Understanding environmental issues and proposing solutions

Key Terms: Understanding Environmental Issues

环境问题 (huánjìng wèntí): This translates to ‘environmental issues’. These are harmful effects caused by human activities on the biophysical environment.
污染 (wūrǎn): Refers to ‘pollution’, a primary form of environmental issue where harmful substances contaminate the environment.
废物 (fèiwù): This term means ‘waste’. Management of waste is a significant environmental concern in communities.
回收 (huíshōu): Translates to ‘recycling’, which is a critical initiative in waste management aiming to convert waste into reusable material.
可再生能源 (kě zài shēng néng yuán): This refers to ‘renewable energy’, energy from sources that naturally replenish. Promoting its use is a method to counteract the burning of fossil fuels.
保护 (bǎohù): This term means ‘protection’, which in the context of the environment, aims to safeguard and conserve the natural world.

Key Concepts: Proposing Environmental Solutions

环保 (huánbǎo): This word stands for ‘Environmental protection’. It is a practice of protecting the environment through individual, organisational or governmental initiatives.
创新 (chuàngxīn): This translates to ‘innovation’. It is often called upon to devise new and efficient ways to tackle environmental issues.
节约 (jiéyuē): Refers to ‘conservation’ or ‘saving’. This refers to the practice of using resources more efficiently and reducing waste.
教育 (jiàoyù): This term refers to ‘education’. Educating the public about environmental issues and solutions is a critical step in resolving them.
议程 (yìchéng): This word translates to ‘agenda’. Policy-makers and leaders often shape how environmental issues are addressed through their agendas and policy decisions.

Useful Adjectives to Describe Environmental Issues/Solutions

严重 (yánzhòng): This term meaning ‘serious’ and is often used to describe the severity of environmental issues like pollution.
有效 (yǒuxiào): Term stands for ‘effective’. We use this word to describe successful solutions to environmental issues.
持续 (chíxù): Meaning ‘sustainable’, an essential quality for environmental solutions, signifying that they can be maintained over time without exhaust or harm.
公正 (gōngzhèng): This refers to ‘fair’. In environmental discussions, this could mean fair distribution of resources or impact.
可靠 (kěkào): Meaning ‘reliable’, often used to describe renewable energy sources or sustainable practices.

Sample sentence: “我们必须创新和教育,寻求有效且持续的解决方案来保护我们的环境并解决严重的环境问题”. (We must innovate and educate to seek effective and sustainable solutions to protect our environment and resolve serious environmental issues.)