The given essay in English on the topic of environmental problems shows the main problems of ecology modern world. Introduces the reader to scientific vocabulary. Suitable for students in grades 8-9 of a comprehensive school, as well as for those who learn the language at the “Pre-Intermediate” level. The text will be a good tool for oral and written tasks - retelling, answering questions, writing out unfamiliar words.
Topic "Ecological problems"
The word “Ecology” comes from the Greek language and means “the study of the place we live in”. So, there is no person on Earth who is not affected by ecological problems. For example, air polluted by plants will travel for a long distance with wind, the heavy particles will get into rivers and seas.
Pollution of the sea is the most dangerous. The regions that are most loaded with sea traffic are very dirty. For example, the Baltic sea is the dirtiest zone on the planet. The radioactive leak at Fukushima, Japan has led to the death of many fishes and other aquatic beings.
The cutout of forests, contamination of the seas and intense burning of coal has shifted the balance of the oxygen, ozone and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, making the ozone “shield” of the planet thinner. It results in global climate change. Debates are still being held whether the “Global warming” is real, but every year there comes another evidence of the warming - the ice mounts melt at the poles, raising the global sea level.
You, of course, may say that you can't affect the production of plants and factories much. But there is also the ecology of your home and your workplace. You shouldn't pour dangerous chemicals to the ground - it will “die”, become infertile. Do not throw away batteries - send them to the recycling center. There are often special containers for batteries in major malls. Generally, do not waste resources - like take a shower, not a bath, turn down the water when you brush your teeth. Turn off electric devices that you do not use. Take care of the health of your environment.
Topic "Environmental problems"
The word "Ecology" comes from the Greek language and means "the science of the place in which we live." That is, there is not a single person on Earth who would not be affected by environmental problems. For example, air polluted by factories will travel a long distance with the wind, and heavy particles will fall into rivers and seas.
Sea pollution is the most dangerous. The regions that are most loaded with the flow of ships are very dirty. For example, the Baltic Sea is the dirtiest area on the planet. A radiation leak in Fukushima, Japan, led to the death of many fish and other marine life.
Deforestation, pollution of the seas and intense burning of coal have shifted the balance of oxygen, ozone and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, making the planet's ozone "shield" thinner. This leads to global climate change. There is still debate whether "Global Warming" is real, but every year new evidence of warming is found - the ice mountains at the poles are melting, global sea levels are rising.
Of course, you can say that you have no power to influence the production of plants and factories. But there is also the ecology of your home and your place of work. Do not pour dangerous chemicals on the ground - it will “die”, become infertile. Do not throw away batteries - send them to a recycling center. Often in large supermarkets there are special containers for batteries. In general, do not waste resources - for example, take a shower rather than a bath, turn off the water while brushing your teeth. Turn off appliances you are not using. Take care of the health of your environment.
Our environment is constantly changing. This is the fact we cannot deny. The way technological progress influences the environment is not the most favourable.
Today humanity is facing numerous environmental problems. If we do not pay attention to these problems right now, we may face even bigger natural disasters in the future.
Pollution
Pollution is one of the biggest problems. Plants and motor vehicles are number one pollutants. Their harmful emissions pollute the environment. Oil spills and acid rains make the World Ocean dirty.
global warming
Global warming is the result of human activity. It is characterized by rising temperatures of the oceans and earth's surface causing rise in sea levels and melting of polar ice cover. Apart from that, floods, desertification and excessive snow are also signs of global warming.
climate change
Global warming causes the rise of another serious problem known as climate change. Climate change can lead to the development of other harmful effects in our life, such as the occurrence of new diseases and change in seasons.
Deforestation
Today forests cover about 30% of land. Every year this figure decreases more and more. People clear new territories for residential buildings, new plants and factories. We must realize that deforestation causes the extinction of animals and plants.
Ozone layer depletion
Ozone layer protects planet from the sun's harmful rays. Due to atmospheric emissions of the so-called CFC's, the ozone layer depletes. This results in the occurrence of the holes in the ozone layer.
Today CFC's are banned in many industries. However, we must remember that if this problem is not taken under control, harmful rays of the sun will easily penetrate the atmosphere. The biggest hole in the ozone layer is located above the Antarctic.
The environment around us is constantly changing. We cannot deny this fact. Technological progress has not the most favorable impact on the environment.
Today, humanity is facing many environmental problems. If we do not pay attention to them in time, we risk facing much more serious disasters in the future.
