environmental pollution
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environmental pollution
The contamination of the environment (such as air, water, or soil) by harmful substances or waste, usually caused by human activities.
Die Umweltverschmutzung durch Plastik in den Ozeanen ist ein globales Problem.
Environmental pollution from plastic in the oceans is a global problem.
The word is made up of 'die Umwelt' (the environment) and 'die Verschmutzung' (pollution/contamination). 'Verschmutzung' comes from the verb 'verschmutzen' (to pollute/contaminate). So the word literally means the pollution of the environment.
Industrieabgase sind eine Hauptursache für Umweltverschmutzung.
Industrial emissions are a major cause of environmental pollution.
'Umweltverschmutzung' (environmental pollution) is often combined with verbs that express action against it. Typical phrases are 'die Umweltverschmutzung bekämpfen' (to combat environmental pollution), 'reduzieren' (to reduce), or 'vermeiden' (to avoid).
Jeder Einzelne kann dazu beitragen, die Umweltverschmutzung zu reduzieren.
Every individual can help reduce environmental pollution.
To name the source or reason for the pollution, the preposition 'durch' (through/by) is used very often. This lets you form sentences such as 'die Umweltverschmutzung durch Plastikmüll' (environmental pollution caused by plastic waste).
Die Umweltverschmutzung durch Ölunfälle hat verheerende Folgen für das Meer.
Environmental pollution caused by oil spills has devastating consequences for the sea.
environmental protection
'Umweltschutz' and 'Umweltverschmutzung' both belong to the topic of the environment, but they mean opposites. 'Umweltschutz' means measures that protect nature, animals, plants, air, water, and soil. 'Umweltverschmutzung' means the damage caused by trash, exhaust fumes, or toxic substances. Learners may confuse the words because both begin with 'Umwelt' (environment). Pay attention to the second part: 'Schutz' (protection) is positive and helps the environment, while 'Verschmutzung' (pollution) is negative and harms it.
Durch alte Fabriken ist die Umweltverschmutzung am Fluss besonders stark.
Because of old factories, environmental pollution is especially severe along the river.
In unserer Stadt spielt der Umweltschutz eine immer größere Rolle.
Environmental protection is playing an increasingly important role in our city.