environmental impact
23
3.7
- noun
- /ˌɪnvaɪrənˈmɛntəl ˈɪmpækt/
- Specialized
:
impacto ambiental
- In the EIS, the Forest Service extensively discussed the proposed project's adverse environmental impacts on air quality and wildlife.
- environmental impact statement
- adverse environmental impacts
- environmental impact assessment
But of course, that's not really the environmental impact we want.
- But of course, that's not really the environmental impact we want.
- Well, plastic does have significant environmental impacts and we need to tackle the waste problem.
- And why top among people's concerns, and maybe your own as well, were economic and environmental impacts.
- Besides, the environmental impacts are rather unforeseeable, so keep on dusting those solar panels, guys.
- So for short term planning, things like environmental impacts and economic welfare at a large scale are usually neglected.
- Obviously people think about, you know, future energy sources, they think about space travel, they think about environmental impacts.
- Anyway, the environmental impact decreases that further.
- Will it be less expensive not just for direct cost, but the externalized cost of the environmental impact?
Examples
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The environmental impact of the construction project was thoroughly analyzed to ensure it would not harm local wildlife.
-
In contrast, invasive species that primarily cause environmental impacts are managed almost exclusively at the national level.
Academic text (2011) -
I know, but I have to write an environmental impact report.
-
The environmental impact alone from the companies you had me pick could be devastating.
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Habitat protection should be a major issue covered by the environmental impact statements.
Academic text (1991) -
The National Forest Service began an environmental impact assessment of biomass development.
Academic text (1999) -
Air and water quality around the pipeline must be monitored to ensure that the environmental impact is minimal.
Academic text (2012) -
Concern over transport's environmental impacts is being expressed at all levels of government.
Academic text (1990) -
But renewable energy shouldn't necessarily get a free pass in terms of environmental impacts.
Academic text (2011) -
A consent decree could be used to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of proposed federal action.
Academic text (1990)
Synonyms
∞
2.3
A result that happens because of something else
∞
3.1
A strong effect on people, places, or things
How Harmful
224
5.1
19
3.3
- Specialized
23
3.7
600
2.4
31
5.6
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'the effect on the natural environment' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'environmental' (pertaining to the environment) with 'impact' (an effect or influence). This adjective + noun composition follows a standard, cross-linguistic pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
The phrase environmental impact comes from a simple image: environmental means the natural world and impact means a hit, like a stone dropping into a pond and making ripples that change the water and plants. So, the phrase means the 'effect' an activity has on nature.