Environmental issues are a global concern, and being able to discuss them in various languages is crucial for fostering international cooperation and understanding. For English speakers looking to engage in conversations about the environment in Malay, it’s essential to build a robust vocabulary. This article aims to provide a comprehensive list of important Malay words and phrases related to environmental issues, along with explanations and usage examples.
Basic Environmental Vocabulary
Before diving into more complex terms, let’s start with some basic vocabulary that will serve as the foundation for discussing environmental issues in Malay.
1. Alam Sekitar – Environment
– Example: Kita perlu menjaga alam sekitar untuk generasi akan datang. (We need to take care of the environment for future generations.)
2. Udara – Air
– Example: Kualiti udara di bandar ini semakin merosot. (The air quality in this city is deteriorating.)
3. Air – Water
– Example: Kita mesti memelihara kebersihan air sungai. (We must maintain the cleanliness of river water.)
4. Tanah – Land/Soil
– Example: Pencemaran tanah boleh menjejaskan kesihatan manusia. (Soil pollution can affect human health.)
5. Hutan – Forest
– Example: Hutan hujan tropika adalah rumah kepada banyak spesies unik. (Tropical rainforests are home to many unique species.)
6. Binatang – Animal
– Example: Kepupusan binatang adalah masalah serius. (Animal extinction is a serious problem.)
Pollution and Waste Management
Understanding terms related to pollution and waste management is critical for discussing environmental issues effectively.
1. Pencemaran – Pollution
– Example: Pencemaran udara di kawasan industri sangat membimbangkan. (Air pollution in industrial areas is very concerning.)
2. Sampah – Trash/Garbage
– Example: Jangan buang sampah merata-rata. (Don’t throw garbage everywhere.)
3. Kitar Semula – Recycling
– Example: Amalan kitar semula boleh mengurangkan jumlah sampah. (Recycling practices can reduce the amount of trash.)
4. Sisa – Waste
– Example: Pengurusan sisa adalah penting untuk menjaga kebersihan alam sekitar. (Waste management is important for maintaining environmental cleanliness.)
5. Sisa Berbahaya – Hazardous Waste
– Example: Sisa berbahaya perlu diuruskan dengan teliti. (Hazardous waste needs to be managed carefully.)
6. Asap – Smoke
– Example: Asap dari kilang boleh mencemarkan udara. (Smoke from factories can pollute the air.)
Climate Change and Global Warming
Climate change and global warming are pressing issues that require a specific set of vocabulary.
1. Perubahan Iklim – Climate Change
– Example: Perubahan iklim membawa kesan yang serius kepada ekosistem. (Climate change has serious effects on ecosystems.)
2. Pemanasan Global – Global Warming
– Example: Pemanasan global menyebabkan peningkatan suhu bumi. (Global warming causes an increase in Earth’s temperature.)
3. Karbon Dioksida – Carbon Dioxide
– Example: Pengeluaran karbon dioksida yang berlebihan menyumbang kepada pemanasan global. (Excessive carbon dioxide emissions contribute to global warming.)
4. Gas Rumah Kaca – Greenhouse Gases
– Example: Gas rumah kaca menyebabkan perubahan iklim. (Greenhouse gases cause climate change.)
5. Pencairan Ais – Ice Melting
– Example: Pencairan ais di kutub utara adalah tanda pemanasan global. (Ice melting in the Arctic is a sign of global warming.)
Renewable Energy and Sustainability
Renewable energy and sustainability are key topics in environmental discussions. Here are some relevant terms:
1. Tenaga Boleh Diperbaharui – Renewable Energy
– Example: Kita perlu beralih kepada tenaga boleh diperbaharui seperti tenaga suria dan angin. (We need to switch to renewable energy such as solar and wind energy.)
2. Tenaga Suria – Solar Energy
– Example: Tenaga suria adalah sumber tenaga yang bersih dan tidak mencemarkan. (Solar energy is a clean and non-polluting energy source.)
3. Tenaga Angin – Wind Energy
– Example: Ladang tenaga angin boleh menghasilkan elektrik yang banyak. (Wind farms can generate a lot of electricity.)
4. Kelestarian – Sustainability
– Example: Amalan kelestarian penting untuk masa depan bumi. (Sustainability practices are important for the future of the Earth.)
5. Penjimatan Tenaga – Energy Conservation
– Example: Penjimatan tenaga boleh mengurangkan penggunaan sumber. (Energy conservation can reduce resource consumption.)
