Learning a new language opens up a world of opportunities to engage with different cultures and current global issues. As environmental concerns increasingly take center stage in world affairs, having the vocabulary to discuss these topics is crucial. Finnish, with its unique linguistic structure, offers a comprehensive way to express environmental issues. Below are some key Finnish terms related to the environment, along with their definitions and example sentences to help you incorporate them into your language use.

Ympäristö – Environment
The surrounding conditions where plants, animals, and humans live. “Ympäristö” can refer to both the natural and built environments.
Suojelkaamme ympäristöämme saasteilta.

Ilmastonmuutos – Climate change
A long-term change in the earth’s climate, especially due to human activity. This term is often used in discussions about global warming and its effects.
Ilmastonmuutos on globaali haaste, johon meidän täytyy vastata.

Kestävä kehitys – Sustainable development
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Kestävä kehitys on avain tulevaisuuden hyvinvointiin.

Uusiutuva energia – Renewable energy
Energy from sources that are naturally replenishing such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.
Uusiutuva energia on tärkeä osa ilmastonmuutoksen vastaista taistelua.

Päästöt – Emissions
The release of gases or other substances into the atmosphere. This term is often associated with exhaust from vehicles and industries.
Teollisuuden päästöt ovat yksi suurimmista ilmansaasteiden lähteistä.

Saasteet – Pollutants
Substances that cause pollution. “Saasteet” can refer to chemicals, waste, noise, light, etc. that negatively affect the environment.
Kaupungin saasteet vaikuttavat ihmisten terveyteen.

Kierrätys – Recycling
The process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects, thereby conserving resources and reducing pollution.
Kierrätys on helppo tapa auttaa ympäristöä.

Säilyttäminen – Conservation
The act of preserving, protecting, or restoring the natural environment and its resources.
Luonnon säilyttäminen on tärkeää biodiversiteetin kannalta.

Uhanalainen – Endangered
Describes a species that is at risk of extinction.
Monet lajit ovat uhanalaisia, koska niiden elinympäristöt tuhoutuvat.

Luonnon monimuotoisuus – Biodiversity
The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
Luonnon monimuotoisuuden suojeleminen on elintärkeää planeettamme tulevaisuudelle.

Lajien suojelu – Species protection
Efforts and initiatives aimed at conserving species from extinction or harm.
Lajien suojelu vaatii kansainvälistä yhteistyötä ja pitkäjänteisiä toimia.

Ekologinen jalanjälki – Ecological footprint
A measure of human demand on Earth’s ecosystems, representing the amount of natural capital used by a person or community.
Meidän tulisi pyrkiä pienentämään ekologista jalanjälkeämme.

Ilmansaasteet – Air pollution
The presence of substances in the atmosphere that are harmful to humans, animals, and the environment.
Ilmansaasteet ovat suurkaupungeissa yhä kasvava ongelma.

By learning these Finnish words for environmental issues, you can more effectively communicate about a vital area of concern in today’s global discussions. Understanding and using these terms actively contributes to raising awareness and promoting action toward a more sustainable future for all.