environmental impact

USAGE SUMMARY

"environmental impact" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe the effect of humans or other activities on the environment. For example, "The most significant environmental impact of burning fossil fuels is climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Environmental impact?

The Guardian

Lowering of environmental impact.

The Guardian

The environmental impact?

The Guardian - Opinion

But what about the environmental impact?

The New York Times

The environmental impact, however, is already apparent.

The Economist

Anxious about your environmental impact?

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

(c Environmental impact statements.

Cornell University

Final Environmental Impact Statement.

Cornell University

8. Environmental Impact Assessment.

Stanford University

Environmental Impact Assessment Review; 39, 1 4.

Nature

Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "environmental impact", be specific about which aspect of the environment is affected (e.g., water quality, air pollution, biodiversity loss).

Common error

Avoid generalizing "environmental impact" without providing quantifiable data or specific examples. Instead of saying "the project has a significant environmental impact", specify what metrics you're using and provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "environmental impact" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows that the phrase commonly refers to the effect of human activities on the environment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

28%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "environmental impact" is a widely used and grammatically correct term for describing the effects of human activities on the environment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and prevalence across various domains. It's commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and scientific publications, indicating its importance in discussing and assessing environmental issues. When using this phrase, consider specifying the environmental aspects affected and avoiding vague generalizations. Alternatives like "ecological footprint" and "environmental consequence" can provide nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impact on the ecosystem

Directly points to the effect on the natural environment and its components.

effect on the environment

A more general term indicating any kind of influence on the environment.

environmental consequence

Emphasizes the result or outcome of an action on the environment.

environmental footprint

Similar to ecological footprint, but can be used more broadly.

environmental costs

Highlights the negative impacts in terms of resources and degradation.

ecological footprint

Focuses on the demand placed on the Earth's ecosystems by human activities.

ecological ramifications

Highlights the complex and far-reaching effects on ecosystems.

carbon footprint

Specifically measures the amount of carbon dioxide emissions attributed to an activity or entity.

planetary impact

Suggests a global scale effect.

sustainability implications

Focuses on the long-term effects on environmental sustainability.

FAQs

How can I describe the "environmental impact" of a specific product?

You can assess its "carbon footprint", resource consumption, waste generation, and potential for pollution. Providing specific data will strengthen your argument.

What's a less formal way to say "environmental impact"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "effect on nature", or "how it affects the planet".

What are some synonyms for "environmental impact"?

Alternatives include "ecological footprint", "environmental consequence", or "effect on the environment".

When should I conduct an "environmental impact" assessment?

An environmental impact assessment is typically required before undertaking projects that could significantly alter the environment. These assessments help to understand and mitigate potential harm.