Can translators help to improve our environment? The world is facing an environmental crisis. Climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, deforestation, ecosystem degradation, and natural resource depletion are some of the consequences of human activity. Tackling the global environmental crisis requires individual and collective efforts across different sectors and levels of society to protect future generations. Environmental translation is essential to introduce new regulations and to create campaigns in a globalized world. What is environmental translation? Environmental translation refers to the translation of environmental or scientific documents from one language into another. Some of these documents include policies, regulations, laws, assessments, sustainability reports, agreements, plans, articles and educational materials. There are several purposes for environmental translation or interpretation. This type of language conversion can be used to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and to address environmental issues on a global scale. What to look for in an environmental translator? Professional environmental translators are linguists who specialize in translating documents related to the environment. Environmental translation involves complex concepts, technical terminology, and specific jargon that may not be easily understood by those without expertise in the field. Translators must be familiar with specific areas of environmental science, such as climate change, sustainability, ecology, renewable energy, conservation, waste management, etc. Environmental translators and interpreters must be fluent in both the source and target languages. But, also have an extensive knowledge of environmental vocabulary and concepts. They must be familiar with specialized dictionaries, glossaries and terminology databases to ensure consistency in translations. They must also keep abreast of new developments, trends and terminology in the field. In addition, it is normal for some...
Africa is the world’s hottest and second largest continent on Earth. Made up of 54 countries, there are approximately 1,000-2,000 different languages spoken across the continent. Africa has barely contributed towards climate change and yet it is one of the hardest hit by its effects. The impact of climate change in Africa Africa has experienced significant increases in temperatures and dramatic decreases in precipitation. Tropical storms have also been more frequent and more intense, as well as dust storms in June and July. Higher temperatures, drought, changing rainfall patterns; all these climate changes are already a reality and will only worsen if we don’t take action urgently. How translation is helping fight against climate change The main reason for climate change is the burning of fossil fuels. Other reasons are deforestation and farming. Indeed, all are causing the planet to heat up. But global warming is only one aspect of climate change. Human activities are directly responsible for climate change and people therefore play a pivotal role in its reversal. The population of Africa is currently 1,374,627,468. In some countries of Africa, the lack of adequate education and limited access to knowledge pose real widespread problems. Consequently, most people in Africa are not aware of environmental issues. In addition, in some of its countries, people don’t speak English or languages other than their own native language. Therefore, if a person can’t speak a certain language or isn’t aware of environmental issues, how could they understand the meaning of global warming or do anything against climate change? One of the best ways to help people in Africa address climate change...
How languages and Greta Thunberg are connected to the environment. News items about climate change, Greta Thunberg and the environment bombard us. Something is changing all over the world. But what’s really happening? And who is this girl speaking to our state representatives? Her name is Greta Thunberg. Who is Greta Thunberg? Greta Thunberg is a 16-year-old Swedish girl. People consider her a young influencer for the environment. Last year she wanted to meet politicians. In fact, she started to spend her days in front of the Swedish parliament. She has organized strikes and founded a movement called Friday for Future. Greta took part in several debates about the environment. She was present at several conferences: firstly, the Katowice Climate Change Conference, which made her famous; secondly, the World Economic Forum in Switzerland; thirdly, the meeting at the European Parliament. She also went to the Senate of the Italian Republic (where she met Pope Francis); World Earth Day in London; and finally, to the United States Congress in Washington. She wants to share her message: “We have wasted too much time and risk having no future.” What is happening in our World? The effects of global climate change are clear. Glaciers are disappearing and the temperature of the globe is rising. In the long term, the seasons will no longer exist. Besides, precipitation will increase. There will be more aridity and stronger hurricanes. Species are becoming extinct. What we can do for the environment? As Greta Thunberg says, we should be activists for the environment. We should share awareness in every possible way: in English, Spanish, Chinese, using images,...
