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green biodegradable
efficient an oil rig
to conserve a power station
environmentally friendly renewable
to protect a recycling plant
to save to campaign
to deplete traffic jams
to ration motorway tolls
ozone layer radioactive waste
to share park and road schemes
green house effect nuclear energy
floods oil pollution
icebergs melt global warming
polar caps to condemn
sustainable to oppose
LISTENING ACTIVITY 1
Can you listen to the words and write them all down?
A B C
Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and the Green Party all campaign for
a cleaner , healthier and less polluted environment.
They operate internationally and can embarrass governments and companies through
feats of direct action which attract public sympathy. These may include attempts
to block the disposal of radioactive waste at sea or to prevent the siting of a new oil rig .
They support initiatives such as recycling tins and newspapers, and raise
people's awareness of green issues .
The green movement as a whole has had an influence on the agendas of the major
political parties.
As more of our streets become jammed up with cars and more of our children suffer
from asthma , the need for a greener life-stylebecomes one of self-interest, not to
mention the protection of other species and their habitats.
The greenhouse effect is the rise in temperature that the Earth experiences because
certain gases in the atmosphere (water vapor, carbon dioxide , nitrous oxide , and
methane , for example) trap energy from the sun.
Without these gases, heat would escape back into space and Earth's average
temperature would be about 60 F colder. Because of how they warm our world, these
gases are referred to as greenhouse gases .
The greenhouse effect is important. Without the greenhouse effect, the Earth would not
be warm enough for humans to live. But if the greenhouse effect becomes stronger, it
could make the Earth warmer than usual. Even a little extra warming may cause
problems for humans,
Average global temperature has increased by almost 1 C over the past century;
scientists expect the average global temperature to increase an additional 2 to 6C
over the next one hundred years. This may not sound like much, but it could change
the Earth's climate as never before. At the peak of the last ice age (18,000 years ago),
the temperature was only 7C colder than it is today, and glaciers covered the better
part of the world!!
It is important to understand that scientists don't know for sure what global warming will
bring. Some changes brought about by global warming will be good. If you live in a very
cool climate, warmer temperatures might be welcome. Days and nights could be more
comfortable and people in the area may be able to grow different and better crops than
they could before. But it is also true that changes in some places will not be very good
at all.
Human Health
Climate change may affect people's health both directly and indirectly. For example,
heat stress and other heat related health problems are caused directly by very warm
temperatures and high humidity. Untreated, heat stress can be a very serious medical
problem. Scientists suspect that, in many places, global warming will increase the
number of very hot days that occur during the year. More hot days increases the
possibility of heat related health problems.
Indirectly, ecological disturbances , air pollution, changes in food and water supplies,
and coastal flooding are all examples of possible impacts that might affect human
health.
How people and nature adapt to climate change will determine how seriously it impacts
human health. Some people and places are likely to be affected more than others.
Generally, poor people and poor countries are less likely to have the money and
resources they need to cope with preventing and treating health problems. Very young
children and the elderly adults will run the highest risks.
Ecological Systems
Climate change may alter the world's habitats and ecosystems all living things are
included in and rely on these places. Many of these places depend on a delicate
balance of rainfall, temperature, and soil type. A rapid change in climate could upset
this balance and seriously endanger many living things.
Most past climate changes occurred slowly, allowing plants and animals to adapt to the
new environment or move somewhere else. However, if future climate changes occur
as rapidly as some scientists predict, plants and animals may not be able to react
quickly enough to survive. The ocean's ecosystems also could be affected for the same
reasons.
Save Electricity
Whenever we use electricity, we help put greenhouse gases into the air. By turning off
lights, the television, and the computer when you are through with them, you can help a
lot.
By conserving energy, we help reduce global warming and make the Earth a better
place. Some products like certain cars and stereos are made specially to save
energy.
Cars are an important part of life for most people. But cars also cause pollution and
release a lot of greenhouse gases into the air. Fortunately, there are some cars that are
better for the environment. These cars can travel longer on a smaller amount of
gasoline. They don't pollute as much, either. Using these kinds of cars can help reduce
the amount of greenhouse gases in the air.
You can save energy by sometimes taking the bus, riding a bike, or walking.
Recycle
Recycle cans, bottles, plastic bags, and newspapers. When you recycle, you send less
trash to the landfill and you help save natural resources, like trees, oil, and elements
such as aluminum.
Solar Energy
Solar energy is a fancy way of saying "energy that comes from the sun." Solar energy
can be used to heat homes, buildings, water, and to make electricity. Today, more than
200,000 houses in the United States take advantage of the sun's energy.
QUESTIONS