environmental damage
Harm to nature
Use this phrase to discuss the serious negative effects of human activity on our planet's health.
Em 15 segundos
- Refers to negative human impact on the natural world.
- Used in news, business, and serious social conversations.
- Commonly paired with verbs like 'cause', 'prevent', or 'repair'.
Significado
This phrase describes the physical harm or negative changes caused to the natural world by human activities. It is like saying the Earth has a 'bruise' or a 'wound' because of pollution or cutting down trees.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Discussing a news report with a friend
The oil spill caused massive environmental damage to the coastline.
The oil spill caused massive environmental damage to the coastline.
In a business meeting about a new project
We need to ensure our new factory doesn't cause any environmental damage.
We need to ensure our new factory doesn't cause any environmental damage.
Texting a friend about a documentary
Just watched a doc about environmental damage—it's so sad.
Just watched a doc about environmental damage—it's so sad.
Contexto cultural
The phrase gained massive popularity during the 1970s environmental movement in the US and UK. It shifted from scientific journals to the evening news as people realized that industrial growth had a physical cost. Today, it is a key term in the 'Green Revolution' and global climate strikes.
Verb Collocations
Always pair this with 'cause', 'limit', 'prevent', or 'repair'. Saying 'do environmental damage' sounds a bit unnatural to native speakers.
Singular vs Plural
We usually use 'damage' as an uncountable noun. Avoid saying 'environmental damages' unless you are talking about legal money paid in a court case!
Em 15 segundos
- Refers to negative human impact on the natural world.
- Used in news, business, and serious social conversations.
- Commonly paired with verbs like 'cause', 'prevent', or 'repair'.
What It Means
Environmental damage is a broad term for any bad impact on nature. Think of it as the 'bill' nature pays for human progress. It covers everything from oily oceans to dirty air. It is not just about one tree. It is about the whole system being hurt.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to talk about the consequences of actions. You can say a company 'caused' environmental damage. You can also talk about 'preventing' it. It functions as a noun in your sentences. It sounds serious but is very common in daily talk. Don't worry about being too technical. Even kids use this phrase today.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing the news or a new factory. It is perfect for a meeting about sustainability. You can use it when hiking if you see trash. It works well in school essays or serious Facebook posts. If you see a beautiful beach covered in plastic, this is your phrase. It helps you sound informed and caring.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for small, personal accidents. If you drop a glass of water, that is just a mess. If you step on a single flower, it is a bit dramatic. Avoid it in very light, bubbly conversations unless the topic shifts. It carries some 'weight' and can kill a party mood. Also, do not use it for broken machines. That is just 'mechanical damage'.
Cultural Background
This phrase became a household term in the 1970s. Before then, people did not talk about nature this way. Now, it is a global concern. In English-speaking cultures, being 'green' is a big part of someone's identity. People feel very emotional about this topic. It is often at the center of political debates.
Common Variations
You might hear ecological damage for more scientific talk. Some people say environmental impact, which is a bit softer. If the damage is permanent, we call it irreversible damage. If you are being very casual, you might just say 'messing up the planet'. But environmental damage remains the gold standard for being clear.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral and widely used in both professional and casual settings. Remember that 'damage' is uncountable in this context; do not add an 's' unless you are a lawyer discussing financial compensation.
Verb Collocations
Always pair this with 'cause', 'limit', 'prevent', or 'repair'. Saying 'do environmental damage' sounds a bit unnatural to native speakers.
Singular vs Plural
We usually use 'damage' as an uncountable noun. Avoid saying 'environmental damages' unless you are talking about legal money paid in a court case!
The 'Green' Factor
In the UK and US, mentioning 'environmental damage' often leads to a long conversation about recycling. Be prepared for a deep chat!
Exemplos
6The oil spill caused massive environmental damage to the coastline.
The oil spill caused massive environmental damage to the coastline.
Here it describes a specific ecological disaster.
We need to ensure our new factory doesn't cause any environmental damage.
We need to ensure our new factory doesn't cause any environmental damage.
Used to discuss corporate responsibility and planning.
Just watched a doc about environmental damage—it's so sad.
Just watched a doc about environmental damage—it's so sad.
Short and direct for a casual text message.
The state of your room is a form of environmental damage, honestly!
The state of your room is a form of environmental damage, honestly!
Hyperbole used to joke about a very messy space.
I am writing to express my concern regarding the environmental damage in our local park.
I am writing to express my concern regarding the environmental damage in our local park.
Standard formal opening for a complaint or inquiry.
Picking up your trash helps prevent environmental damage.
Picking up your trash helps prevent environmental damage.
Teaching a concept using a clear, standard phrase.
Teste-se
Choose the best verb to complete the sentence about a company's responsibility.
The government fined the company for ___ environmental damage.
In English, we almost always 'cause' damage rather than 'make' or 'do' it.
Select the adjective that emphasizes the damage cannot be fixed.
Scientists fear the ___ environmental damage to the reef is permanent.
'Irreversible' is the standard formal term for damage that cannot be repaired.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Environmental Damage'
Messing up nature
We're trashing the place.
Environmental damage
The fire caused environmental damage.
Ecological degradation
The report cites significant ecological degradation.
Where to use 'Environmental Damage'
News Report
Reporting on a forest fire.
Classroom
Writing a biology essay.
Office
Discussing company ethics.
Social Media
Sharing a post about plastic.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, it can be for small things too, like a local park being ruined by trash. However, it usually implies a lasting negative effect on an ecosystem.
Not really. 'Nature damage' sounds like a direct translation from another language. Environmental damage is the correct, natural term.
It is neutral! You can use it with friends when talking about the world, and it won't sound like you are reading a textbook.
‘Damage’ is always negative. ‘Impact’ can be neutral or even positive, though in environmental contexts, it is often negative too.
It depends. You can say 'We must prevent environmental damage' (general) or 'The environmental damage from the fire was huge' (specific).
Only if it's serious. If your dog digs a hole, that's just a mess. If a chemical leak kills all your plants, that is environmental damage.
Not exactly, but people might say 'wrecking the planet' or 'trashing the Earth' in very informal settings.
It means the harm is so bad that nature can never go back to the way it was before. It's a very serious phrase.
No, the phrase refers to the surroundings. Humans suffer 'health problems' caused by the damage, but they aren't the damage themselves.
Yes, especially if the company cares about 'Sustainability' or 'CSR' (Corporate Social Responsibility).
Frases relacionadas
Carbon footprint
Climate change
Ecological footprint
Sustainability
Pollution levels
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