English Collocations for the Environment and Sustainability

Talking about the environment and sustainability has become very important in today’s world.

We discuss topics like climate change, pollution, renewable energy, recycling, and environmental protection in daily conversations, classrooms, workplaces, and English exams such as IELTS Speaking and Writing.

Native speakers use specific word combinations called collocations to talk about these topics naturally, for example protect the environment, reduce waste, or renewable energy sources.

Learning collocations for the environment and sustainability helps you express ideas clearly, accurately, and confidently.

These collocations are commonly used in news reports, academic essays, presentations, debates, and exams.

In this lesson, you will learn useful environmental collocations with meanings and simple example sentences to improve your vocabulary and fluency.

This topic is part of our English Collocations for English learners.

Table of Contents

1. Environment-Related Collocations

The word “environment” is central when talking about the natural world, pollution, and efforts to protect nature.

Here are some common collocations with “environment.”

a) Protect the environment

This is one of the most used collocations in discussions about environmental conservation.

Example: We need to protect the environment to ensure a safe future for our children.

b) Damage the environment

This refers to actions that harm the natural world.

Example: Factories that pollute the air damage the environment.

c) Harm the environment

This is another way to say that something is bad for the environment.

Example: Overfishing can harm the environment by disturbing ocean ecosystems.

d) Save the environment

When people take action to protect nature, they are trying to save the environment.

Example: Recycling helps save the environment by reducing waste.

e) Impact the environment

This phrase refers to the effect something has on the environment.

Example: The construction of new roads can impact the environment by destroying wildlife habitats.

f) Environmental damage

This is a general term for harm caused to the environment.

Example: Deforestation is one of the biggest causes of environmental damage.

g) Environmental protection

This refers to efforts and measures to preserve the environment.

Example: Governments are responsible for environmental protection policies.

h) Environmental impact

This is the effect that an action or event has on the environment.

Example: The environmental impact of plastic waste is devastating for oceans and marine life.

2. Sustainability-Related Collocations

Sustainability is the idea of using resources in a way that meets the needs of the present without harming future generations. Here are some collocations often used with “sustainability.”

a) Sustainable development

This refers to development that meets current needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs.

Example: Sustainable development is crucial for the survival of all living species.

b) Sustainable practices

These are actions or methods that help preserve resources and reduce harm to the environment.

Example: Many companies are adopting sustainable practices like using renewable energy and recycling materials.

c) Sustainable energy

This refers to energy sources that do not harm the environment and are renewable.

Example: Solar power is an example of sustainable energy that can replace fossil fuels.

d) Sustainable farming

This is a method of farming that maintains healthy soil, air, and water quality without overusing resources.

Example: Sustainable farming methods help preserve the environment for future generations.

e) Sustainable lifestyle

This refers to the way of living that minimizes negative environmental impact, such as reducing waste and conserving energy.

Example: People are increasingly choosing a sustainable lifestyle by using less plastic and more eco-friendly products.

f) Sustainability goals

These are targets set to improve sustainability efforts, like reducing carbon emissions or conserving water.

Example: The company has set sustainability goals to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% in the next five years.

g) Sustainability efforts

This refers to actions taken to promote sustainability and reduce environmental damage.

Example: Governments are making sustainability efforts by encouraging the use of electric cars and renewable energy.

h) Sustainable practices in business

These are actions companies take to operate in an environmentally friendly way.

Example: Sustainable practices in business include reducing waste and sourcing materials responsibly.

3. Pollution-Related Collocations

Pollution is a major concern in environmental discussions.

Here are some common collocations related to pollution.

a) Reduce pollution

This refers to efforts aimed at cutting down pollution in air, water, or land.

Example: One way to reduce pollution is by using electric vehicles instead of gasoline-powered cars.

b) Control pollution

This refers to actions that manage and reduce the amount of pollution in the environment.

Example: Governments need to control pollution by regulating factories and industries.

c) Prevent pollution

Taking steps to stop pollution from happening is called prevention.

Example: Recycling and using less plastic can help prevent pollution in oceans.

d) Pollution levels

This refers to the amount or degree of pollution in a specific area.

Example: High pollution levels in cities can lead to health problems like asthma and heart disease.

e) Air pollution

This is pollution caused by harmful gases and particles in the air.

Example: Air pollution from vehicles is one of the biggest environmental challenges today.

f) Water pollution

This is contamination of water bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Example: Industrial waste can lead to water pollution, harming aquatic life.

g) Land pollution

This refers to pollution of land by waste and other harmful materials.

Example: Land pollution is caused by improper disposal of garbage and plastic waste.

h) Reduce carbon emissions

This refers to lowering the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming.

Example: Switching to renewable energy sources helps reduce carbon emissions.

4. Nature-Related Collocations

When talking about nature, there are certain collocations that help describe the natural world.

a) Preserve nature

This means to protect and maintain the natural world.

Example: It is important to preserve nature by reducing deforestation and protecting endangered species.

b) Protect wildlife

This refers to efforts aimed at saving animals and plants from extinction.

Example: Many conservationists work to protect wildlife from poaching and habitat loss.

c) Conserve natural resources

This refers to using resources like water, oil, and forests wisely to prevent depletion.

Example: We must conserve natural resources by using energy-efficient technologies.

d) Wildlife conservation

This refers to efforts and practices aimed at protecting animals and their habitats.

Example: Wildlife conservation is crucial to maintain biodiversity and the health of ecosystems.

e) Green spaces

These are areas in cities or towns that are filled with plants, trees, and grass.

Example: Green spaces in urban areas help improve air quality and provide places for people to relax.

f) Biodiversity conservation

This is the practice of protecting different species of plants and animals to maintain ecosystem health.

Example: Biodiversity conservation helps preserve ecosystems and the services they provide to humans.

g) Ecological balance

This refers to the state where different organisms and their environment work together to maintain stability.

Example: Pollution can disturb the ecological balance of an area, leading to the decline of species.

5. Climate Change-Related Collocations

Climate change is one of the biggest environmental challenges today.

Here are some common collocations used when talking about climate change.

a) Combat climate change

This refers to efforts made to reduce or prevent the harmful effects of climate change.

Example: Many countries have joined together to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

b) Climate change crisis

This refers to the severe situation caused by the ongoing changes in the Earth’s climate.

Example: The climate change crisis is causing extreme weather events like hurricanes and droughts.

c) Global warming

This is the gradual increase in the Earth’s temperature due to human activities, like burning fossil fuels.

Example: Global warming leads to the melting of ice caps and rising sea levels.

d) Mitigate climate change

This means taking actions to reduce the effects of climate change.

Example: Planting trees can help mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air.

e) Greenhouse gas emissions

These are gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, that contribute to global warming.

Example: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a major goal in the fight against climate change.

Conclusion

Using the right collocations when talking about the environment and sustainability can help make your speech and writing clearer and more effective.

By practicing these common word combinations, you can express important ideas about protecting nature, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainability in an easy and natural way.

Whether you’re discussing ways to combat climate change or the importance of sustainable energy, using these collocations will help you sound more fluent and informed.