quality in the area improved considerably.
poisonous – having chemical properties that can cause harm or kill.
- Hundreds of people became seriously ill when poisonous chemicals from the
nearby factory seeped into the water system.
toxic – poisonous.
- The dumping of toxic waste in the ocean is totally unacceptable and must be
stopped.
threat – something or someone that is a risk or a danger.
The greatest threat to the environment comes from the actions of human beings.
to endanger – to expose something to harm or destruction.
- Organised poaching is endangering the survival of the African rhino.
poaching – the illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals.
- Elephant’s valuable tusks make them a target for poaching.
drought – a long period when there is little or no rain.
- The severe drought meant that the crops failed for the second year running and
many people faced starvation.
flooding – when an area of land that is normally dry is covered with water.
- We have been told to expect more violent storms and frequent flooding as a result
of global warming.
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flash floods – a sudden, local flood caused by very heavy rainfall.
- The flash flood washed a whole village from the hillside, killing dozens of people.
Environment Vocabulary Set 5: Protecting the environment
to protect – keep safe from harm, injury or damage.
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