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
Listening
Listen to each conversation, then answer the questions.
Scene: Two students discuss whether individual actions can make a difference to climate change.
Fatima:I don't think individual choices are going to solve climate change. The real problem is big corporations.
Leon:I partly agree. But I think consumer pressure will change what corporations do. If we stop buying certain products, companies will change.
Fatima:Maybe. But look at the facts — the top 100 companies produce over 70% of global emissions. My recycling isn't going to fix that.
Leon:No, but it's not either/or. Governments will have to act, but so will individuals. Change won't happen fast enough if we just wait.
Fatima:I suppose you're right. I'm going to write to my local MP about it — I've already drafted the letter.
Leon:That's a great idea. I'll sign it too, if you want.
Listening 2 questions
Writing
A guided paragraph task. Write 80–120 words using the prompts below.
Task: Write a short paragraph about what you are going to do to help the environment.
Use going to and will correctly. Include:
Two or three specific changes you plan to make (use going to — these are decided plans)
A prediction about what will happen if more people make similar changes
One thing you will do right now or very soon (spontaneous decision — use will)
One thing you think the government will or won't do
0 words
Model answer
I have already decided on several changes I am going to make. I am going to stop using single-use plastic bags and take a reusable bag whenever I shop. I am also going to reduce the amount of meat I eat to twice a week. I believe that if more people make changes like these, it will significantly reduce household carbon emissions over time. In fact, I'll look for a local environmental group to join this week — I've never done that before but it seems like a good idea. I hope the government will introduce stronger policies too, though I think real change will come from communities and individuals acting together.
The world's oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface and are home to an extraordinary range of life. But scientists warn that if current trends continue, ocean ecosystems will be in serious danger within decades. Rising temperatures, pollution, and overfishing are the three biggest threats.
The good news is that international cooperation is growing. More than 100 countries have signed agreements pledging to protect at least 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. Environmental groups say this is going to be a significant step forward, though they also warn that promises alone will not be enough — governments will need to enforce the rules.
Technology is also playing a role. Researchers are going to test new biodegradable materials that will replace single-use plastics used in fishing. Satellites are being used to monitor illegal fishing in real time. Some experts believe that if current investment continues, plastic pollution in the oceans will fall by 40% within twenty years.
However, critics argue that progress is too slow. "We won't solve this problem by 2030 unless we act much more urgently," said one marine biologist. Despite this, many conservationists remain cautiously optimistic. "Things are going to improve," said one campaign director. "But only if every government keeps its promises."