Essential Vocabulary for TOEFL - The Environment and Weather

a community of living organisms together with their physical environment, interacting as a system

the scientific study of the environment or the interrelation of living creatures and the way they affect each other

an area for birds and animals to live and to be protected from dangerous conditions and being hunted

a strip of open land around a city where construction is prohibited in order to protect the environment

a fuel that is found in nature and obtained from the remains of plants and animals that died millions of years ago, such as coal and gas

any fuel that can be used instead of fossil fuels

(of a vehicle) not producing gases harmful to the environment

referring to actions, products, or practices that aim to preserve or protect the natural environment

(of an object) able to be broken down by living organisms such as bacteria, which is then safe for the environment

referring to products, actions, or practices that are designed to cause minimal harm to the environment

to remove unwanted or harmful substances from another substance

(of a natural resource or source of energy) existing in limited amounts and not replaceable after being used

the protection of the natural environment and resources from wasteful human activities

the amount of carbon dioxide that an organization or person releases into the atmosphere

a permanent change in global or regional climate patterns, including temperature, wind, and rainfall

a large fire that spreads fast and causes much destruction

a very high wave or series of waves caused by an undersea earthquake or volcanic eruption

consisting of poisonous substances

any substance that is harmful to the environment

a global problem that is caused by the increase of harmful gases such as carbon dioxide which results in gradual warming of the earth

a combination of smoke and fog that is considered a form of air pollution

a layer of gases in the earth's atmosphere that does not let the sun's ultraviolet radiation pass through

the sudden outburst of lava and steam from a volcanic mountain

the extensive removal of forests, typically causing environmental damage

to make a place, substance, etc. dirty or harmful by adding dangerous material

the action or process of using a resource such as energy or food

a storm with heavy snowfall and strong winds

(of the climate) having a lot of moisture in the air, causing an uncomfortable and sticky feeling

a period in the summer during which wind blows and rain falls in India or other hot South Asian countries

the loud crackling noise that is heard from the sky during a storm