By Rachel Mitchell Text Copyright 2018 by Rachel Mitchell

To become extinct [Adjective] (to stop existing (not now existing)).
Unless whales are protected, they will become extinct.
Plant and animal species become extinct for many reasons, including climate change, disease, etc.
To be under threat [Expression] (likely to be harmed, damaged or become extinct).
The house was under threat of demolition. She lives daily under threat of violence.
To get back to nature [Expression] (to start living a more simple life that is closer to nature).
We went on a camping trip to get back to nature.
There are plenty of ways to get back to nature, even if you live in a city.
Biodiversity [Noun] (a diversity of plants and animals in a particular region).
The newcomers can pose a threat to biodiversity by altering ecosystems. Biodiversity continues to decline each year.
Contaminated [Adjective] (made dirty, polluted, or poisonous by adding something that is dangerous or carries a disease).
He died because he had eaten some contaminated beef.
Many bays and coastal waters have been contaminated with heavy metals. Deforestation [Noun] (the action of cutting down of a wide area of trees). Deforestation is destroying large areas of tropical rainforest.
Their habitat is threatened by deforestation.
Ecosystems [Noun] (all the animals and plants that live in a particular area).
Dynamite fishing is extremely destructive to reef ecosystems. What efforts have been increased to save our ecosystems?
Exhaust emissions [Noun] (waste gases that are released from a vehicle and go into the air).
Car manufacturers must cut down the exhaust emissions that cause smog. The reduction of exhaust emissions from diesel engines.
Contaminate [Verb] (make a place or something dirty or poisonous by adding a chemical, waste, or infection).
To contaminate a lake with sewage.
Industrial chemicals contaminate the atmosphere.
Discharge [Verb] (to release gas, liquid, or other harmful substances into the water or the air).
The chemical company was fined for discharging chemicals into the river.
Erosion [Noun] (the action or process of eroding by wind, water, or other natural agents).
For many years, the town has been threatened by the erosion of the river banks.
Soil erosion was mitigated by the planting of trees.
Drought [Noun] (a long period of time when there is little or no rain).
The area was constantly hit by drought. The land ploughs hard after the drought.