- 1[countable] the conditions that affect the behavior and development of someone or something; the physical conditions that someone or something exists in a pleasant working/learning environment An unhappy home environment can affect a child's behavior. They have created an environment in which productivity should flourish. the political environment tests carried out in a controlled environment
- 2the environment [singular] the natural world in which people, animals, and plants live measures to protect the environment pollution of the environment damage to the environment
- 3[countable] (computing) the complete structure within which a user, computer, or program operates a user-friendly desktop development environment Thesaurusenvironment
- setting
- surroundings
- background
- environment the conditions in a place that affect the behavior and development of someone or something:An unhappy home environment can affect children's behavior. a pleasant working environment
- setting a place or situation of a particular type, in which something happens or exists:The island provided an exotic setting for the concert.
- surroundings everything that is around or near someone or something:The cabins blend in perfectly with their surroundings.
- background the things or area behind or around the main objects or people that are in a place or picture:The mountains in the background were capped with snow.
- in (a/an) .. environment/setting/surroundings
- (a/an) new/unfamiliar environment/setting/surroundings
- somebody/something's immediate environment/surroundings
- (a) dramatic setting/background
- cause/contribute to climate change/global warming
- produce pollution/CO2/greenhouse (gas) emissions
- damage/destroy the environment/a marine ecosystem/the ozone layer/coral reefs
- degrade ecosystems/habitats/the environment
- harm the environment/wildlife/marine life
- threaten natural habitats/coastal ecosystems/a species with extinction
- deplete natural resources/the ozone layer
- pollute rivers and lakes/waterways/the air/the atmosphere/the environment/oceans
- contaminate groundwater/the soil/food/crops
- log forests/rainforests/trees
- address/combat/tackle the threat/effects/impact of climate change
- fight/take action on/reduce/stop global warming
- limit/curb/control air/water/atmospheric/environmental pollution
- cut/reduce pollution/greenhouse (gas) emissions
- offset carbon/CO2 emissions
- reduce (the size of) your carbon footprint
- achieve/promote sustainable development
- preserve/conserve biodiversity/natural resources
- protect endangered species/a coastal ecosystem
- prevent/stop soil erosion/overfishing/massive deforestation/damage to ecosystems
- raise awareness of environmental issues
- save the planet/the rainforests/an endangered species
- conserve/save/consume/waste energy
- manage/exploit/be rich in natural resources
- dump/dispose of hazardous/toxic/nuclear waste/sewage
- dispose of/throw away litter/garbage/trash
- use/be made from recycled/recyclable/biodegradable material
- recycle bottles/packaging/paper/plastic/waste
- promote/encourage recycling/sustainable development/the use of renewable energy
- develop/invest in/promote renewable energy
- reduce your dependence/reliance on fossil fuels
- get/obtain/generate/produce electricity from wind, solar, and wave power/renewable sources
- build/develop a (50-megawatt/offshore) wind farm
- install/be powered by solar panels
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