Pollution
Pollution is one of the biggest problems. Factories and cars are the worst pollutants. Oil spills and acid rain pollute the oceans.
Global warming
Global warming is the result of human activity. It is characterized by an increase in the temperature of the oceans and the surface of the earth, which leads to a rise in water levels and the melting of the ice sheet. In addition, floods, desertification and excessive snowfall are also signs of global warming.
Climate change
Global warming brings with it another serious problem- changing of the climate. Climate change could bring other harmful influences to our lives, including the emergence of new diseases and changing weather patterns.
Deforestation
Today, 30% of the earth's surface is covered with forests. Every year they become less and less. A person cuts down forests, freeing up space for the construction of new houses, factories and enterprises. We must think about the fact that deforestation leads to the extinction of animals and the disappearance of plants.
Ozone layer depletion
The ozone layer protects our planet from the harmful rays of the sun. Due to the emission of so-called freons into the atmosphere, the ozone layer becomes thinner. This causes holes in the ozone layer.
Currently, freons are practically not used in production. However, it is worth remembering that if this problem is not taken under control, the harmful rays of the sun will be able to freely penetrate the atmosphere. The largest ozone hole is located over Antarctica.
Global problems are those which affect not only one individual but the whole mankind. They can't be solved in one day and require organized efforts from the world community. If people leave these problems unsettled, it may lead to serious consequences in the future. It will affect all humanity and environment.
All in all, global problems are the following: environmental pollution, climate change, resource issues, overpopulation, nuclear weapons and some others. Speaking about pollution, I’d like to mention the Chernobyl disaster, which was the result of reckless economic activities. At the moment, many forests and rivers are also endangered due to careless attitude. In the 21st century our world faces one of the most urgent problems – the climate change. The earth is warming up. As a result some species and their habitats suffer. Recent years have shown increasing temperatures in some regions and extreme weather conditions, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis.
The shortage of resources is another pressing issue. Natural resources are limited and we can't use them carelessly. The increasing number of factories is the root of this problem. The world’s population will soon reach an intolerable level and this will lead to the shortage of resources as well. To avoid the catastrophe this growth must be stopped. Many environmental and social problems are the result of overpopulation.
Nuclear weapon is one of the most terrifying global problems. The use of such weapons is against any international law. Apart from nuclear there is also chemical weapon and biological. Another threatening problem nowadays is terrorism. It endangers life of every person on the earth.
Topic translation into Russian:
Global problems are those that affect not only one person, but all of humanity. They cannot be solved within one day, they require organized efforts on the part of the world community. If people leave these problems unresolved, it can lead to serious consequences in the future. This will affect all of humanity and the environment.
In general, global problems include: environmental pollution, climate change, resource problems, overpopulation, nuclear weapons and some others. Speaking of pollution, I would like to highlight the Chernobyl disaster, which was the result of reckless economic activity. At the moment, many forests and rivers are also endangered as a result of neglect. In the 21st century, our world is experiencing one of the most pressing problems - climate change. The earth is warming up.
As a result, some individuals and their habitat suffer. Last years showed an increase in temperature in some regions and extreme weather, including hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis. Lack of resources is one of the current problems.
Natural resources are limited and we cannot use them carelessly. The increasing number of factories is the root of this problem. The world's population will soon reach an unacceptable level, and this will also lead to a shortage of resources. To avoid catastrophe, this growth must be stopped. Many environmental and social problems are the result of overpopulation.
Nuclear weapons are one of the most terrible global problems. The use of such weapons is subject to any international laws. In addition to nuclear weapons, there are also chemical and biological ones. Terrorism is another threatening problem today. It endangers the lives of every person on earth.
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Test 16
Global problems of our time
Section 2. (Reading assignments)
- limited natural resources
- Unequal financial resources
- Our obligation before future
- Against the east
- nuclear weapons
- climate change
- religious world of today
- Women's rights
A. The earth is ours to use as we please without regard for the future, for our children, for the earth itself. We must reassume our historical responsibility for our children's future by protecting their heritage. The reckless anarchy of the exploitation of the earth must be replaced by responsible dialogue among the users, and among the governments of the earth. At present, we have a gathering of the Big 7 or 8 on how to manage the world to their own advantage. Such a dialogue, however, brings up questions of justice and fairness in the allocation of the resources of the earth. A new protocol must be worked out whereby the universal declaration of human rights is more than a God's wish-list that is lost in the fight of big corporations to use the resources of the earth.
b. The oil, the water, the old growth forests are all limited resources. They must be conserved for the most important future uses. Oil is necessary for the operation of all sorts of machinery, yet it is not being conserved but endlessly pumped out of the earth and sold to the highest prices. drinkable water, too, is increasing rare; indeed, it is sold in stores for the same price of colas. But underground water is needed for crops, and the underwater reserves are running out. here, national and international management are required.
