the greenhouse effect
noun/ðə ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɪfekt/
/ðə ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɪfekt/
[singular]- the problem of the slow steady rise in temperature of the earth’s atmosphere, caused by an increase of gases such as carbon dioxide in the air surrounding the earth, which trap the heat of the sun
- The destruction of forests is contributing to the greenhouse effect.
- We are all beginning to experience global warming due to the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Collocations The environmentThe environmentEnvironmental damagesee also global warmingTopics The environmentc1- 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
- dispose of/throw away litter/(especially British English) rubbish/(especially North American English) garbage/(North American English) trash/sewage
- 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 fitted with/be powered by solar panels
Want to learn more?
Find out which words work together and produce more natural sounding English with the Oxford Collocations Dictionary app.
Check pronunciation:
the greenhouse effect