081　environment

Words
(toxic)waste (ari)pollution environment recycling protect acid rain pollutants ecology radiation extinction damage desertification over-fishing rainforest destruction overpopulation ozone layer
Unleaded petrol

Phrases
Create toxic waste
Protect the environment
Cause climate change
Greenhouse effect
Global warming
Destruction of the rainforest
Reduction in air quality
Sources of renewable energy
Climate change
Air quality
Use unleaded petrol
Cause the extinction of
Be environmentally aware
Renewable energy
Natural habitats

Beginner
A; is the environment a big issues in your country? It is in mine.
B: it is in mine too. The biggest issue is water. The climate is dry and so water conservation is very important.
A: what methods do you use to conserve water?
B: water is rationed. We can only use a certain amount each month. It means that we cannot use some modern household items, like washing machines. They use too much water.
A: I see. I think the biggest environment problem in my country is air pollution.
B: yes, I agree. The air here is much more polluted than in my country. Of course, my country is more agricultural and has much less industry.
A: we have reduced emission of air pollutants in recent years, but cars are still a major source of them. Factories have become cleaner as stricter environment pollution law have been introduced.
B: the problem is now on a truly global scale. I don’t believe that any single country can do anything about it.
A: I think you’re right. There needs to be an international response to this problem.

Intermediate
A: there are so many environment problems in the world today. Do you think we can really solve them all or will destroy the world?
B; I hope that world leaders can get together and agree on a plan for action, but I doubt it’ll happen before it’s too late.
A; we need to solve the problem of air pollution before we destroy the atmosphere. There’s lots of clean, modern technology, but companies in developed countries say it’s expensive. Developing countries put more emphasis on economic development than on environment protection.
B: everyone is looking at the issue in the short term, rather than the long term. It’s the same with the destruction of the rainforests. Countries and companies just want the wood. They’re not thinking about the long-term damage to the forests. We should also remember that the forests are an important natural habitat for thousands of species of animal and plant life.
A; in other parts of the world, especially in Africa, there is a problem with desertification. Climate change and over-farming are causing farmland to turn into desert. In means that people cannot grow enough food.
B: it also means that people sometimes fight over the farmland that remains. Damaging the environment actually leads to conflict between people.
A: have you ever thought about joining an organization committed to protecting the environment? You could get involved with projects to improve the environment.
B: I think I’d like to do that. I could take the things I learn here back to my country when I have finished my studies.