Learning a new language opens the door to understanding different cultures and topics central to our global discourse. Among these topics, global issues and environmental terms take on increasing importance as we address the challenges of the 21st century. Below are some of the key Finnish terms related to these issues, complete with definitions and example sentences.
Ilmastonmuutos – Climate Change
Ilmastonmuutos refers to the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. Climate change can have profound effects on the globe’s weather systems, often leading to severe weather events.
Ilmastonmuutos on yksi merkittävimmistä globaaleista ongelmista.
Kestävä kehitys – Sustainable Development
Kestävä kehitys is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It encompasses a long-term, integrated approach to developing and achieving a healthy community by jointly addressing economic, environmental, and social issues.
Kestävä kehitys pyrkii saavuttamaan tasapainon talouden, ympäristön ja sosiaalisen hyvinvoinnin välillä.
Jätehuolto – Waste Management
Jätehuolto encompasses the collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of waste materials. Proper waste management is crucial to reduce the impact on the environment and human health.
Jätehuolto on avainasemassa ympäristön suojelussa.
Uusiutuva energia – Renewable Energy
Uusiutuva energia, like solar and wind power, is energy from resources that are replenished naturally on a human timescale. Choosing renewable energy over fossil fuels can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Uusiutuva energia on tärkeä askel kohti hiilineutraalia tulevaisuutta.
Kasvihuonekaasut – Greenhouse Gases
Kasvihuonekaasut are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect. The main greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).
Kasvihuonekaasujen vähentäminen on tärkeää ilmastonmuutoksen hillitsemiseksi.
Biodiversiteetti – Biodiversity
Biodiversiteitin ymmärretään tarkoittavan elämän monimuotoisuutta: erilaisia eliölajeja, niiden geenejä ja niiden muodostamia ekosysteemejä. Biodiversity is the variety of life in all its forms and levels of organization.
Biodiversiteetin säilyttäminen on olennaista ekosysteemien terveydelle.
Kiertotalous – Circular Economy
A circular economy (kiertotalous) is an economic system aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of resources. This regenerative approach contrasts with the traditional linear economy, which has a ‘take, make, dispose’ model of production.
Kiertotalous auttaa vähentämään jätteen määrää ja säästämään luonnonvaroja.
Saastuminen – Pollution
Saastuminen is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse changes. It can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat, or light.
Saastuminen uhkaa sekä ihmisten terveyttä että luontoa.
Luonnonsuojelu – Conservation
Luonnonsuojelu encompasses the actions and policies aimed at preserving vital ecosystems and protecting the wildlife and plants that inhabit them. Conservation efforts can help to restore the natural balance and ensure the sustainability of resources for future generations.
Luonnonsuojelutyö on tärkeää erityisesti uhanalaisten lajien suojelemiseksi.
Ekologinen jalanjälki – Ecological Footprint
An ecological footprint (ekologinen jalanjälki) measures how much land and water area a human population requires to produce the resources it consumes and to absorb its waste, using prevailing technology and resource management practices.
Jokaisen meistä tulisi pyrkiä pienentämään omaa ekologista jalanjälkeämme.
Understanding these terms is not just about language acquisition but about joining a global conversation on issues that affect us all. Through Finnish, as with any language, we can become more informed global citizens equipped to engage with the pressing environmental challenges of our time.
