Is global warming connected to the hole in the ozone layer?*

Global warming and ozone depletion are two separate but related threats. Global warming and the greenhouse effect refer to the warming of the lower

* Is global warming connected to the hole in the ozone layer?; Is there anything we can do about global warming?; Will responding to global warming be harmful to the economy? // http://www. wikipedia.org/

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part of the atmosphere (also known as the 'troposphere') due to increasing concentrations of heat-trapping gases. By contrast, the ozone hole refers to the loss of ozone in the upper part of the atmosphere, called the stratosphere. This is of serious concern because stratospheric ozone blocks incoming ultra­violet radiation from the sun, some of which is harmful to plants, animals, and humans.

Reducing ozone-depleting gases is crucial to preventing further de­struction of the ozone layer, but eliminating these gases alone will not solve the global warming problem. Efforts to reduce all types of emissions will also be required.

Is there anything we can do about global warming?

Yes! The most important action we can take to slow global warming is to reduce emissions of heat-trapping gases. Governments, individuals, and busi­nesses can all help.

Governments can adopt a range of options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, namely:.

• encourage the use of renewable energy sources (such as wind and so­ lar power);

• increase taxation on the use of oil and coal;

• protect and restore forests, which naturally balance the amount of car­ bon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Individuals can reduce the need for fossil fuels (coal and oil) and often save money by:

• driving less and driving more fuel-efficient and less-polluting cars (the so-called 'green' cars);

• using energy-efficient appliances;

• using less electricity in general.

Businesses can increase efficiency and save substantial sums by doing the same things on a larger scale.

WILL RESPONDING TO GLOBAL WARMING BE HARMFUL TO THE ECONOMY?

Investing in green practices and technologies may mean that additional expenditure taken on by the businesses will have a negative impact on the economy in the short term. But no action now will mean catastrophic consequences in future. Scientific research carried out recently by several independent environmental organizations calls this problem crucial.

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Developed countries should seize the opportunity to take the lead in developing new, clean, energy-efficient technologies and help developing countries take a greener path to economic prosperity. All of this can be done in a cost-effective manner by creating jobs and new business opportunities.

Never in the history of mankind has its future been dependent on the actions of one generation on such a scale. We must act quickly and responsibly to ensure the future for us and people who will live after us.

New Words

depletion [di'pli:Jan] n истощение

separate ['seprat] adj отдельный

refer (to) [птз:] v относиться

troposphere ['tropasfia] n тропосфера

due to [dju:] в результате, из-за

stratosphere ['straetasfta] n стратосфера

concern [kan's3:n] n отношение, озабоченность

crucial ['krurjal] ad/ключевой, решающий

destruction [di'strAkfan] n разрушение, уничтожение

layer ['leia] n слой

eliminate [I'hmmeit] v уничтожать, ликвидировать

adopt [a'dDpt] (/принимать

namely ['neimli] adva именно

renewable [ri'nju:abl] (/способный к восстановлению, возобновляемый

carbon dioxide ['ka:ban dai'Dksaid] углекислый газ

fossil ['fbsl] n (природное) ископаемое

fuel ['fju:al] n топливо

efficient [iTiJant] adj эффективный

expenditure [ik'spenditfa] n расход(ы), расходные статьи бюджета

consequence f'kDnsikwans] л (по)следствие

seize [si:z] v схватить, не упустить, зд. воспользоваться

generation [^ana'reijan] n поколение

responsibly [n'spDnsabli] adv ответственно

ensure [т'/иэ] v обеспечивать

Questions for discussion.

1. Why do you think global warming and ozone depletion are two separate but related threats?

1. What are the lower and the upper parts of the atmosphere called?

2. Why is the loss of ozone in the stratosphere of serious concern to the scientists?

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4. What, according to the text, can governments, individuals, and businesses do about global warming?

5. What do you yourself do to help solve environmental problems? Do you feel your responsibility to future generations?

EXERCISES

Find English equivalents in the text for the following (you may think of better Russian translations).

1. Глобальное потепление и истощение озонового слоя - две раз­ личные, но взаимосвязанные угрозы.

2. Это вызывает серьезную озабоченность...

3. Потребуются также и усилия для снижения всех видов вредных выбросов.

4. ...поощрять использование возобновляемых источников энергии...

5. ...увеличить налоги на использование нефти и угля...

6. ...охранять и восстанавливать леса, которые естественным обра­ зом поддерживают баланс углекислого газа в атмосфере.

7. ...меньше пользуясь автомобилем и используя более эффектив­ ные и менее загрязняющие среду автомобили...

8. ...используя энергосберегающие бытовые приборы.

9. ...в большем масштабе.

10. ...будет оказывать негативное влияние на экономику в ближайшей перспективе.

11. Но бездействие сейчас будет иметь катастрофические послед­ ствия в будущем.

12. Все это может быть сделано экономичным способом, путем со­ здания новых рабочих мест и возможностей для бизнеса.