13. Read and ask questions on the text: man protects his environment

The Earth provides people with mineral resources, rivers and forests. The resources demand rational use. But very often a man can not cope with this task. As a result nature and people suffer. Such vital sources of life as air, water, minerals, fauna and flora are being wasted and distroyed. Some animal species and plants have become extinct. When this happens the Red Fish die in the lakes, rivers and seas, while trees die in the forests.

The Earth is our home. We must take care of our home. The protection of nature has become one of the real prob­lems of the 20th century. More and more people in all countries are raising their voices in defence of nature.

Concern about the preservation of the environment and its protection from pollution as well as concern about our limited natural resources has given rise to a powerful move­ment throughout the world. This movement is called environmentalism from the English word environment.

Everybody knows that the Baikal is being saved, not only by the Russian people but also by foreigners and by an international organization Greenpeace.

13. Read and translate the text: the environmental problems of the western nations

Western Europe has the same basic environmental prob­lems, but they take different forms in each country.

Already if you catch a fish in the Seine near Paris it may be blind and without scales, a victim of pollution. In the Rhine you will catch no fish at all.

The Mediterranean is actually dying from pollution.

It is fair to say, that a considerable effort has been made in Britain with regard to Thames. By 1949 it was being des­cribed as a stinking black mess with no fish and almost no oxygen. There was an outcry and something had to be done. Legislation stopped the flow of industrial waste into the river, and nearly all the sewage is treated before it gets to water. Fish have come back and one salmon has been caught.

One of Britain s environmental successes has been the control of air pollution especially in London. Thirty years ago hundreds of people died every year from the dleadful London smogs. Since then London and many other cities have become smokeless zones, areas where no coal fires are allowed. But now the increase in traffic is threatening serious air pollution problems in cities once again.

The most common form of air pollution comes from ciga­rette smoke which pollutes many public places like cinemas, pubs, and restaurants.

Traffic and aircraft can cause serious noise pollution.

Friends of the Earth suggest that the bicycle is the best way to travel because it's cheap, quiet and a good form of exercise.

XV. Learn the poem by heart: fire and ice Robert Frost

Some say the world will end in fire Some say in ice

From what I've tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But if I had to perish twice I think I know enough of fate To say that for destruction ice Is also great and would suffice.

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