Answers
1/ Name FOUR FACTS which you learn about the environment from the first page of
the information sheets.
We have an impact on the environment, therefore it’s our responsibility to keep
the planet in a good state so that we and next generations can live healthy and stable
lives.
The world's population rapidly increasing over the years. This means that there is a
lot of pressure for resources.
The earth’s oceans are currently under strain like never before
Pollution of air, soil and water is having a real impact on the environment.
2 / Name ONE reason why people are worried about the environment.
A clean environment is essential for healthy living.
3 / Why are plankton and shellfish dying?
Pollution has caused the acidity levels to increase dramatically (by 30% and rising) so
plankton and shellfish can’t live in such environment.
4 / Highlight all the adjectives in this information sheet.
8 / Highlight all the verbs in this article.
Our Responsibility to the Environment
What is the environment and why are we responsible for it?
When we talk about the environment, we mean the planet and all of its
natural resources, like forests, water, food etc. The environment has
become more and more important as our awareness of science has
increased. For example, the vast majority of experts are now sure that
climate change is having an effect on the planet, and that human activity
has influenced climate change.
We are responsible for the planet because we are having an impact on
what is happening to it. We are also responsible for keeping the planet in
a good state so that our children and grandchildren can live healthy and
stable lives here, without worrying about flooding, crop failures,
earthquakes, food shortages, and other potentially life-destroying
effects of climate change.
What are the issues facing the environment today?
Our planet will soon have 8 billion people living on it. This means that
there is a lot of pressure for resources like food, water and energy. The
global population has tripled in the last 60 years, which has affected the
environment in lots of different ways, including the clearing and
development of land to keep up with demand for housing. Currently, one
third of the entire planet’s population do not have access to clean
drinking water. Sadly, this figure is predicted to increase to two thirds
by 2050, because of increasing demands on water supplies, as well as
pollution.
The earth’s oceans are currently under strain like never before. Pollution
has caused the acidity levels to increase dramatically (by 30% and rising),
which means that plankton and shellfish are dying. This is changing the
ecosystem of the sea in a way not seen for millions of years. The oceans
are also suffering from extreme overfishing, with some experts
predicting that by 2050, there will be no fish left. As if that wasn’t bad
enough, the oceans are also being clogged up with plastic, with 12.7 million
tons per year ending up in the sea.
Pollution of air, soil and water is having a real impact on the environment.
Carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases all contribute to
this pollution. Cars, planes, power plants and animal agriculture are all key
causes of pollution that have been caused by human activity. To make this
even worse, deforestation (cutting down trees) is happening at an
alarming rate of 18 million acres per year. This means that there aren’t
enough trees to absorb the carbon dioxide being produced.
So what can I do to play my part in looking after the environment?
There are clearly lots of problems facing the environment, and there are
lots of things that you can do to help. Here are some suggestions:
1. Recycle
It’s really important to reduce the amount of waste that you create. By
recycling, you save money, energy and resources. Rubbish that is not
recycled goes to landfill. This is bad for the environment because it
releases harmful chemicals, which can damage plants and pollute water.
We are also running out of landfill sites, so recycling is even more
important than ever.
2. Reduce your use of plastic
Plastic is really bad for the environment. It pollutes oceans and is eaten
by sea creatures, causing them great harm and also poisoning the food
chain. We currently use more plastic than we can recycle, with one million
plastic bottles being bought every minute around the world. You can make
lots of little changes in your daily life: use bags made from cloth; don’t
accept plastic straws for your drinks; switch your bathroom products to
things that don’t come in plastic bottles.
3. Cut down on plane and car travel
It’s easier said than done, but it is possible to cut down on your reliance
on car travel. If you are able, try using your bike. Alternatively, public
transport is better for the environment than using your own car. You can
organise car shares so that people travel together rather than in
separate cars. Avoid using planes too often; consider taking trains or
ferries instead. When you’re shopping, buy things that have been made or
grown locally.
4. Eat less meat and dairy
The meat and dairy industries are responsible for a lot of damage to the
environment. Feeding animals, killing them, and transporting them is
extremely demanding in terms of energy and resources. Furthermore,
forests are cut down in order to create land for animals to be raised. A
report published by the Worldwatch Institute estimated that at least
51% of greenhouse gas emissions are a result of animal agriculture. You
can help by choosing meat-free options more regularly at meal times.
5/ Describe TWO ways we can help protect the environment from the information
sheet.
Recycle : by recycling, you save money, energy and resources.
Cut down on plane and car travel : using bike and public transport is better for
the environment than using own cars.
6. Use the information to create a short paragraph using the rule of three.
If everybody would reduce the use of ressources, their waste, their consumption,
reuse everything they buy and recycle properly we would making a huge step towards
a better future.
7. List THREE features of this text that prove that its purpose is to inform the reader.
Title : Our Responsibility to the Environment
Questions give the reader important informations and help him to understund
the text.
Heading : for example : 1. Recycle, 2. Reduce your use of plastic ..
9/ Name FOUR things that you have inferred about the urgency of looking after the
environment from this information sheet.
There aren’t enough trees to absorb the carbon dioxide being produced.
The World's Oceans Are in Danger ; ocean life faces onslaught of threats
from human activity.
Pressure for resources due to the increasing of world's population.
A clean environment ensures the continual existence and survival of all life on
Earth.
10/ Create your own paragraph about protecting the environment.
Preserving and protecting our environment is one of the main goals of the
government of every country in the world but it begins with you. There are many
simple actions you can take to protect the environment, save money and create a
cleaner healthier space for everyone. First, reduce, reuse, and recycle. It's easy to
practice the three R's. Learn all about what to recycle, Why it is important to
purchase recycled content products, how to cut down on what you throw away to
conserve natural resources and landfill space. Second, plant a tree. Trees help save
energy, clean the air and help combat climate change because they provide food and
oxygen. Third, conserve water. Every person on earth needs water to survive. Without
it, many of us would get sick and even result in death. Water conservation and
efficiency don’t have to be a burden, you can find some easy ways to use less water.
Finally, avoid taking cars when possible. Taking public transportation, walking, or
riding a bike are better options that help the environment. Let's work together today,
to build a greener tomorrow.