Language/Standard-estonian/Culture/Estonian-environment-and-sustainability

Standard Estonian Culture → → Estonian environment and sustainability

Introduction

Greetings, my fellow learners! In this lesson, we will explore the fascinating world of Estonian environmentalism and sustainability. Estonia is known for its beautiful nature, from the islands and the forests to the lakes and the parks. However, like any country, Estonia is facing new challenges related to climate change and globalization. On the positive side, Estonia has become a pioneer in several green technologies and policies which we will explore in this lesson. Buckle up, and let's dive into the Estonian environment and sustainability scene!

Estonia's Environmental Challenges

Estonia is a sparsely populated country with unique flora and fauna. However, it faces several environmental challenges, some of which are common to other countries:

• Climate change: like many other countries, Estonia experiences the impacts of climate change, such as warmer winters, changing precipitation patterns, and rising sea levels. These changes affect Estonia's biodiversity, forests, and agriculture.
• Air pollution: Estonia has relatively clean air compared to many other European countries. However, the country's air quality is affected by pollution from neighboring countries and industrial emissions, particularly from the oil shale industry.
• Water pollution: Estonia's water quality has improved significantly over the past decades, but it still faces challenges related to sewage and runoff from agricultural and industrial activities.
• Biodiversity loss: Estonia's forests, wetlands, and grasslands are home to many plant and animal species that are at risk of extinction. The main threats to Estonia's biodiversity are habitat destruction, climate change, and invasive species.

Estonia's Sustainability Solutions

Estonia's environmental challenges require creative solutions that balance economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection. Estonia's government, NGOs, and private sector have implemented a range of policies and practices to promote sustainability:

Green energy

Estonia has become a leader in the use of green energy. Nearly one-third of Estonia's electricity comes from renewable sources, such as wind, hydro, and biomass. In addition, Estonia has developed innovative energy solutions, such as "oil shale gas," which reduces greenhouse gas emissions from the oil shale industry. Estonia also introduced a carbon tax in 2008, which encourages companies to reduce their carbon footprint.

Waste management

Estonia has implemented an efficient waste management system that recycles or reuses almost half of its waste. The country has also introduced a deposit system for beverage containers, which encourages people to collect and return their bottles and cans. In addition, Estonia has imposed a tax on plastic bags, which has reduced their use by 80 percent.

Biodiversity conservation

Estonia has established a network of protected areas, such as national parks, that preserve its unique flora and fauna. Estonia has also introduced measures to restore degraded habitats, such as wetlands and grasslands. In addition, Estonia has launched several breeding programmes that focus on saving endangered species, such as the European mink.

Sustainable agriculture

Estonia's agriculture sector has shifted towards more sustainable practices that reduce the use of chemicals and promote organic farming. Estonia has also encouraged the conservation of traditional landscapes, such as semi-natural grasslands, that support biodiversity and provide ecosystem services, such as pollination and pest control.

How Can You Help?

As a learner of Standard Estonian, you are part of the global community that cares about the environment and sustainability. There are several ways in which you can contribute to the cause:

• Reduce your carbon footprint by using public transportation, walking, or cycling.
• Save water by taking shorter showers, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, and fixing leaks.
• Recycle paper, plastics, glass, and metal by sorting your waste and using the appropriate containers.
• Support local farmers and organic food producers by choosing their products.
• Volunteer for environmental organizations and participate in clean-up campaigns, tree-planting events, and biodiversity surveys.

Vocabulary

Here are some vocabulary words related to the environment and sustainability in Standard Estonian:

Standard Estonian	Pronunciation	English
Keskkond	kɛskɔnd	Environment
Jäätmed	jaːtmɛd	Waste
Taaskasutus	taːskasutus	Recycling
Biomass	biomaas	Biomass
Õhureostus	ɤhurɛostus	Air pollution
Vee saastatus	vee saastatus	Water pollution
Bioloogiline mitmekesisus	bioloogiline mitmekɛsisus	Biodiversity
Säästev	sæːstɛv	Sustainable
Taastuvenergia	taːstuvɛnɛrgia	Renewable energy

Table of Contents - Standard Estonian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Introduction to Estonian

• Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Basic Sentence Structure

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Greetings and Introductions

• Common Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

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Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Cases
• Personal Pronouns

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-100
• Telling Time

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Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

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Daily Activities

• Daily Routine
• Hobbies and Free Time

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Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Declension
• Adverbs

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Food and Dining

• Food and Drinks
• Eating Out

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Estonian Traditions

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Traditional Music and Dance

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Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Phrases

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Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Prepositions
• Conjunctions

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At Home and Work

• Home and Furniture
• Work and Professions

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Estonian History

• Historical Overview
• Estonian Language History

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Negation and Questions

• Negation
• Question Words and Formation

Related Lessons

• Estonian entrepreneurship and start ups
• Estonian technology and innovation
• Estonian education and research
• Estonian celebrations and holidays
• Estonian history and traditions
• Estonian politics and governance
• Estonian music and arts
• Estonian sports and leisure
• Estonia Timeline