Learning a new language involves familiarizing oneself with a variety of topics and their related vocabularies. For those learning Japanese and interested in environmental issues, here are some essential vocabulary words and their meanings to help you communicate more effectively about environmental concerns in Japanese.
環境 (かんきょう) – Environment
This term is used to refer to the natural surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.
私たちはより良い環境を未来の世代に残さなければなりません。
(We must leave a better environment for future generations.)
地球温暖化 (ちきゅうおんだんか) – Global Warming
The term for the long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s climate system.
地球温暖化は極地の氷を溶かし始めています。
(Global warming is starting to melt the polar ice.)
再生可能エネルギー (さいせいかのうエネルギー) – Renewable Energy
Energy from sources that are not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
この国は再生可能エネルギーにますます依存しています。
(This country is increasingly relying on renewable energy.)
温室効果ガス (おんしつこうかガス) – Greenhouse Gas
Gases in Earth’s atmosphere that trap heat, such as carbon dioxide and methane.
温室効果ガスの排出削減は急務です。
(It is urgent to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.)
持続可能 (じぞくかのう) – Sustainable
The ability to maintain or preserve resources at a certain rate or level without depletion or serious damage.
彼女は持続可能なライフスタイルを目指しています。
(She is aiming for a sustainable lifestyle.)
廃棄物 (はいきぶつ) – Waste
Materials that are no longer needed and are thrown away.
私達は廃棄物の量を減らす必要があります。
(We need to reduce the amount of waste.)
リサイクル (りさいくる) – Recycling
The process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects.
リサイクルは地球の資源を守る重要な手段です。
(Recycling is an important way to preserve Earth’s resources.)
生物多様性 (せいぶつたようせい) – Biodiversity
The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
私たちは生物多様性を守るために努力すべきです。
(We should strive to protect biodiversity.)
公害 (こうがい) – Pollution
The presence or introduction of substances that are harmful or poisonous to the environment.
公害は都市部で特に深刻な問題です。
(Pollution is a particularly serious problem in urban areas.)
エコロジー (エコロジー) – Ecology
The branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.
エコロジー的な視点からこの問題を考えなければならない。
(We must consider this issue from an ecological perspective.)
Each of these terms can be essential in conversations and writings about the environment. By incorporating them into your Japanese vocabulary, you can deepen your understanding and expression of environmental issues in a language that is increasingly important in global discussions about sustainability and conservation.
