Exercise 1
Read this essay and complete the gaps with one of the words or phrases from the box below.
acid rain battery farming biodegradable packaging biodiversity climatic change conservation conserve conservation program contaminated deforestation desertification eco-friendly ecological ecology ecosystem emissions endangered species environmentalists environmentally friendly erosion extinct fossil fuels fumes genetically modified green belt global warming greenhouse effect greenhouse gases intensive farming natural behaviour natural resources organic organic farming poaching pollute (air) pollution rare breeds rainforest recycle recycling renewable / sustainable energy research solar power unleaded gas wildlife management |
Environmental degradation is a major world problem. What causes this problem, and what can we do to prevent it?
There is no doubt that the environment is in trouble. Factories burn (1) ........................ which produce (2) ........................, and this kills trees. At the same time, (3) ........................ rise into the air and contribute to (4) ........................ which threatens to melt the polar ice cap. Meanwhile farmers clear huge areas of (5) ........................ in places such as the Amazon to produce feeding land for cattle or wood for building. Rivers and oceans are so heavily (6) ........................ by industrial waste that it is no longer safe to go swimming. Cars pump out poisonous (7) ........................ which we all have to breathe in. (8) ........................ and overfishing are killing off millions of animals, including whales, elephants, and other (9) ........................ In fact, all around us, all living things large and small which comprise our finely balanced (10) ........................ are being systematically destroyed by human greed and thoughtlessness.
There is a lot we can all do, however, to help prevent this. The easiest thing, of course, is to (11)........................ waste material such as paper and glass so that we can use it again. We should also check that the things we buy from supermarkets are packaged in (12) ........................ packaging which decomposes easily. At the same time, we should make a conscious effort to avoid foods which are (13) ........................ (at least until someone proves that they are safe both for us and for the environment). If you are truly committed to protecting the environment, of course, you should only buy (14) ........................ fruit and vegetables, safe in the knowledge that they have been naturally cultivated. Finally, of course, we should buy a smaller car that uses (15) ........................ Even better, we should try to make more use of public transportation.
Serious (16) ........................, however, do much more. They are aware of the global issues involved and will actively involve themselves in (17) ........................ by making sure our forests are kept safe for future generations. They will oppose activities which are harmful to animals, such as (18) ........................ and they will campaign to keep the (19) ........................ around our towns and cities free from new building. We cannot all be as committed as them, but we can at least do our own little bit at a grass roots level. We humans control our planet, but that doesn't mean we can do whatever we like with it.
