vulnerable- adj. easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally, or emotionally

absorb- v. -to take in a natural or gradual way

emissions –n. (often pl.) gasses released from processes like burning fuel

biodiversity –n. the existence of many different kinds of plants and animals in an environment

lockdown –n. an emergency measure of keeping people in a secure place to avoid or prevent danger

irreversible- adj. impossible to change back to a previous condition or state

drought- n.- a long period of time during which there is very little or no rain

vicious- adj.- very violent and cruel

cycle –n. a set of events or actions that happen again and again

whisper- v.- to speak very softly or quietly