the problem of the gradual rise in temperature of the earth’s atmosphere, caused by an increase of gases such as carbon dioxide in the air surrounding the earth, which trap the heat of the sunThe destruction of forests is contributing to the greenhouse effect.We are all beginning to experience global warming due to the enhanced greenhouse effect.CollocationsThe environmentEnvironmental damagecause/contribute to climate change/global warmingproduce pollution/CO2/greenhouse (gas) emissionsdamage/destroy the environment/a marine ecosystem/the ozone layer/coral reefsdegrade ecosystems/habitats/the environmentharm the environment/wildlife/marine lifethreaten natural habitats/coastal ecosystems/a species with extinctiondeplete natural resources/the ozone layerpollute rivers and lakes/waterways/the air/the atmosphere/the environment/oceanscontaminate groundwater/the soil/food/cropslog forests/rainforests/treesProtecting the environmentaddress/combat/tackle the threat/effects/impact of climate changefight/take action on/reduce/stop global warminglimit/curb/control air/water/atmospheric/environmental pollutioncut/reduce pollution/greenhouse gas emissionsoffset carbon/CO2 emissionsreduce (the size of) your carbon footprintachieve/promote sustainable developmentpreserve/conserve biodiversity/natural resourcesprotect endangered species/a coastal ecosystemprevent/stop soil erosion/overfishing/massive deforestation/damage to ecosystemsraise awareness of environmental issuessave the planet/the rainforests/an endangered speciesEnergy and resourcesconserve/save/consume/waste energymanage/exploit/be rich in natural resourcesdump/dispose of hazardous/toxic/nuclear wastedispose of/throw away litter/(especially British English) rubbish/(especially North American English) garbage/(North American English) trash/sewageuse/be made from recycled/recyclable/biodegradable materialrecycle bottles/packaging/paper/plastic/wastepromote/encourage recycling/sustainable development/the use of renewable energydevelop/invest in/promote renewable energyreduce your dependence/reliance on fossil fuelsget/obtain/generate/produce electricity from wind, solar and wave power/renewable sourcesbuild/develop a (50-megawatt/offshore) wind farminstall/be fitted with/be powered by solar panelssee alsoglobal warmingSee related entries:Waste and pollution