Glossary W

The Environmental Glossary. Letter W +++ Popular Articles: 'Water', 'Waste', 'Weather'

In the environmental context, the waggle dance is a fascinating behavior exhibited by honeybees that serves as a means of communication, particularly in the location of food sources. This dance is used by scout bees to inform their hive mates about the direction, distance, and quality of food sources such as nectar and pollen.

Deutsch: Spaziergang / Español: Paseo / Português: Caminhada / Français: Promenade / Italiano: Passeggiata

Walk in the environmental context refers to the practice of travelling by foot, often in natural or urban settings, as a sustainable and low-impact mode of transport and recreation. Walking offers both environmental benefits by reducing reliance on vehicles and emissions and social benefits by connecting people with natural surroundings and promoting health and well-being.

Deutsch: Begehbarkeit / Español: Caminabilidad / Português: Caminhabilidade / Français: Marchabilité / Italiano: Pedonabilità

Walkability in the environmental context refers to how conducive an area is for walking, determined by factors like pedestrian infrastructure, safety, accessibility, and the availability of nearby amenities. High walkability in urban planning encourages walking over car use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and promoting public health. Walkable areas also tend to be more sustainable, as they reduce urban sprawl and foster vibrant, accessible communities.

Deutsch: Gehweg / Español: Pasarela / Português: Passarela / Français: Passage piéton / Italiano: Passerella

Walkway refers to a path or route designated for pedestrian use. In the context of the environment, walkways are crucial components of urban planning and sustainable development, promoting walkability, reducing traffic congestion, and enhancing the quality of urban life.

In the environment industry, waste refers to any material that is discarded or no longer needed, and that has the potential to cause negative impacts on the environment if not properly managed. Waste can come from a wide range of sources, including households, businesses, agriculture, and industrial activities.

Deutsch: Abfallerzeugung / Español: Generación de residuos / Português: Geração de resíduos / Français: Production de déchets / Italiano: Generazione di rifiuti

Waste generation refers to the production of waste materials as a byproduct of human activities, including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural processes. In the environmental context, waste generation is a critical issue because it impacts natural resources, ecosystems, and human health. Waste can take many forms, including solid, liquid, gaseous, and hazardous substances, and managing it sustainably is essential to minimize its adverse effects on the environment.

Deutsch: Abfallwirtschaft / Español: Gestión de residuos / Português: Gestão de resíduos / Français: Gestion des déchets / Italiano: Gestione dei rifiuti

Waste management in the environmental context refers to the collection, transportation, processing, recycling, and disposal of waste materials. It encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at reducing the negative impacts of waste on the environment, human health, and the economy.

Deutsch: Abwasser / Español: Aguas residuales / Português: Águas residuais / Français: Eaux usées / Italiano: Acque reflue /

Wastewater refers to water that has been used in various human activities and has become contaminated or polluted as a result.

Deutsch: Abwasserbehandlungsanlage / Español: Planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales / Português: Estação de tratamento de águas residuais / Français: Station d'épuration / Italiano: Impianto di trattamento delle acque reflue

Wastewater treatment plant in the environmental context refers to a facility designed to remove contaminants from wastewater, which includes sewage from households, industrial effluents, and runoff from urban areas. The treated water is then released back into the environment or reused, ensuring that it meets environmental standards and does not harm ecosystems or public health.

Deutsch: Wasser / Español: Agua / Português: Água / Français: Eau / Italiano: Acqua

Water is a liquid at normal temperatures but exists also solid (ice), and water vapor (cloud) in the air.

A water molecule has the formula H2O which means that two hydrogen (H) atoms and one oxygen (O) are connected.