C. We are faced with the problem of Global Terrorism which has been called the shadow of the process of Globalization. As the world is becoming one place, so it is that the effects of terrorism have global effects. Also it may be understood that the causes of this global terrorism are likewise global in nature, with disaffected individuals and groups caught up in ideologies of global scope and participating in causes that go beyond international and even inter-continental barriers. We see this particularly in the Muslim world, where issues in Palestine, Bosnia, Afghanistan or Iraq can mobilize people on the other side of the world to want to make interventions.
D. Global poverty and hunger are increasing each year instead of decreasing. The agricultural land of the earth is owned by fewer and fewer people. Much of what is left in the hands of small farmers is being bought up by international agribusinesses - by multinational corporations distant from land but close to big money. The big oil, the pharmaceutical companies, the media conglomerates, the insurance companies, including medical insurance have more influence on government policies than the poor or even the general population. Government policies seem more oriented towards maintaining the economy than in the economic and physical well-being of their populations.
E. Another major problem that looms on the horizon and one that probably is already upon us and exerting its effects, is the phenomenon of Global Warming. It can be argued endlessly whether Global Warming is man-made or whether it’s a natural phenomenon, however the empirical evidence certainly shows that Global Warming is indeed occurring. This is made manifest in the melting glaciers and polar ice caps, the increase in hurricane activity (with category 4 and 5 hurricanes, the most intense, doubling in frequency over the past 50 years), changing rainfall patterns and of course the actual increases in measured surface temperatures.
F. It seems that the danger posed by an arsenal of 50,000 missiles in Russian and America is less today than 15 or 20 years ago when Jonathan Schell's The Fate of the Earth saw catastrophe on the horizon and a real possibility of giving the earth back to the insects and grasses. The cold war between Russia and the U.S. has thawed, but the proliferation of weapons goes on, and the growing masses of nuclear waste. Why? Because the military ways of thinking go on, the national security imperative still drives small countries to spend most of their small budget on weapons instead of social programs. We need to outgrow the dangerous and costly structures of thinking that are our legacy from modernity. Instead of endless debates, we need dialogue and negotiations—not just in Ireland, Russia, East Timor, Pakistan, the Balkans, the Middle East—but in the United Nations about the natural resources, power concentrations, poverty, human rights of the populations of the world.
G. The UN system continues to give particular attention to the issue of violence against women. The 1993 General AssemblyDeclaration on the Elimination of Violence against Womencontained “a clear and comprehensive definition of violence against women and a clear statement of the rights to be applied to ensure the elimination of violence against women in all its forms”. It is represented “a commitment by the States in respect of their responsibilities, and a commitment by the international community at large to the elimination of violence against women”.
Peter the Great
Born in Moscow, Russia on June 9, 1672, Peter the Great was a Russian czar in the late 17th
Simple Solutions to Global Problems
What if the answers to global crises - from devastatinghurricanesto the malaria epidemic to global warming - were simple and relatively inexpensive?
Journalist Stephen Dubner and economist Steven Levitt, the authors of"SuperFreakonomics,"say that throughout history, 'cheap and simple fixes' often solved the world's biggest problems.
Take the medical crisis that more than 50 years ago frightened every American child and nearly broke the Americanhealth caresystem. The problem was polio, and the solution was not more hospitals or more efficient iron lungs that would make breathing easier. The answer was a vaccine.
“Polio’s just one of thousands of examples like that, where a simple solution will prevent so much heartache going down the road,” Dubner said.
The "SuperFreakonomics" duo argue that it "s no different in modern times. “We love to think the world is terrible and difficult, and that it's much worse now than it's ever been. But the fact of the matter is that's almost always wrong " Dubner said. "The world is actually better now than it ever was and all the unsolvable problems that appear keep getting solved.”
Intellectual Ventures, a company in Bellevue, Wash., has been in the business of solving global problems since 2000. The self-proclaimed invention company uses inventions from some of the smartest scientists, mathematicians, software engineers and patent experts in the world, including Nathan Myhrvold, the former chief technology officer at Microsoft.
