Learning a new language opens the door to understanding a different culture and environment. Catalan, a Romance language spoken by over 9 million people in the Catalonia region of Spain, as well as in parts of France, Andorra, and Italy, is rich in vocabulary that reflects the Mediterranean landscape and environmental awareness of its speakers. Environmental and nature-related words are essential for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the language and the lands where it’s spoken. Here are some words in Catalan that will help you discuss the natural world and environmental issues.

Medi ambient
Environment (In a general sense, refers to the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.)
Estem treballant per protegir el medi ambient. (We are working to protect the environment.)

Natura
Nature (Refers to the phenomena of the physical world collectively, including plants, animals, the landscape, and other features and products of the earth.)
Aquest cap de setmana vull escapar-me a la natura. (This weekend I want to escape to nature.)

Flora
Flora (The plants of a particular region, habitat, or geological period.)
La flora d’aquesta zona és sorprenentment diversa. (The flora of this area is surprisingly diverse.)

Fauna
Fauna (The animals of a particular region, habitat, or geological period.)
La fauna del Pirineu català inclou espècies úniques. (The fauna of the Catalan Pyrenees includes unique species.)

Boscos
Forests (Large areas covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth.)
Els boscos són els pulmons del nostre planeta. (Forests are the lungs of our planet.)

Muntanyes
Mountains (Large natural elevations of the earth’s surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level.)
Les muntanyes de Montserrat són un lloc popular per fer excursions. (The mountains of Montserrat are a popular place for hiking.)

Contaminació
Pollution (The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.)
La contaminació de l’aire a la ciutat és un problema seriós. (Air pollution in the city is a serious problem.)

Reciclatge
Recycling (The action or process of converting waste into reusable material.)
El reciclatge ajuda a reduir la quantitat de residus que enviem a abocadors. (Recycling helps to reduce the amount of waste we send to landfills.)

Energia renovable
Renewable energy (Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.)
Catalunya està invertint en energia renovable per al seu futur. (Catalonia is investing in renewable energy for its future.)

Cambi climàtic
Climate change (A change in global or regional climate patterns, in particular a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.)
El canvi climàtic és una de les majors amenaces per a la biodiversitat. (Climate change is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity.)

Sostenibilitat
Sustainability (The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting the natural resources.)
Sostenibilitat és la clau per a un futur millor. (Sustainability is key for a better future.)

As a language learner, blending the language study with subject matter that interests you can make the learning process more enjoyable and relevant. Environmental and nature-related words in Catalan not only enhance your vocabulary but also enable you to engage in conversations about pressing global issues and the beautiful landscapes of Catalonia and other Catalan-speaking regions. By using these words, you can deepen your connection with the environment and contribute to the preservation and appreciation of our natural world.