning nuclear power).

Government（政府）

The institution that makes policies/laws, collects taxes, provides public services, and responds to crises.

National Diet（国会）

Japan’s national legislature; a key term for discussing how laws and decisions are made.

Local governments/municipalities（地方自治体／自治体）

Local administrative bodies that handle practical services like waste-collection rules, disaster shelters, and community programs; policies can vary by area.

Population aging（高齢化）

A demographic trend where the share of older people increases, raising demand for healthcare and elder care and putting pressure on systems.

Civic responsibility（市民としての責任）

The duty of community members to act beyond self-interest—follow rules that protect others, participate in decision-making, and help in times of need (e.g., volunteering, preparedness).