“Our only job is to inventory. And so we try to swing for the fences and try to solve really big problems. And sometimes we do!” Myhrvold said.
Although their ideas are sometimes strange and outrageous, Intellectual Ventures currently ranks in the top 50 among companies that file patents worldwide. Myhrvold said the key components are “simple, and cheap and effective. And when you're lucky and when things are going all right, you can come up with an idea that's all of them.”
A7 The solutions of all global problems are not expensive.
A 8 The American medical system was ruined about fifty years ago.
1) True 2) False 3) Not stated
A9 The way out of the polio crisis was vaccine.
1) True 2) False 3) Not stated
A 10 The solution to the polio crisis was quickly found.
1) True 2) False 3) Not stated
A 11 Simple solutions may also be used nowadays.
1) True 2) False 3) Not stated
A 12 The world has changed for the better as Dubner thinks.
1) True 2) False 3) Not stated
A 13 Intellectual Ventures is a big company which always solves global problems.
1) True 2) False 3) Not stated
A 14 Intellectual Ventures’ ideas are very often odd for common people.
1) True 2) False 3) Not stated
Section 3. (tasks on grammar and vocabulary)
AT 4 AT 5 B6 AT 7 AT 8 B9 AT 10 O'CLOCK B11 | The 2012 doomsday or "the end of the world" phenomenon, as it has come _________, is a cultural idea that has been spread through the Internet, books and television and suggests that disastrous events ________ in the year 2012. The types of predictions for the year 2012 ______ but normally include various catastrophic events such as meteor impacts and ecological collapse, and events like sudden changes in human evolution, a spiritual transformation of the Earth, a reversal of _______magnetic fieldwhich could disrupt current __________ and the beginning of a new era in history also _________. The forecast date of 2012 for these events mainly _______ on the end of the Mayan or Mesoamerican Long Count Calendar. The calendar, which is said to last around 5,125 years, _______ on August 11, 3114 B.C.E. and ends on December 21, 2012. Today, the idea of any global event occurring in 2012 ________ largely by the scientific community and many Mayanist scholars claim that any predictions based on the Long Count Calendar are misrepresentative of Mayan history. | CALL HAPPEN VARY EARTH TECHNOLOGY MENTION base BEGIN REJECT |
B13 B14 B15 B16 B17 B18 | The term __________ is widely used in scientific literature, social journalism and politics. It is described as strengthened economic interdependence and _______ between all countries of the world. The notion of global economy appeared in the 40th of the XIX century. At that time transportation expenses have died with the _______ of railway and steam engine modes of transport. Thus, new possibilities were created for long-distance goods ________ and the enlargement of effective co-operation between nations has gone ahead. In the 80th (20th century), however, globalization posed considerable complications. The international organizations claimed the _______ of global problems, which are universal in nature. Globalization is an economic phenomenon but its problems are ___________ to a certain degree. It is obvious that the world economic growth together with scientific and technological progress is impossible without environmental pollution, excessive use of resources, smoky atmosphere. | GLOBAL RELATIONSHIP APPEAR DELIVER EXIST ECOLOGY |
Unit 4 (writing assignments)
You have 30 minutes to do this task.
You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend Kat.
White a letter to him and answer his 3 questions.
Write 100-120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.
Keys
Section 2
Task B3
Task A7-A14
A7 -2, A8 - 2, A9 - 1, A10 - 3, A11 - 1, A12 - 1, A13 - 2, A14 - 1.
Section 3
Task B4-B12
B4 - to be called, B5 - will happen, B6 - vary, B7 - Earth's, B8 - technologies, B9 - are also mentioned, B10 - is mainly based, B11 - began, B12 - is largely rejected.
Tasks B13-B18
B13 – globalization, B14 – interrelationship, B15 – appearance, B16 – delivery, B17 – existence, B18 – ecological.
Section 4
Task C1
hello Kat,
It's nice to get another letter from you. I hope everything is OK. I wonder why you are worried about such global problems as pollution. I guess you are right to think that it is the major problem of today. If we cope at least with this one our world will be much better and cleaner.
As for the laptop you are going to buy I don't really know which one is better for you as everyone has his own preferences. I find macbook as one of the best makes of all the laptops possible. But it's up to you to decide which one to choose. Of course, a lot depends on the sum you are going to spend.
best wishes,
Max.
Read the texts and match between headings 1-8 and texts A-G. Record your answers in a table. Use each letter only once. There is one extra title in the assignment.
