🌿 L'environnement

The environment: talking about our planet

The environment is the natural world around us: the air, the water, the soil, the plants and the animals. Today, this environment is in danger, and you can learn to talk about it in English. Let's discover the key words and the useful expressions to debate a global problem.

The climate is changing

The first big topic is the climate. Scientists explain that the Earth is getting warmer. This is called global warming. The main cause is the greenhouse effect. When we burn fossil fuels, we send greenhouse gases into the air.

Pollution all around us

The second topic is pollution. Cars, planes and factories cause air pollution. In the streets and on the beaches, people drop litter. This waste is dangerous for animals, especially plastic in the oceans.

What can we do? Eco-friendly actions

The good news is that everybody can help with simple eco-friendly actions. Here are the most important verbs: - to recycle: to make new things from old materials (glass, paper, plastic). - to reduce: to use less. - to reuse: to use something again, for example a reusable bag. - to save energy and water: to switch off the lights and turn off the tap.

Debating a global problem

In class, you often have to give your opinion. Start with these expressions: - I think that..., In my opinion..., I believe that...

To react to a classmate, you can agree or disagree: - "I agree with you." / "You are right." / "I disagree." / "I am not sure."

To give advice and say what is necessary, use the modal verbs should and must: - We should recycle more. (advice) - We must protect the oceans. (strong necessity)

Finally, organise your ideas with link words: On the one hand... on the other hand..., First, Then, Finally, and That is why... With this vocabulary, you can now build a clear and convincing speech about the planet in English.