Essential Vocabulary for Sustainability and Energy

Glossary of Key Terms: Environment, Energy, and Finance

This comprehensive glossary defines essential vocabulary related to environmental science, sustainable energy production, conservation efforts, and financial concepts.

Advance Payment

A sum of money that is paid some time before you receive the item or service you intend to buy.

A Major Source of Electricity

Something that produces a significant amount of electricity.

Calculate

To discover an amount or number using mathematics.

Challenge

Something that is difficult and that tests someone's ability.

Climate Change

The long-term shift in the Earth's weather patterns and average temperatures.

Dependence

The state of needing someone or something in order to exist or function.

Destruction

The process of destroying something.

Drawback

A problem or disadvantage.

Endangered Species

A type of animal or plant that may soon cease to exist because there are very few alive.

Estimate the Cost

To use available information to guess how much something will cost.

Focus On

To give a lot of attention to one particular subject or thing.

Fossil Fuels

Fuels, such as coal or oil, that are obtained from under the ground and formed from the remains of ancient organisms.

Fresh Air

Air outside buildings that is clean and cool.

Harness Energy

To control energy so that it can be used effectively.

Infrastructure

The basic systems, such as transportation and communication networks, that a country or organization uses to work effectively.

Natural Habitat

The place where animals live and grow naturally.

Nature Reserve

A protected area where animals and plants are conserved.

The Next Step

The subsequent action in a series of planned activities.

Power Station

A large building where electricity is produced by machines.

Produce Profitably

To manufacture or create something in such a way that it generates a financial profit.

Release into the Atmosphere

To allow a substance (often a gas or pollutant) to get into the air surrounding the Earth.

Renewable Energy

Energy derived from sources that naturally replenish themselves, for example, wind or sunlight.

Rising Sea Levels

The increased height of the level of seas and oceans, often associated with climate change.

Sceptical

Doubting that something is true or useful.

Scenery

Attractive, natural features that you see in the countryside.

Switch

To change from using one thing to using another.

Unspoilt Countryside

Areas of land that have not been changed or damaged by human activity.

Wildlife Conservation Programme

A structured plan whose primary aim is to protect wild animals and plants.

Yield

To produce or provide something (often used in the context of crops or financial returns).

Zero Emissions

A state where a machine or industry does not release any harmful substances into the atmosphere.