Card 22

I. Let’s talk about environment. People say that our planet is in danger. Do you share this opinion?

The problem of ecology is one of the biggest problems that humanity faces in our modern world. Unfortunately, people’s activities have made a huge impact on the environment. There are many ecological problems today and they are all interdependent.

The most dramatic of them are climate change, pollution, ozone and resource depletion, deforestation, nuclear issues, extinction of species, the problems of waste and conservation.

The climate change or global warming is caused by the greenhouse effect, acid rain, ozone depletion and deforestation. All of them are produced by burning of fossil fuels, transport, industries and people’s activities.

Unfortunately, we have air, water, soil and noise pollution. The reasons for pollution are transport, industries, chemicals, rubbish and industrial waste. People who live in big cities suffer from noise pollution.

Global warming is harmful for many species of plants and animals which could become extinct, for people’s health and for disappearance of many islands, towns and cities which are below sea level (ниже уровня моря).

II. Why do people cut down forests?

Deforestation is another crucial problem. People cut down forests for growing cattle, crops, for farmland and timber. (древесина) The consequences of deforestation are changes in the climate, extinction of animals and plants, less oxygen for people to breathe.

III. What questions would you ask your British friend about measures that are taken to protect the environment in Britain?

My questions will be:

1. How do you protect endangered animals, birds and plants in Great Britain?

2. Do you have any wildlife reserves in Great Britain?

3. What is the punishment for poaching?

4. What conservation projects do you have in Britain?

IV. A friend of yours wants to develop a programme to protect the city where he lives.

Give him a piece of advice.

I will give him the following advice:

1. You should not litter in the streets of Mogilev.

2. I advise you to watch less TV and use less the Internet to reduce the consumption of energy.

3. You should plant more trees in your area.

4. If I were you, I would collect old books and newspapers in my region for recycling.

V. Do you think that only governments must solve ecological problems? Why (not)?

To my mind, not only governments must solve ecological problems. If we want to preserve the beauty of the planet, we should start with ourselves. I think, every person should keep in mind FOUR Rs: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE, RESPECT.

Firstly, we must reduce pollution, plant more trees and keep the neighbourhood clean.

Secondly, we must reduce consumption of energy, water and natural gas to avoid resource depletion.

Thirdly, we must recycle all used materials.

Fourthly, we can support Greenpeace and other organizations by raising money for their funds or volunteering in different conservation projects in the local area.

And finally, all people should respect the beauty of nature, love our planet and do everything to preserve it for future generations.