ENVIRONMENT

Sustainable development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Ecosystem

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Ecological footprint

The impact of a person or community on the environment, expressed as the amount of land required to sustain their use of natural resources.

Environmental degradation

The deterioration of the environment through the depletion of resources such as air, water, and soil.

Conservation

The protection, preservation, management, or restoration of wildlife and natural resources.

Renewable energy

Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.

Carbon footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions.

Climate change

A change in global or regional climate patterns, attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.

Global warming

The gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth’s atmosphere, generally attributed to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

Deforestation

The action of clearing a wide area of trees.

Desertification

The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.

Pollution

The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance that has harmful or poisonous effects.

Erosion

The process of eroding or being eroded by wind, water, or other natural agents.

Overfishing

Depleting the stock of fish in a body of water by excessive fishing.

Endangered species

Species that are at risk of extinction.

Ozone depletion

The reduction in the amount of ozone in the stratosphere, which increases the amount of ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth's surface.

Mitigation

The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something (e.g., climate change mitigation).

Adaptation

The process of adjusting to actual or expected climate and its effects.

Reforestation

Planting trees to replace lost forestland.

Carbon offsetting

The action or process of compensating for carbon dioxide emissions arising from industrial or other human activity, by participating in schemes designed to make equivalent reductions of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Environmental impact assessment

A process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account interrelated socio-economic, cultural, and human-health impacts.

"Reduce our carbon footprint"

To lessen the amount of carbon dioxide emissions for which an individual or organization is responsible.

"Preserve natural habitats"

To protect environments where plants and animals naturally live and grow.

"Combat climate change"

To take action against climate change.

"Adopt eco-friendly practices"

To begin using methods that are not harmful to the environment.

"Spearhead green initiatives"

To lead projects or movements aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.

"Transition to renewable energy"

Moving away from fossil fuels towards sustainable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.