Environment & Nature

A slow-moving mass of ice; often referenced in discussions of climate change.

A deep gorge with steep sides, typically carved by a river.

A narrow valley between hills or mountains, usually with a stream running through it.

An elevated area of fairly level ground.

The highest point of a mountain.

A long, narrow elevated stretch of land or mountain crest.

A surface or stretch of ground that rises or falls.

A field of grass and wildflowers, often near water.

Land saturated with water, important for biodiversity; often used in the plural.

Low-lying wet land, typically with grassy vegetation.

Permanently waterlogged ground, often forested.

The tidal mouth of a river where it meets the sea.

A piece of land almost surrounded by water but joined to a larger landmass.

A mound or ridge of sand shaped by the wind.

The physical features of a stretch of land.

A smaller river or stream flowing into a larger one.

A mountain that erupts molten rock.

A small group of trees, often of one kind.

Plants collectively, especially those covering a particular area.

The leaves of plants and trees, viewed collectively.

The uppermost layer of branches and leaves in a forest.

The dense shrubs and plants growing beneath taller trees.

A woody plant smaller than a tree, with several stems; more technical than 'bush'.

A young, slender tree.

A small soft green plant growing in damp, shady places.

A flowerless plant with feathery fronds, common in shady, damp areas.

A climbing or trailing plant.

The flowers on a tree, especially fruit trees, viewed collectively.

Of a plant, to produce flowers.

Of a plant, to become limp from heat or lack of water.

Of a seed, to begin to grow and put out shoots.

The plants of a particular region, period, or environment, taken as a whole.

The variety of living organisms in a particular habitat.

A community of organisms interacting with their physical environment.

The natural home or environment of a plant or animal.

The ability to maintain something at a level that does not deplete natural resources.

Able to continue without depleting natural resources or harming the environment.

Gases, especially harmful ones, released into the atmosphere.

The clearing of forests on a large scale.

The process of replanting trees in areas that have been cleared.

The gradual wearing away of land by wind, water, or other natural forces.

The reduction of a resource or substance to a critically low level.

The decline in quality or condition of the natural environment.

Capable of being broken down naturally by bacteria or other living organisms.

Decayed organic matter used to enrich soil.

A site where waste is buried; also the practice of disposing of waste this way.

The presence of harmful or polluting substances in something.

Relating to the environment and the relationships between living things.

To protect a natural resource or environment from harm or overuse.

To keep something in its original or natural state, protected from change or loss.

To restore a stock or supply to its former level; to refill.

Of a plant, animal, or ecosystem, to grow vigorously and flourish.

To grow or develop healthily and abundantly.

To wear away gradually, especially of land or rock by natural forces.

To use up or reduce a resource to a dangerously low level.

Having little or no rain; extremely dry.

Of land, too poor to produce vegetation; bleak and empty.

Of soil or land, able to produce abundant vegetation or crops.

Of vegetation, growing thickly and abundantly; richly green.

In its original, unspoiled condition; untouched by human activity.

Of landscape, rough, rocky, and uneven.

Of a climate or region, mild, without extremes of heat or cold.

Having attractive natural scenery.

Originating naturally in a particular place; native to a region.

At serious risk of extinction.

The complete dying out of a species.

To control and make use of a natural force or resource, especially for energy.

To counteract carbon emissions, typically by funding equivalent environmental savings.

A chemical used to kill pests, especially insects, on crops.

Waste water and excrement carried away in drains.

Water, often carrying pollutants, that drains off land into rivers and seas.

A wild, uncultivated region untouched by human development.

Relating to or living on the land, as opposed to water or air.

Wild and not brought under human control; describing landscapes or nature.

The fan-shaped area of land where a river splits and meets the sea.

The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by a person, organisation, or activity.

A gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to global warming.

A fuel such as coal, oil, or gas formed from ancient organic remains.

The study of organisms in relation to their environment; also the relationships themselves.

Producing no net release of carbon dioxide, especially through offsetting.