Sustainable Development Vocabulary Quiz
12 multiple-choice questions on sustainability vocabulary: carbon footprint, circular economy, net zero, greenwashing, ESG, biodiversity, SDGs and more. B2 level.
This quiz focuses on how the target vocabulary for Sustainable Development is actually used in context at B2 level, rather than testing bare definitions. Correct answers you will need to identify include terms such as Goals, footprint, circular, greenwashing and net, each embedded in a full example sentence so you have to judge meaning from context, not just recognise an isolated word.
Working through all 12 questions and checking the explanations in the FAQ below is a quick way to spot any terms you are still unsure of. Revisiting the quiz again after a day or two, rather than only once, is one of the most reliable ways to move new vocabulary from passive recognition into words you can use confidently yourself in speaking and writing.
Keep building your sustainable development vocabulary.
Sustainable Development Vocabulary — FAQ
What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
The SDGs are 17 global goals adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They cover poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean energy, climate action and ocean conservation. They provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet.
What is a 'carbon footprint'?
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly and indirectly by an individual, organisation, product or event, usually expressed in tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e). Reducing carbon footprints is a key goal in tackling climate change.
What is the 'circular economy'?
The circular economy is an economic model designed to eliminate waste and keep resources in use for as long as possible. Instead of the traditional 'take-make-dispose' linear model, it aims to keep products and materials in use through reuse, repair, remanufacturing and recycling.
What does 'net zero' mean?
Net zero means that the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced is balanced by the amount removed from the atmosphere. Organisations can reach net zero by reducing emissions as much as possible and then offsetting unavoidable remaining emissions through measures such as tree planting or carbon capture. The UK government has committed to reaching net zero by 2050.
What is 'greenwashing'?
Greenwashing refers to the practice of making misleading claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service or company in order to appear more environmentally responsible than is actually the case. Regulators in the UK and EU are increasingly cracking down on greenwashing.
What is 'ESG' in business?
ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance. It is a framework that investors and companies use to assess how an organisation manages risks and opportunities related to environmental issues (climate, pollution), social issues (workers' rights, diversity) and governance issues (board structure, transparency). Strong ESG performance is increasingly linked to long-term business resilience and investment access.
What is 'biodiversity'?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including the diversity of species, the genetic variety within species and the range of ecosystems and habitats. High biodiversity underpins ecosystem services such as clean air, clean water, pollination and food security. Biodiversity loss is a major global crisis driven by habitat destruction, pollution and climate change.
What is 'climate resilience'?
Climate resilience is the ability of a system (a community, city, ecosystem or business) to anticipate, prepare for, respond to and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Building resilience involves measures such as improved flood defences, heat action plans and drought-resistant agriculture.
What is a 'carbon offset'?
A carbon offset is a reduction or removal of greenhouse gas emissions in one place used to compensate for emissions produced elsewhere, for example by funding forest planting. Critics argue that offsets can be used to delay genuine emissions reductions and that the quality of offset projects varies greatly.
What does 'just transition' mean in sustainability?
A 'just transition' refers to a shift towards a low-carbon economy that is fair and inclusive to all workers and communities, particularly those that currently depend on fossil fuel industries. It includes policies such as retraining programmes, economic diversification and community investment for affected regions.