Global warming

Vocabulary for Global warming – (adapted from dcielts.com)
TALKING ABOUT THE SIZE OF THE PROBLEM
An important group of climate vocabulary and ideas is to say how large the problem
is:
crisis: Climate change is a crisis that cannot be ignored by governments.
record levels/amount: Despite the claims of some scientists, we are now
producing record levels of CO2 and there is no dispute about the connection
between this and global warming.
disaster/disastrous: It is not an exaggeration to say that the effects of global
warming are disastrous.
global: Although some areas are relatively unaffected now, climate change is a
global problem.
irreversible: The major concern is that the effects of our actions on the climate will
be irreversible.
long-term: The effects of our use of fossil fuels today may last for generations and it
is almost certain to have long-term consequences for humanity.
NEGATIVE EFFECTS
This group of climate change vocabulary gives you language to explain what the
effects are. As you read through the examples note the different language I use for
effects and probability.
ill-health: It sometimes goes unnoticed that there is a clear connection
between climate change and ill-health.
floods/rainstorms: One result of the rising temperatures is that floods
and rainstorms are now a frequent occurrence.
the Polar ice cap: One major concern is that rising temperatures in the Arctic are
causing the Polar ice cap to melt, which in turn is leading to rising sea levels.
heatwaves and droughts: Most experts agree that there is an increased risk
of heatwaves and other extreme weather conditions.
the natural world: Climate change will not only have a severe impact on people, but
also devastate the natural world and lead to the extinction of important species.
food shortages: We are already seeing in many parts of the world that climate

change is leading to food shortages as a direct consequence of extreme weather
conditions.
housing/homelessness: One side-effect of rising sea levels is that more and more
people who live by the coast will become homeless.
conflicts/wars: If no action is taken on climate change, then it is likely that there will
be more conflicts between nations, especially over water supplies.
cost: It has been shown that any delay in making emission cuts will increase the
cost of reducing carbon dioxide by almost 50%.


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CAUSES
You may also need to discuss the causes of climate change too. You don’t need any
very technical knowledge and this vocabulary should be enough. Again, note the
cause language.
human activity: It is no longer possible to say that human activity does not
affect weather conditions.
greenhouse gas emissions: If we are to halt climate change, we need to make
substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
power stations: One of the leading causes of climate change is the number of dirty
power stations using fossil fuels.
carbon emissions: Carbon emissions are still rising year by year and are at record
levels.
illegal logging and deforestation: It should not be forgotten that illegal logging in
the Amazon Basin is still a major factor in climate change.
burning fossil fuels: Individuals can make a small contribution by not burning
wood and other fossil fuels.
CO2: The root cause of much global warming is the amount of CO2 in the

atmosphere.
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
These words and phrases show different kinds of solutions. Some show what should
be done (use more renewable energy and invest money), others show how it should
be done (quickly and together).
wind and solar power: An obvious solution is to deploy much more wind and
solar power.
renewable energy: Wind farms and other sources of renewable energy will help
to reduce Co2 emissions to an acceptable level.
international action/cooperation: International action on climate change could have
a significant impact.
quick/immediate action: Any action should be immediate because this is not a
problem that can be delayed.
investment: There should be greater incentives to invest in renewables and to
reduce the current reliance on fossil fuels.
decommission power stations: It goes without saying that coal-fuelled power
stations should be decommissioned.
protest/campaign: Individuals can help force governments to act by taking part in
legal protests against the continuing use of fossil fuels.
energy efficiency and waste: A greater emphasis on energy efficiency and
reducing waste would undoubtedly mean that less fuel was consumed.
WAYS OF TAKING ACTION


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Climate change is a problem – that almost everyone can agree on. When you have a
problem, you need to take action. These words and phrases give you a variety of
ways of saying that. Note the different structures used with these verbs.

cope: It is clear that national governments are no longer able to cope
by themselves with the problem.
tackle: A global solution is necessary as only international bodies will be able
to tackle climate change.
avert: Investment in renewable energy will help avert the impact of the CO2
emissions.
prevent: The only way to prevent a disaster is to reduce these emissions to zero.
act/take action: Governments should take decisive action to halt global warming.
fight/combat: A way needs to be found to make combatting global warming that is
affordable.
sustainable and affordable: The key is to ensure that all countries around the world
have the chance to adopt energy
HOW INDIVIDUALS CAN HELP
You may be asked what we as individuals can do about climate change. Here are
some ideas – there are plenty of them:
lobby MPs: If enough of us lobbied our MPs and other elected
representatives then they would have to bring in legislation.
participate in peaceful protests: Another possibility is to take part in marches and
other peaceful protests to apply pressure on governments and raise awareness of
the issue..
community projects: In some areas there are small-scale community projects to
encourage local residents to install solar panels and, in some places, help pay for
them.
share transport: We also have the responsibility to consider how we contribute to
global warming by making unnecessary car journeys. We can always cycle to work,
have a joint school run with other parents and even share a car on the daily
commute to work.
diet and our carbon footprint: Reducing food wastage is perhaps the way
individuals can minimise their carbon footprint and so help global warming.
energy-efficient lightbulbs: Another small way in which we can use less energy is

to switch to energy efficient lightbulbs.
solar panels: There are an increasing number of solar panels on the market and
these can not only reduce energy bills but also mean that less carbon fuel is
consumed.
heat insulation: Likewise, it is important that people insulate their houses well so
that less gas and electricity is consumed.



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