Conservation and Biodiversity
Conservation and biodiversity are crucial for maintaining the health of our planet. Here are some key terms:
1. Pemuliharaan – Conservation
– Example: Pemuliharaan hutan perlu diberi keutamaan. (Forest conservation should be prioritized.)
2. Biodegradasi – Biodegradation
– Example: Plastik yang tidak biodegradasi mencemarkan alam sekitar. (Non-biodegradable plastics pollute the environment.)
3. Ekosistem – Ecosystem
– Example: Ekosistem laut terancam oleh pencemaran. (Marine ecosystems are threatened by pollution.)
4. Keanekaragaman Hayati – Biodiversity
– Example: Keanekaragaman hayati adalah penting untuk keseimbangan ekosistem. (Biodiversity is important for ecosystem balance.)
5. Taman Negara – National Park
– Example: Taman negara adalah kawasan yang dilindungi untuk pemuliharaan. (National parks are protected areas for conservation.)
Natural Disasters and Environmental Impact
Natural disasters have significant environmental impacts. Here are some essential terms:
1. Bencana Alam – Natural Disaster
– Example: Gempa bumi adalah salah satu bencana alam yang paling merosakkan. (Earthquakes are one of the most destructive natural disasters.)
2. Tsunami – Tsunami
– Example: Tsunami boleh menyebabkan kemusnahan yang besar. (Tsunamis can cause massive destruction.)
3. Banjir – Flood
– Example: Banjir sering berlaku semasa musim hujan. (Floods often occur during the rainy season.)
4. Kemarau – Drought
– Example: Kemarau yang panjang boleh menjejaskan bekalan makanan. (Prolonged drought can affect food supply.)
5. Kebakaran Hutan – Forest Fire
– Example: Kebakaran hutan boleh memusnahkan habitat haiwan. (Forest fires can destroy animal habitats.)
Government and Policy
Government policies play a crucial role in environmental protection. Here are some relevant terms:
1. Undang-Undang Alam Sekitar – Environmental Law
– Example: Undang-undang alam sekitar perlu dikuatkuasakan dengan tegas. (Environmental laws need to be enforced strictly.)
2. Peraturan – Regulation
– Example: Peraturan baru telah diperkenalkan untuk mengurangkan pencemaran. (New regulations have been introduced to reduce pollution.)
3. Dasar Hijau – Green Policy
– Example: Kerajaan sedang menggalakkan dasar hijau untuk melindungi alam sekitar. (The government is promoting green policies to protect the environment.)
4. Program Kesedaran – Awareness Program
– Example: Program kesedaran mengenai perubahan iklim adalah penting. (Awareness programs about climate change are important.)
5. Pembangunan Lestari – Sustainable Development
– Example: Pembangunan lestari adalah kunci kepada masa depan yang lebih baik. (Sustainable development is key to a better future.)
Community Actions and Individual Responsibility
Community actions and individual responsibilities are essential for environmental conservation. Here are some key terms:
1. Tanggungjawab Sosial – Social Responsibility
– Example: Setiap individu mempunyai tanggungjawab sosial untuk menjaga alam sekitar. (Every individual has a social responsibility to take care of the environment.)
2. Sukarelawan – Volunteer
– Example: Banyak sukarelawan terlibat dalam program pemuliharaan. (Many volunteers are involved in conservation programs.)
3. Gotong-Royong – Community Service
– Example: Aktiviti gotong-royong boleh membantu membersihkan kawasan persekitaran. (Community service activities can help clean up the surroundings.)
4. Kesedaran Alam Sekitar – Environmental Awareness
– Example: Kempen kesedaran alam sekitar penting untuk mengubah sikap masyarakat. (Environmental awareness campaigns are important for changing public attitudes.)
5. Pengurangan Penggunaan Plastik – Reducing Plastic Usage
– Example: Pengurangan penggunaan plastik adalah langkah penting untuk mengurangkan pencemaran. (Reducing plastic usage is an important step to reduce pollution.)
Conclusion
Having a comprehensive vocabulary is essential for discussing environmental issues effectively. By learning and using these Malay terms, English speakers can better engage in conversations about environmental protection and sustainability. Whether you are discussing pollution, climate change, renewable energy, or community actions, these words and phrases will help you communicate your ideas clearly and effectively. Remember, every small effort counts in making a big difference for our planet.
