Environment Glossary

30 Environment terms

I am a student from University Grenoble Alpes in France. For a seminar, I had to create a glossary on a theme. I chose the environment because, it's a subject which is really important nowadays.

Acid rain
Noun
Rainfall made so acidic by atmospheric pollution that it causes environmental harm, chiefly to forests and lakes. The main cause is the industrial burning of coal and other fossil fuels, the waste gases from which contain sulphur and nitrogen oxides which combine with atmospheric water to form acids.
Example: A lot of statues have been ruined due to acid rain breaking down the stone.
fr: Pluie acide
This image illustrates the pathway for acid rain in our environment: (1) Emissions of SO2 and NOx are released into the air, where (2) the pollutants are transformed into acid particles that may be transported long distances. (3) These acid particles then fall
Biodiversity
Noun
The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat, a high level of which is usually considered to be important and desirable.
Example: Biodiversity conservation plans should be a priority for governments around the world.
fr: Biodiversité
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Carbon dioxide
Noun
A colorless and non-flammable gas at normal temperature and pressure.
Example: Trees absorb carbon dioxide but cut flowers give it off at night.
fr: Dioxide de carbone
Carbon dioxide (chemical formula CO2) is a colorless gas with a density about 60% higher than that of dry air. Carbon dioxide consists of a carbon atom covalently double bonded to two oxygen atoms.
Carbon footprint
Noun
A measurement of the amount of carbon-dioxide a person adds to the atmosphere.
Example: Travelling by air, driving a car or using coal-generated electricity will make your carbon footprint bigger.
fr: Empreinte carbone
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Climate Change
Noun
Refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.
Example: Personally, I don’t think that climate changes can do us any good.
fr: Changement climatique
Model-simulated global temperature anomalies for the Last Glacial Maximum (21,000 years ago), the mid-Holocene (6,000 years ago), and projection for 2071–2095, under RCP8.5
Conservation
Noun
The protection of animals, plants, natural areas and natural substances.
Example: Energy conservation saves us money and helps the environment.
fr: Conservation
Contaminated
Adjective
Carrying harmful bacteria or toxins that can cause disease or death.
Example: Their contaminated milk powder made lots of babies really sick.
fr: Contaminé
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Deforestation
Noun
The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
Example: We try to halt widespread deforestation in the Amazon.
fr: Déforestation
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Degrees Celsius
Noun
A temperature scale (used to measure the temperature)
Example: Water boils at 100 Degrees Celsius
fr: Degré Celsius
Downpour
Noun
A heavy fall of rain.
Example: The heavy downpour brought their picnic to an abrupt end.
fr: Averse
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Ecosystem
Noun
A geographic area where plants, animals, and other organisms, as well as weather and landscape, work together to form a bubble of life.
Example: It is well-known that commercial fishing can have a very negative impact on the ecosystem, yet little has been done to address this.
fr: Écosystème
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Endangered species
Noun
A type of plant or animal that might stop existing.
Example: There are many organizations that are committed to saving endangered species.
fr: Espèces menacées
Alula (Brighamia insignis), a rare and critically endangered plant native to Hawaii.
Extinct
Adjective
No longer existing.
Example: Many species of plants and animals have become extinct due to human activity.
fr: Éteinte
Some species made extinct by humans.
Freezing
Adjective
Temperature below 0°C.
Example: The temperature remained below freezing point throughout the day.
fr: Gelée
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Global Warming
Noun
A phenomenon of gradual increase in the average temperature of earth. It is caused by the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, CFCs etc. into the atmosphere.
Example: We have to fight global warming before it’s too late.
fr: Réchauffement climatique
Warming stripes data visualization graphic portraying history of annual global surface temperature as an ordered sequence of coloured stripes, with blue stripes representing cooler temperatures and red stripes representing warmer temperatures.
Greenhouse gas
Noun
A gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation. Carbon dioxide and chlorofluorocarbons are examples of greenhouse gases.
Example: This factory is emitting greenhouse gases.
fr: Gaz à effet de serre
Greenwashing
Noun
a communication and marketing strategy adopted by companies or other organizations. It consists in putting forward ecological arguments in order to forge an ecologically responsible image among the public.
Example: Pimkie was accused to do greenwashing communication.
fr: Blanchiment écologique
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Habitat
Noun
The natural environment where an animal or plant lives.
Example: I believe new measures are necessary to protect wildlife habitats.
fr: Habitat
Few creatures make the ice shelves of Antarctica their habitat, but water beneath the ice can provide habitat for multiple species. Animals such as penguins have adapted to live in very cold conditions.
Hazardous waste
Noun
Dangerous substances that need careful disposal (eg. toxic or nuclear waste).
Example: They increased their profits by dumping hazardous waste into the ocean.
fr: Déchets toxiques
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Humid
Adjective
Marked by a relatively high level of water vapour in the atmosphere.
Example: The recent hot, humid weather is affecting air quality.
fr: Humide
Mild
Adjective
(of weather) warm and pleasant.
Example: The weather in my country is mild but damp.
fr: Doux
Pollute
Verb
To make air, water or soil dirty.
Example: If we continue to pollute our environment, our children and grandchildren will have to pay the consequences.
fr: Polluer
From the Gokarneswar area to the Chobhar area of Kathmandu valley, the Bagmati river has lost its original color. The color of the water flowing on the Bagmati river is now black, which shows the presence of garbage and waste. The banks of the Bagmati river ar
Renewable energy
Noun
Energy that is produced using natural resources such as the wind, sun, etc.
Example: The environmental benefits of renewable energy are countless.
fr: Énergie renouvelable
Wind turbines and a large solar panel in Palm Springs, California
Smog
Noun
A thick dirty cloud at ground level caused by pollutants reacting to sunlight.
Example: It's hard to get used to smog if you've never lived in a city.
fr: Nuage de pollution
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Snowstorm
Noun
A heavy fall of snow, especially with a high wind.
Example: It had been delayed by several days due to a snowstorm in the area.
fr: Tempête de neige
Residents walk on the street during a snowstorm as extreme winter weather hits Buffalo, New York, U.S., November 18, 2022. REUTERS/Lindsay DeDario
Sustainable
Adjective
It consists of fulfilling the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations, while ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental care and social well-being.
Example: Big companies should donate a percentage of profits to support sustainable development.
fr: Durable
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To chop down
Verb
To cut (a tree, bush, etc.) at the bottom so that it falls to the ground.
Example: Pioneers would chop down trees to build their homes.
fr: Abattre
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To devastate
Verb
To completely destroy or ruin (a place or thing).
Example: An entire town was devastated by an earthquake.
fr: Dévaster
To waste
Verb
To use more than necessary, or to use inefficiently.
Example: Don't waste toilet paper; use one or two sheets instead of three or four.
fr: Gaspiller
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Vegetation
Noun
Plants in general.
Example: The Amazon jungles are characterized by thick, green vegetation.
fr: Végétation
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