ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt
ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt
1 [countable, uncountable] the conditions that affect the behaviour and development of somebody/something; the physical conditions that somebody/something exists ina pleasant working/learning environmentAn unhappy home environment can affect a child's behaviour.They have created an environment in which productivity should flourish.the political environmenttests carried out in a controlled environment2 the environment [singular] the natural world in which people, animals and plants livethe Department of the Environmentmeasures to protect the environmentpollution of the environmentdamage to the environment3 [countable] (computing) the complete structure within which a user, computer or program operatesa desktop development environment
Usage note: environmentsetting surroundings backgroundThese are all words for the type of place in which somebody/something exists or is situated.environment the conditions in a place that affect the behaviour and development of somebody/something: An unhappy home environment can affect children's behaviour. ◇ a pleasant working environmentsetting a place or situation or a particular type, in which something happens or exists: The island provided an idyllic setting for the concert.surroundings everything that is around or near somebody/something: The huts blend in perfectly with their surroundings.background the things or area behind or around the main objects or people that are in a place or picture: The mountains in the background were capped with snow.in (a/an) environment/setting/surroundings(a/an) new/unfamiliar environment/setting/surroundingssomebody/something's immediate environment/surroundings(a) dramatic setting/backgroundUsage note: The environmentEnvironmental damagecause/contribute to climate change/global warmingproduce pollution/CO2/greenhouse (gas) emissionsdamage/destroy the environment/a marine ecosystem/the ozone layer/coral reefsdegrade ecosystems/habitats/the environmentharm the environment/wildlife/marine lifethreaten natural habitats/coastal ecosystems/a species with extinctiondeplete natural resources/the ozone layerpollute rivers and lakes/waterways/the air/the atmosphere/the environment/oceanscontaminate groundwater/the soil/food/cropslog forests/rainforests/treesProtecting the environmentaddress/combat/tackle the threat/effects/impact of climate changefight/take action on/reduce/stop global warminglimit/curb/control air/water/atmospheric/environmental pollutioncut/reduce pollution/greenhouse gas emissionsoffset carbon/CO2 emissionsreduce (the size of) your carbon footprintachieve/promote sustainable developmentpreserve/conserve biodiversity/natural resourcesprotect endangered species/a coastal ecosystemprevent/stop soil erosion/overfishing/massive deforestation/damage to ecosystemsraise awareness of environmental issuessave the planet/the rainforests/an endangered speciesEnergy and resourcesconserve/save/consume/waste energymanage/exploit/be rich in natural resourcesdump/dispose of hazardous/toxic/nuclear wastedispose of/throw away litter/(especially British English) rubbish/(especially North American English) garbage/(North American English) trash/sewageuse/be made from recycled/recyclable/biodegradable materialrecycle bottles/packaging/paper/plastic/wastepromote/encourage recycling/sustainable development/the use of renewable energydevelop/invest in/promote renewable energyreduce your dependence/reliance on fossil fuelsget/obtain/generate/produce electricity from wind, solar and wave power/renewable sourcesbuild/develop a (50-megawatt/offshore) wind farminstall/be fitted with/be powered by solar panels