Nature and Environment

ТЕМА: Nature and Environment Природа та довкілля

Read, write and learn new words:

endangered species – вимираючі види

fertilizers – добрива

a frequency – частота, часте повторювання

garbage - сміття

a hazard – ризик, небезпека

pesticides – пестициди

a threat – загроза

to damage – завдавати збитків, пошкоджувати

to destroy – руйнувати

to emit – вивергати

to occur – траплятися

to respond – відповідати

to underflood – підтоплювати

frequent – частий

non-renewable – невідновлювані

resistant – стійкий

widespread – широко поширений

Read the text. Write down the environmental problems and ways of their solution.

PROBLEMS OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Environmental problems can be found in all areas of the world. Some affect the water, others affect the air, and still others affect the land and the animals. Many environmental problems can be reduced or eliminated through corrective actions or proactive measures. Several of the more severe and widespread environmental problems will be discussed below.

Water pollution is a prominent environmental problem observed across the globe. In some cases, water pollution occurs when pollutants drain into rivers, streams, lakes, and other bodies of water. Pollutants can be in the form of chemicals from fertilizers, pesticides, oil, gasoline, antifreeze, and even mulch or dirt. Sometimes rainwater washes the particles into the water bodies, as well. There are several preventative steps that can be taken to reduce water pollution:

Avoid using excessive amounts of fertilizers and pesticides on lawns. Do not fertilize when it is going to rain. Do not dump dirt or mulch in the street — as it can easily wash down the drain into bodies of water.

Pick up litter which can injure wildlife if it enters lakes, rivers and streams.

Remove and properly dispose of pet waste. It contains dangerous bacteria and nutrients that can create public health concerns if it enters water bodies.

Never dump chemicals or fluids from cars (i.e. oil, gasoline, antifreeze) down gutters, drains or sewers.

Air pollution is another environmental problem that is seen throughout the world.

Air pollution can be created by factories or companies that release pollutants into the air. Oftentimes, the air pollutants may originate in one country and can easily blow across the border and pollute another country’s air.

Other times, air pollution is less caustic but equally harmful for those with respiratory conditions. For example, even building household fires for warmth or burning land to clear an area for farming can release particulate matter into the air. In some areas, there are wood-burning restrictions during times of high air pollution.

Environmental problems can also include the well-being of threatened or endangered animals. For example, in the United States, logging of forest land was destroying the habitat of the Northern Spotted Owl, a threatened species. Consequently, after a lengthy lawsuit, logging was curtailed in those areas. In Central and South America, the rainforests are also destroyed to make room for farming. However, some unique and endangered species of plants and animals are also destroyed in the process.Global warming is another environmental problem. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon, are emitted into the atmosphere and are destroying the ozone layer, causing the earth to reach higher temperatures. Taking steps, such as reducing carbon emissions, can lessen this problem — according to some scientists. Using electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles, solar power and wind power can also work to reduce carbon emissions greatly, as well as reduce dependence on non-renewable resources.

Do the Environmental Quiz.

1. What do you call the rain that contains chemical waste and causes damage to plants and animals?

a) Smog c) Monsoon rain

b) Acid rain d) Seasonal rain

2. What is the term used to describe a substance that can be broken down and eaten up by microorganisms like bacteria?

a) Compound c) Biodegradable

b) Environmentally friendly d) Recycled

3. We all know that the Kaziranga sanctuary is a place where rhinos can live safely away from hunters. What is the term used for such careful use and protection of nature?

a) Biofriendly c) Degradation

b) Ecofriendly. d) Conservation

4. What is the natural environment of a living organism called?

a) Habitat c) Environment

b) Surroundings d) Biosphere

5. Most of the oil that we use is imported into our country from other nations. The oil is carried in huge seagoing tankers. Sometimes these tankers get damaged and the oil leaks into the oceans and seas. What is such an accidental discharge of oil into water bodies called?

a) Water pollution c) Oil leak

b) Oil spill d) Tanker leak

6.What is the process of collecting, processing and reusing waste materials called?

a) Recycling c) Reusing

b) Reworking d) Reprocessing

7. Name the phenomenon because of which the Earth’s atmospheric temperature is increasing causing widespread environmental changes?

a) Atmospheric effect c) Geothermal effect

b) Greenhouse effect d) Biothermal effect

Fill in the gaps with the words: protection, reduce, destroy, pollution, important, save, environmental, science, protect, environment, mankind

1. Nowadays humanity is greatly worried about 1__________ of nature.

2. It's very 2__________nowadays to increase our knowledge of the environment and its needs.

3. People 3 _________ many habitats of animals.

4. Ecologists declare two main ways of saving nature: 4 _________ pollution and to help nature by planting forests and parks.

5. The environmental 5_________ is one of the most important problems of 6_________ .

6. Nowadays there are a lot of 7____________ problems.

7. The branch of 8___________ which deals with the relations of living things to their 9_________ is called ecology.

8. If we reduce pollution of the environment, 10________ wildlife and plant forests, we'll be able to 11 ____ nature.