Read the text. Determine which of the following statements A7-A14 correspond to the content of the text (1 - True), which do not correspond (2 - False) and what the text does not say, that is, on the basis of the text, you can not give either a positive or a negative answer (3 - not stated).
Read the text below. Convert the words printed in capital letters at the end of lines indicated by numbers. B4-B12 so that they correspond grammatically to the content of the text. Fill in the gaps with the given words. Each pass corresponds a separate task B4-B12.
Read the text below. Transform the words printed in capital letters at the end of the lines indicated by numbers B13-B18 so that they correspond grammatically and lexically to the content of the text. Fill in the gaps with the given words. Each gap corresponds to a separate task B13-B18.
To answer task C1, use form No. 2.
When completing task C1, pay special attention to the fact that your answers will be evaluated only on the notes made on form No. 2. No draft entries will be considered by the Expert Advisor. Pay attention also to the need to comply with the specified length of the letter. Letters of insufficient volume, as well as part of the text of the letter that exceeds the required volume, are not evaluated.
… I think that pollution is one of the greatest global problems…
You know I want to have some new lap top. Which is better to take? Is there really any reliable laptop at the market? Is it easy to find such alone?
People have lived in our planet Earth for centuries and global problems have always existed. (People have been living on our planet Earth for centuries, and global problems always exist.)
In ancient times the biggest global problem was wars. (In ancient times, wars were the biggest global problem)
People have been fighting with each other since the beginning of the civilization mostly to get new territories and more land. (People have been fighting each other since the beginning of civilization, mainly to gain new territories and more land.)
Today, there are more global problems which can be divided into two categories: ecological problems and social, economic and political issues. (Today there are many global problems that can be divided into two categories: environmental problems and social, economic and political problems/issues)
The first category includes issues relating to ecological destruction, pollution and global warming as the result. (The first category includes questions related to environmental destruction, pollution, and global warming as a result.)
The climate is changing and many people agree that climate change may be one of the greatest threats facing the planet. (The climate is changing, and many people agree that climate change may be one of the biggest threats the planet has encountered.)
Global warming has already been killed off some types of animals and plants. (Global warming has already destroyed some species of animals and plants)
Rising sea levels are threatening whole nations on islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. (Rising sea levels threaten entire peoples on islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans)
The second category of global problems deals with social, economic and political issues. (The second category of global issues concerns social, economic and political issues/topics)
They include global terrorism, poverty, human rights, health issues, racism and many others. (They include global terrorism, poverty, human rights, health issues, racism and many more)
We are faced with the problem of global terrorism. And more and more countries are suffering from it. (We are facing the problem of global terrorism. And more and more more countries suffers from it.)
It is difficult to catch terrorists and prevent their acts. (It is difficult to catch terrorists and prevent their actions)
The most terrible terrorist attack took place on September 11, 2001 in the USA. (The worst terrorist attack happened on September 11, 2001 in the USA)
The World Trade Centre, one of the symbols of New York City, was destroyed completely and thou¬sands of people died. (The World Trade Center was completely destroyed and thousands of people died.)
The world was shocked and most countries decided to fight against terrorism. However, new terror-ist attacks have been committed. (The world was shocked and most countries decided to fight against terrorism. However, new terrorist attacks are being committed.)
Poverty is another global problem. The worst situation is in Africa where people (mostly children) die every day of hunger. (Poverty is another global problem. The worst situation is in Africa, where people (mostly children) die every day from hunger.)
The poor also have less access to health, education and other services. (The poor also have less access to healthcare, education and other services)
Incurable diseases and epidemics are also a global challenge for humanity. (Incurable diseases and epidemics are also a global challenge/problem for humanity.)
Another global problem is racism, when people of different races and different skin colors are humiliated and even killed. (Another global problem is racism, when people of different races and skin colors are humiliated and even killed.)
There are many organizations that fight social global problems, but this battle has lasted for a long time and it will take much time for the solution of all of them. (There are many organizations that are fighting social global issues, but this struggle has been going on for a long time and will take a long time to solve all of them)
We live in the 21st century and humanity has made a great progress in technology, so I think that it is strange that we still have global problems, especially the ones that deal with social, economic and political issues. (We live in the 21st century and humanity has made a lot of progress in technology, so I think it's strange that we still have global problems, especially those that have to do with social, economic and political issues.)
I am sure that they can be solved completely without any conflicts or wars. (I'm sure they can be resolved without any conflict or war.)
