A massive barrier built across a river to block water flow, create a reservoir, or generate electricity
a dam
An overwhelming rush of water covering land that is normally dry, usually caused by heavy rain or a broken barrier.
a flood
A critical state or situation where there is not enough of a vital resource to meet basic demands.
shortage
natural energy sources—specifically coal, oil (petroleum), and natural gas—that formed deep inside the Earth over millions of years from the remains of ancient plants and microscopic organisms.
fossil fuels
an action, structure, or system used to protect someone or something against an attack, harm, or a specific threat.
defence
A rapid, temporary defense strategy using bags filled with sand to block encroaching floodwaters.
sandbagging
A prolonged, dangerous period of time with little to no rainfall, leading to dried-out soil and water scarcity.
a drought
Existing or available in massive, overflowing quantities; more than enough to meet a need.
abundant
Large structures with aerodynamic blades that turn the kinetic energy of moving air into clean, renewable electricity
wind turbines
it is used to describe ecosystems, habitats, or natural balances that can easily be ruined or broken by small changes, pollution, or human activity.
fragile
An embankment, ridge, or wall built specifically along the edge of a river to keep it from overflowing its banks.
a levee
A series of massive ocean waves caused by a sudden, large-scale displacement of water.
a tsunami
widespread, highly common, or frequently occurring within a specific area, group of people, or period of time.
prevalent
A device designed to absorb the sun's rays and convert that sunlight directly into clean, usable electricity or heat.
Solar panel
the act of stopping an unwanted event, accident, or natural hazard from happening at all, rather than just reducing its damage later
prevention
Massive steel gates that rotate shut across a river to stop ocean storms from flooding the city.
a flood barrier
A massive, rotating tropical storm system characterized by low atmospheric pressure, high-speed winds, and torrential rainfall.
a hurricane
an adjective used to describe something that is highly valuable, rare, or deeply important, and therefore must be carefully protected, conserved, and not wasted.
precious
A renewable energy resource captured by tapping into the natural heat originating deep within the Earth.
geothermal
Taking steps before a disaster strikes to minimize the damage, costs, and loss of life it will cause.
mitigation
A controlled engineering system used to supply dry land or crops with water through artificial channels or pipes.
irrigation
An adjective that highlights the extreme scale of damage to land, infrastructure, and human life.
devastating
The specific way a resource (like food, wealth, or fresh water) is spread out or allocated across a geographic area.
distribution
The long-term goal of meeting human demands today without destroying or depleting ecosystems for future generations.
Sustainability
to protect natural landscapes and resources from human interference or destruction.
preserve