NATURE PROTECTION

1.      Let’s talk about the environment. A lot of scientists say that our planet is in danger. Do you agree?

Nowadays people can see a lot of problems and understand that it is important to protect the environment. The most serious global problems are: water and air pollution; destruction of rainforests; shortages of water, food, fossil fuels and natural resources; global warming and the greenhouse effect; depletion of the ozone layer; acid rains and greater numbers of refugees.

There is no ocean or sea which is not polluted. Governments test their nuclear weapons there, factories and plants dump harmful industrial wastes into rivers and seas, tankers leave lots of oil in the water. This poisons and kills fish and animals, destroys their habitats. Water pollution can also cause outbreaks of different illnesses.

Air pollution has become a serious problem, too. Exhaust fumes from cars and buses, harmful gases and chemicals released by plants and factories make it difficult for people to breathe. Acid rains destroy forests and buildings.

People can’t sunbathe often, because ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause skin cancer. Normally the ozone layer protects us from such radiation. But as a result of air pollution we now have such a problem as the depletion of the ozone layer.

Nuclear power stations can go wrong and cause nuclear pollution. Radiation cannot be seen, but its effects are terrible.

2.      Can you explain what’s happening to the climate right now?

Weather is very important for people, because it influences their health and well-being and their way of life. When the weather is cold and rainy, people might feel upset or even depressed. And when it is sunny, they are happy and cheerful. This is why many scientists worry that average temperature in the world is rising.

This process is called global warming. But it doesn’t only mean warmer climate. Together with global warming come floods, landslides, hurricanes, droughts and heat waves. Ice caps in the Arctic and the Antarctic are melting, flooding coastal areas. Plants and animals do not have periods of rest in winter or are not protected by snow when it is -20⁰.

Global warming is caused by pollution, the greenhouse effect and deforestation.

Global warming can be very dangerous. Scientists predict that by 2050 some species of animals will have died out, coastal areas such as New York will have been covered with water and millions of environmental refugees will have appeared.

3.      What should people do to protect our planet?

There are many ways in which people can help the environment. First of all, factories should use more filters that can stop air pollution and not dump wastes into rivers and oceans. Also it is vital to develop technologies, which are good for the environment, for example, energy efficient light bulbs or household appliances that use less electricity. We should all try to use cars less often and travel by bike or public transport. It is very important to use renewable sources of energy: wind power, tidal power, hydra-power, solar energy, nuclear power and geothermal power. These sources of energy are renewable, cheap, environmentally friendly and easy to find in any country.

4.      Are you green?

I can’t say that I am really green. Of course, I try to follow the rule of 3Rs. I collect paper and plastic for recycling. I don’t buy a new plastic bag each time I go shopping. I also try not to turn on the lights in the rooms that I don’t use. Sometimes my family and I plant trees and flowers with my mom. Still I think I can do more, for example, use less water and electricity. I am sure that in the future I will try to be truly green.

5.      What questions would you ask a British teenager about nature protection in his/her country?