Vocabulary for the natural world and environmental issues. Grammar: going to vs will — plans, predictions, and decisions.
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Vocabulary
The environment, climate, and sustainability.
Climate change
Long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns
Climate change is affecting ecosystems worldwide.
Renewable energy
Energy from sources that naturally replenish, such as solar or wind
We're going to switch to renewable energy next year.
Carbon footprint
The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by an individual or activity
Flying increases your carbon footprint significantly.
Deforestation
The clearing of forests for other land uses
Deforestation is destroying vital habitats.
Biodiversity
The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
Biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate.
Pollution
Harmful substances in the environment
Air pollution in cities is getting worse.
Sustainable
Able to be maintained without harming the environment
We need to find more sustainable farming methods.
Emissions
Gases or other substances released into the atmosphere
The government will reduce emissions by 50% by 2035.
Ecosystem
A community of living things interacting with their environment
Coral reefs are complex and fragile ecosystems.
Drought
A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall
Droughts are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
Conservation
The protection and preservation of the natural environment
Wildlife conservation is essential for future generations.
Recycle
To process used materials so they can be used again
We're going to recycle more and waste less.
Vocabulary exercises
Grammar
Going to vs will for the future
Both going to and will refer to the future, but we use them differently:
Going to = plans already decided, or predictions based on evidence we can see now. Will = spontaneous decisions made at the moment of speaking, predictions based on opinion, promises, and offers.
Use
Form
Example
Pre-planned intention
am/is/are + going to + verb
We're going to plant more trees this spring. (already decided)
Prediction with evidence
am/is/are + going to + verb
Look at those clouds — it's going to rain.
Spontaneous decision
will + verb
"The bin is full." "I'll take it out."
Prediction / opinion
will + verb
I think temperatures will rise by 2°C this century.
Promise / offer
will + verb
I'll help you sort the recycling. I promise I'll do better.
Negative
won't / isn't going to
She won't change her habits. He's not going to recycle.
A common mistake: use going to (not will) when you have already made a plan before speaking. Use will when you decide at that exact moment.
Grammar exercises
Reading
Read the article carefully, then answer the questions.
A town that went green
Three years ago, the small town of Ashvale made an ambitious decision: it was going to become completely carbon-neutral by 2030. At the time, many people thought it was impossible. Today, the town is well on its way.
The plan started with energy. The town council installed solar panels on every public building and agreed to switch all street lighting to LED. They also introduced an incentive scheme — households that agreed to install solar panels would receive a grant covering 60% of the cost. Within a year, over 400 homes had signed up.
Transport was the next challenge. The council announced that they were going to replace all council vehicles with electric alternatives by 2025. They also invested in cycling infrastructure: new bike lanes now connect every neighbourhood to the town centre.
Critics said the plan was too expensive and too optimistic. But supporters pointed to the results: energy bills have fallen, air quality has improved, and the town has attracted eco-tourism businesses that are bringing new jobs. "We didn't know if we were going to succeed," said the mayor. "But we knew we had to try. And I believe we will."
Comprehension questions
Writing
Guided writing task.
Task: Environmental commitment
Write a paragraph (80-120 words) about what you are going to do to reduce your environmental impact. Use both going to and will.
State planned changes using going to
Make predictions about the future using will
Use environment vocabulary from this unit
Mention at least two specific actions
0 words
Model answer
I am going to make several changes to reduce my carbon footprint this year. First, I am going to cycle to work instead of driving, which will reduce my emissions significantly. I have also decided to start recycling more carefully and composting food waste. I think these small actions will make a difference if enough people do them. In addition, I am going to switch to renewable energy at home. Scientists predict that temperatures will continue to rise unless we act now, so I believe it is important for individuals to do their part.