Vocabulary Global Warming

Learn Advanced Vocabulary Through 

Global Warming

Scientists have observed that the Earth's climate is changing globally. Over many decades, the planet has experienced rises in average temperatures, called global warming. Scientists have unequivocally affirmed that greenhouse gas emissions from human activities like the combustion of fossil fuels are the leading cause of the warming trend. Greenhouse gases act like a blanket, trapping heat and causing the atmosphere and oceans to heat up.

If left unabated, the temperatures may rise precipitously, resulting in harmful consequences worldwide, such as more frequent droughts, wildfires, and hurricanes. Coastal cities face submergence as sea levels inexorably creep higher due to the thermal expansion of oceans and the melting of polar ice sheets. The repercussions of anthropogenic warming tend to be calamitous and could displace millions of people, especially those inhabiting small island nations.

 We need coordinated mitigation efforts to ameliorate these predicaments. Meanwhile, we need to adapt to the vagaries already set in motion. Through prudent policies and switching to renewable energy sources, it is plausible that we may still curtail the impacts of this impending quagmire.

Vocabulary:

1. Unequivocally - In a way that leaves no doubt.

We unequivocally condemn any violence in the protest.

2. Unabated - Not reduced or stopped.

The floods continued unabated for several days.

3. Precipitously - In a steep or abrupt manner.

Sea levels had risen precipitously over the past decade.

4. Inexorably - Unable to be stopped or avoided.

Sea levels rose inexorably as the ice sheets continued melting.

5. Repercussions - Unintended consequences that result from an action or decision.

The drought had severe repercussions across local farming communities.

6. Anthropogenic - Resulting from human activities.

Rising temperatures are largely due to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.

7. Calamitous - Bringing or threatening great damage or distress.

Failure to curb emissions could have calamitous environmental and socioeconomic impacts.

8. Mitigation - The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.

Investments in renewable energy are crucial for climate mitigation.

9. Ameliorate - to make a bad or unpleasant situation better.

Foreign aid is badly needed to ameliorate the effects of the drought.

10. Predicament – A bad situation that is difficult to get out of.

The drought left many households in financial predicaments.

11. Vagaries - Unpredictable or changeable nature of something.

Adapting agriculture to withstand weather vagaries is a priority.

12. Prudent - Wise or judicious, based on good sense and well-considered judgment.

Prudent climate policy requires uniting economic and environmental priorities.

13. Plausible - Seeming reasonable or probable.

Developing carbon capture technology could plausibly reduce emissions from factories.

14. Curtail – To reduce or limit something.

We need international coordination to curtail global warming.

15. Quagmire - A confusing or complicated situation that is difficult to escape from.

 Failure to act may sink us deeper into a climate policy quagmire.

Exercise 1 : Let’s see how many words you can identify:

1. Unequivocally: The scientist unequivocally stated that the data supported the theory.

     - A) Indirectly

     - B) Uncertainly

     - C) Clearly and without doubt

     - D) Hesitantly  

2. Unabated: The storm continued with unabated intensity throughout the night.

     - A) Reduced

     - B) Intensified

     - C) Stopped

     - D) Without any reduction in intensity      

3. Precipitously: The stock market fell precipitously after the announcement of the new regulations.

     - A) Slowly and steadily

     - B) Gradually

     - C) Suddenly and dramatically

     - D) Slightly      

4. Inexorably: The ice caps are melting inexorably, contributing to rising sea levels.

     - A) Inevitably and without stopping

     - B) Temporarily

     - C) Reversibly

     - D) Unexpectedly      

5. Repercussions: The economic repercussions of the pandemic were felt across the globe.

     - A) Immediate benefits

     - B) Positive outcomes

     - C) Consequences or effects

     - D) Random events      

6. Anthropogenic: The report highlighted the anthropogenic causes of climate change.

     - A) Natural

     - B) Related to human activity

     - C) Unrelated to humans

     - D) Accidental  

7. Calamitous: The earthquake had calamitous effects on the region, leaving thousands homeless.

     - A) Minor

     - B) Catastrophic and disastrous

     - C) Insignificant

     - D) Preventable  

8. Mitigation: Efforts at mitigation have reduced the damage caused by the floods.

     - A) Increasing the severity

     - B) Complete prevention

     - C) Reducing the severity

     - D) Ignoring the problem      

9. Ameliorate: The government introduced new policies to ameliorate the living conditions of the poor.

     - A) Worsen

     - B) Improve or make better

     - C) Ignore

     - D) Delay      

10. Predicament: She found herself in a difficult predicament with no easy solution.

      - A) A situation or condition

      - B) A joyful event

      - C) A simple task

      - D) A beneficial position  

11. Vagaries: Farmers are at the mercy of the vagaries of the weather.

      - A) Predictable patterns

      - B) Unpredictable changes

      - C) Deliberate actions

      - D) Planned events  

12. Prudent: It is prudent to save money for unexpected expenses.

      - A) Reckless

      - B) Unnecessary

      - C) Wise and careful

      - D) Impulsive  

13. Plausible: The detective found the witness's story to be plausible.

      - A) Impossible

      - B) Believable or reasonable

      - C) Unconvincing

      - D) Confusing        

14. Curtail: The company plans to curtail its spending in order to save money.

      - A) Increase

      - B) Expand

      - C) Reduce or limit

      - D) Postpone        

15. Quagmire: The legal case became a quagmire of conflicting evidence and testimonies.

      - A) A straightforward situation

      - B) A complex or difficult situation

      - C) A joyful occasion

      - D) A clear path        

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word from the vocabulary list: unequivocally, unabated, precipitously, inexorably, repercussions, anthropogenic, calamitous, mitigation, ameliorate, predicament, vagaries, prudent, plausible, curtail, quagmire.

1. The CEO ___________ denied any involvement in the scandal, leaving no room for doubt.

2. The wildfire spread ___________, destroying homes and forests as it advanced.

3. The company’s profits dropped ___________ after the new competitor entered the market.

4. As sea levels continue to rise ___________, coastal communities are at greater risk of flooding.

5. The ___________ of ignoring climate change could be devastating for future generations.

6. Scientists have determined that ___________ activities are the primary cause of global warming.

7. The hurricane had ___________ effects on the island, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life.

8. Governments must invest in ___________ strategies to reduce the impact of natural disasters.

9. The charity aims to ___________ the living conditions in impoverished areas through various programs.

10. Finding himself in a difficult ___________, he had to choose between two equally undesirable options.

11. Farmers often struggle with the ___________ of weather patterns, which can be unpredictable and severe.

12. It’s ___________ to have a backup plan in case your original plan fails.

13. Her explanation seemed ___________ given the evidence, so the jury found her story believable.

14. To save money, the school decided to ___________ unnecessary expenses.

15. The political crisis has turned into a ___________ with no easy solution in sight.

Exercise 3: Word Matching

Match the words on the left with their correct definitions on the right.

Exercise 4: Writing Task

Write a composition on any one of the following topics. Use some of the words that we have learned.

The Challenges of Urbanization in Developing Countries

• Examine the challenges faced by rapidly urbanizing developing countries. Consider the possible quagmires that could arise from precipitous population growth and the importance of prudent urban planning.

The Impact of Social Media on Public Opinion

• Analyze the role of social media in shaping public opinion, and the potential repercussions of misinformation spreading unabated. Discuss how prudent use of social media can curtail the negative impacts on society.