1. The title (the headline).

2. The main idea of the text.

3. The bulk of the text (the beginning, the main content, the final part).

4. What conclusions does the author arrive at?

5. Your opinion of the text.

XI. Discuss the problems of the Russian education system with your partner arguing for or against the following statement:

The quality of education services corresponds to the strategic goals of the Russian education system.

1.2.3. Environment

Read the text to fulfil the tasks

As a result of increasing economic and political stability over the past years, the economy of Russia is experiencing a steady economic growth, which is likely to continue and to come along with a growing demand for energy and natural resources. The Russian economy remains among the most energy intensive in the world. Russia’s Adjusted Net Savings index falls far below the world and European average. Forecasts of emissions and discharges of major pollutants show that urban air pollution will remain a serious problem, while water pollution and drinking water quality will increasingly become a problem in the long run. The rate of land degradation and ecosystem fragmentation threatens security and wealth of future generations. In addition, Climate Change will pose new emerging threats to the population and economy in particular in the Russian Arctic and in the Southern regions.

Russia’s Ecological Doctrine and the Law on Environmental Protection were adopted in January 2002 and represent the governmental commitment to environmental protection. Energy security and food security are broadly recognized as national priorities. In addition, Russia is a party to multilateral environmental agreements and conventions. In order for Russia to fully realize its vast potential for improvements in energy efficiency and reduction in pollution, it will be necessary to eliminate the economic, structural and institutional barriers that currently discourage investors in these areas. With the recognition of development challenges faced by the Russian economy, there is an urgent need to mainstream the concept of environmental sustainability into political, economic and social agendas of contemporary Russia.

Text-study

I. Learn the following words.

Demand – потребность;

natural resources – природные ресурсы;

savings – сбережения;

index – показатель;

forecast – прогноз;

emission – выпуск, распространение;

discharge – выброс, выхлоп;

pollution – загрязнение;

pollutant – загрязняющее вещество;

urban – городской;

in the long run – в конце концов;

fragmentation – распад;

to pose threat – представлять угрозу;

environmental protection – охрана окружающей среды;

to eliminate – устранить;

to mainstream – выделить как приоритетное направление;

sustainability – сохранность.

II. Answer the following questions.

1. What are the reasons for the steady economic growth of Russia at present?

2. What type does the Russian economy belong to?

3. What is Russia’s Adjusted Net Savings index?

4. What ecological problems will Russia face in the future?

5. When were Russia’s Ecological Doctrine and the Law on Environmental Protection adopted?

6. What problems are recognized as national priorities?

7. What should be done by Russia to raise the energy efficiency and to reduce pollution?

8. Why must the problem of environmental sustainability be mainstreamed in the political, social and economic agendas of Russia?