Nature English: Climate and Climate Change
Explain the causes and effects – and take part in the debate.
Climate change is one of the most discussed topics in the news, at work and in English exams such as IELTS. Learn the key words and the phrases you need to explain and argue clearly.
Key Words
Ten essential words with their German meaning and an example sentence.
| English | German | Example |
|---|---|---|
| climate change | Klimawandel | Climate change affects every region of the world. |
| global warming | Erderwärmung | Global warming is caused mainly by human activity. |
| greenhouse gas | Treibhausgas | Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas. |
| carbon emissions | CO₂-Emissionen | Transport is a major source of carbon emissions. |
| fossil fuels | fossile Brennstoffe | Coal, oil and gas are fossil fuels. |
| renewable energy | erneuerbare Energie | Wind and solar are forms of renewable energy. |
| extreme weather | Extremwetter | Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. |
| sea level rise | Meeresspiegelanstieg | Sea level rise threatens coastal towns. |
| carbon footprint | CO₂-Fußabdruck | Flying increases your carbon footprint. |
| net zero | Netto-Null, Klimaneutralität | Many countries aim to reach net zero by the middle of the century. |
Word Partners
Natural English depends on words that belong together. Learn these as complete phrases.
- to reduce emissions
- to tackle climate change
- rising temperatures
- climate target
- to switch to renewables
- carbon neutral
- to adapt to
- climate crisis
"Many cities are switching to renewables to reduce their emissions."
Useful Phrases
Sentence patterns you can use straight away.
Explaining causes and effects
- Burning fossil fuels releases CO₂.
- This traps heat in the atmosphere.
- As a result, temperatures are rising.
- This leads to more extreme weather.
Debating
- I'm convinced that we need to act now.
- I agree up to a point, but…
- What about the cost for ordinary people?
- Every small step counts.
Talk About It
Answer these questions aloud, write a short paragraph, or discuss them with a partner.
- How does climate change affect the region where you live?
- What do you do to reduce your carbon footprint?
- Who has the most responsibility: governments, companies or individuals?
- Should we focus more on cutting emissions or on adapting?
Test Yourself
Click a question to see the answer.
1. What is "Treibhausgas" in English?
Greenhouse gas.
2. Coal, oil and gas are examples of…?
Fossil fuels.
3. Complete: "to ___ emissions".
To reduce (or cut) emissions.
Explore More
Related topics on Talking English.
Talk about climate and climate change.
Learn the words, use them in real sentences and share what you notice with others.
Understand. Discuss. Act.