ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
Global Warming
Scientists say the temperature of the earth could rise by 3ºC over the next 50
years. This may cause drought (sequía) in some parts of the world, and floods
(inundaciones) in others, as ice at the North and South poles begins to melt and
sea levels rise. Global warming is caused by the greenhouse effect. Normally,
heat from the sun warms the earth and then escapes back into space. But
carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere trap the sun’s heat, and this
is slowly making the earth warmer.
The Ozone Layer
The Ozone layer is a layer of gas high above the surface of the earth that helps
to protect it from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, which can damage our skins and
cause cancer. Scientists have recently discovered holes in the Ozone Layer,
caused by substances called CFCs (clorofluorocarbons). CFCs are used in
refrigerators, aerosol cans and in the manufacture of some plastic products.
Some companies now make aerosols that do not contain CFCs, and these are
often marked “Ozone Friendly”
Deforestation
Rainforests help to control global warming because the absorb carbon dioxide.
In recent years, large area have been destroyed, as the trees are cut down for
wood or burned to clear the land for farming. The burning releases large
amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Many rainforests grow on poor
soils, and when they are cut down or burned, the soil is washed away
(arrastrado) in the tropical rains, so that the area may turn to desert. Many plant
and animal species that live there could become extinct.
Pollution
Factories, power stations and motor vehicles pump (echan, impulsan) large
quantities of carbon dioxide and other gases into the air. This is a major cause
of the greenhouse effect. A lot of petrol contains lead (plomo), which is very
poisonous and can cause brain damage in children. Most cars use unleaded
petrol today and hybrid cars use batteries and petrol to use less petrol. Some
poisonous gases dissolve in water in the atmosphere and then fall to the earth
as acid rain. Acid rain also damages trees and buildings, and can kill fish in
lakes and rivers. Rivers can also be polluted by industrial waste from factories
and chemical fertilizers and pesticides used by farmers.
Alternative Energy
Most of the energy we use today comes from coal, oil and gas. But these will
not last for ever, and burning them is slowly harming the atmosphere. We need
to look for other ways of supplying energy (abastecernos de energía). Solar
Power is a way of using the sun’s energy as heat or to make electricity. We can
also use wind-power by building modern windmills (molinos de viento) that spin
(giran) in the wind. There are several types of water-power: river water in
mountainous areas can be used to generate hydroelectric power, and we can
also create electricity from sea water flowing in and out with the tides.
Recycling
Recycling is the processing of used objects and materials so that they can be
used again. About 60% of rubbish from homes and factories contain materials
that could be recycled. Recycling saves energy and raw materials (materias
primas), and also reduces damage to the countryside. Glass, paper and
aluminium cans can all be recycled very easily. Many towns have special bins
(contenedores) for bottles and cans where people can leave their empty bottles
and cans for recycling. A lot of paper bags, writing paper and greeting cards are
now produced on recycled paper.