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Environmental problems

Words:
exceptionally – исключительно
interference – вмешательство
degree — степень
involve – вовлекать
industrial enterprises –промышленные предприятия
in addition to – в добавление к
present — представлять
a threat – угроза
a source – источник

The present environmental problems have become exceptionally urgent. If many years ago people lived in harmony with the environment, today their interference in the Nature has reached such a degree that it becomes dangerous for their lives. And if the same tendencies remain for the next years, our planet will soon become uninhabited. The ecological problems are not the problems of a single isolated country. They are global in character and involve all countries in the world. The ecological problems have much in common. The main problem is pollution. It is not a secret that every year more and more industrial enterprises are built.

And they have a very bad effect on the environment. They pollute the air we breathe, the water we drink and the land that grain and vegetables grow on.

In addition to air pollution people upset the oxygen balance of our planet because people cut down forests and woods. One of the most dangerous things is radiation. There is a greаt number of nuclear power stations. They have many advantages for the industry, but they present a threat for the life.

Nature is a source of our life and destroying it we destroy ourselves. People forget that natural resources are not endless even though they seem unlimited. Nature has enough resources for the present generation. But their amount becomes less with every year. To protect nature is a duty of all people.

1.Think about following questions and give your answers:
1/ What can you say about the present ecological situation?
2/ Is the problem of environmental protection urgent today?
3/ What does nature give to people?
4/ How is the problem solved today?
5/ Why do some species of animals and plants disappear from the Earth?

2. Answer the questions:
1/ What happens when people cut down forests and woods?
2/ What presents a threat for people life?
3/ Why are ecological problems not the problems of a single isolated country?
4/ What is the main problem in the world?
5/ What are the industrial enterprises? Are they useful for the nature?
6/ What happens to air when the process grows?