I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “We live in a global village.” This expression reflects the interconnectedness of the world in the 21st century. Isn’t it fascinating how we’re able to talk about events and issues from different corners of the globe in real-time? Whether it’s on news broadcasts or casual chats with friends, conversations about global problems are common. But how can we discuss these complex issues effectively and clearly in English? The answer lies in mastering the appropriate collocations. These combinations of words will enable you to communicate your ideas about global problems more naturally and precisely. Are you ready to expand your vocabulary and express your thoughts about global problems more accurately?
Let’s take a look at some widely-used collocations related to global problems:
1. Combat climate change: Actively fight against the rising temperatures of the Earth.
Example: Governments need to take urgent action to combat climate change.
2. Fight against poverty: Work hard to reduce the state of being extremely poor.
Example: Many charities are fighting against poverty in developing countries.
3. Eradicate diseases: Completely get rid of illnesses.
Example: The World Health Organization aims to eradicate diseases like polio and malaria.
4. Address inequality: Deal with unfairness or imbalance in some aspect of society.
Example: Policies need to be implemented to address inequality in the education system.
5. Curb pollution: Control or limit the amount of waste or harmful substances that are put into the environment.
Example: Strict regulations have been put in place to curb pollution from factories.
6. Tackle overpopulation: Deal with the issue of too many people in one area.
Example: It is essential to tackle overpopulation to ensure the sustainable use of resources.
7. Mitigate risks: Reduce the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
Example: We must invest in renewable energy to mitigate the risks of global warming.
8. Foster sustainability: Encourage the use of resources in a way that preserves them for future generations.
Example: The new initiative aims to foster sustainability in local communities.
9. Halt deforestation: Stop the cutting down of trees in a large area.
Example: Activists are urging the government to halt deforestation in the Amazon.
10. Overcome challenges: Successfully deal with difficult situations or problems.
Example: To overcome the challenges posed by global warming, we need a united global response.
11. Prevent disaster: Stop a sudden event, such as a flood or a fire, that causes great damage.
Example: Emergency protocols are in place to prevent disaster during hurricane season.
12. Face threats: Deal with danger or potential harm.
Example: Small island nations face threats from rising sea levels due to climate change.
13. Boost resilience: Increase the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: We need to boost resilience against natural disasters in vulnerable areas.
14. Ignite change: Begin or introduce significant changes.
Example: Her passionate speech ignited change in the community’s approach to waste management.
15. Quell fears: Calm or reduce feelings of fear or worry.
Example: The government tried to quell fears about the new health reform.
16. Resolve conflicts: Find a way to end disagreements or fights.
Example: Diplomatic channels are being used to resolve conflicts in the region.
17. Encounter obstacles: Meet or face difficulties or challenges.
Example: In their quest to reduce poverty, non-profit organizations often encounter obstacles.
18. Advocate for rights: Publicly support or suggest a particular cause or policy concerning human rights.
Example: She advocates for the rights of indigenous communities at the international platform.
19. Achieve progress: Reach a level of development or improvement.
Example: The country has achieved significant progress in increasing literacy rates.
20. Battle discrimination: Fight against unjust or prejudiced treatment of different categories of people.
Example: We need to continue to battle discrimination in all its forms.
21. Promote peace: Support or actively encourage the state of being free from disturbance or conflict.
Example: The organization works to promote peace in war-torn regions.
22. Drive innovation: Encourage new ideas, methods, or products.
Example: The technology sector continues to drive innovation in energy efficiency.
23. Breach regulations: Fail to observe laws or rules. Example:
The company was fined for breaching environmental regulations.
24. Foster development: Encourage the process of growing or becoming more advanced.
Example: Investment in education is crucial to foster development.
25. Uphold justice: Support or maintain fairness or righteousness.
Example: As a lawyer, it’s my duty to uphold justice.
26. Impose sanctions: Officially force a rule or punishment.
Example: The United Nations imposed sanctions on the country due to human rights violations.
27. Preserve dignity: Maintain the state of being worthy of honor or respect.
Example: Humanitarian work aims to preserve the dignity of every individual.
28. Endure hardships: Suffer through difficult or adverse conditions.
Example: Refugees endure numerous hardships on their journey to safety.
29. Rally support: Gather together people to support a cause.
Example: The activist managed to rally support for climate action among young people.
30. Honor commitments: Fulfill promises or obligations.
Example: The country failed to honor its commitments under the climate accord.
31. Wield power: Have and use power or influence.
Example: In a democracy, the people should wield power.
32. Champion causes: Support or fight for particular causes or issues.
Example: He is known to champion causes related to children’s rights.
33. Foster understanding: Encourage a sympathetic awareness or tolerance.
Example: Cultural exchanges foster understanding and tolerance among nations.
34. Enact policies: Put into action certain policies or rules.
Example: The government has enacted policies to protect wildlife.
35. Pursue justice: Seek to uphold fairness, especially in punishing wrongdoing.
Example: Non-governmental organizations worldwide pursue justice for victims of human rights abuses.
36. Respect boundaries: Consider and acknowledge the limits or borders.
Example: To maintain peace, countries must respect each other’s boundaries.
37. Avert crisis: Prevent a time of intense difficulty or danger.
Example: Timely intervention can avert a food crisis in drought-hit regions.
38. Bear responsibility: Have a duty to deal with something or have control over.
Example: We all bear responsibility for the planet’s future.
39. Assume control: Take power or control.
Example: The military assumed control after the coup.
40. Appeal for help: Ask for assistance especially in a difficult or emergency situation.
Example: The flood-hit city is appealing for help.
41. Plead guilty: Admit to doing something illegal or wrong.
Example: The defendant plead guilty to the charges of corruption.
42. Uphold principles: Maintain or support high moral standards.
Example: As a journalist, I have a duty to uphold the principles of truth and objectivity.
43. Demand action: Ask or insist that something is done or happens.
Example: Protesters are demanding action on climate change.
44. Weigh consequences: Consider or assess the outcomes or effects of actions or decisions.
Example: Leaders must weigh the consequences of their decisions on future generations.
45. Resist temptation: Refrain from doing something that one desires but may not be beneficial or right.
Example: Politicians must resist the temptation of power and uphold democratic values.
46. Ensure survival: Make sure of the continued existence or maintenance of.
Example: Conservation efforts ensure the survival of endangered species.
47. Widen gap: Increase the difference or disparity.
Example: The pandemic has widened the gap between the rich and the poor.
48. Encourage cooperation: Motivate or inspire people to work together to achieve a common goal.
Example: The summit will encourage cooperation on global health issues.
49. Share responsibility: Distribute the duty or obligation among a group.
Example: The cleanup of the park is a task that we all share responsibility for.
By mastering these collocations, you can discuss global problems with more confidence and precision. Whether it’s in academic writing, a passionate debate, or casual conversation, these phrases will empower you to express your ideas effectively. Remember, language is our primary tool for engaging with the world. The sharper the tool, the more impactful our engagement can be. So, keep practicing, keep learning, and let’s shape the world with our words!
