MINISTRY OF JUSTICE

HANOI LAW UNIVERSITY

GROUP ASSIGNMENT
SUBJECT: SPEAKING SKILL MODULE 2

TOPIC:
THE WAY HUMANS DESTROYED THE EARTH

CLASS : 4828.1
GROUP : 08

Hà Nội, 2024
 BIÊN BẢN XÁC ĐỊNH MỨC ĐỘ THAM GIA
VÀ KẾT QUẢ THAM GIA LÀM BÀI TẬP NHÓM

Ngày: 19/10/2024 Địa điểm: Trường Đại học Luật Hà Nội

Nhóm: 08 Lớp: 4828.1

Tổng số thành viên của nhóm: 4

+ Có mặt: 4
+ Vắng mặt: 0
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Môn học: Kỹ năng nói HP2.
Xác định mức độ tham gia và kết quả tham gia của từng sinh viên trong việc
thực hiện bài tập nhóm. Kết quả như sau:

Đánh giá
SV Đánh giá của GV
của SV
STT Mã SV Họ và tên ký
Điểm Điểm GV
A B C tên
(số) (chữ) ký tên
1 482814 Hoàng Anh Bình X
2 482824 Lê Thị Hồng Hạnh X
3 482826 Vũ Quang Hiếu X
4 482829 Nguyễn Ngọc Huyền X

Hà Nội, ngày 19 tháng 10 năm 2024

Trưởng nhóm

Vũ Quang Hiếu
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction..........................................................................................................
II. The current state of natural environment.......................................................
1. The world before human existence.........................................................4
2. The world after human existence............................................................4
III. What have humans done to the Earth.............................................................
1. Greed.......................................................................................................5
A. The correlation between greed and environmental destruction...........5
B. The price of greed: How human avarice is destroying the planet.......6
C. Consequences of greed:.......................................................................7
2. Sloth........................................................................................................8
A. The correlation between sloth and environmental inaction.....................8
B. Apathy in sloth: The impact of inaction on the environment..................9
C. Consequences of Sloth:............................................................................9
IV. Is it possible to change what we have made?..................................................
1. Some solutions to reduce the negative impacts of humans on the
environment....................................................................................................10
2. Examples of individuals who have made impactful changes to the Earth.
11
V. Conclusion..........................................................................................................
REFERENCES.......................................................................................................

3
I. Introduction

Human activities, like deforestation, pollution, and fossil fuel use, are
destroying ecosystems and driving climate change. This causes global warming,
biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation, threatening Earth's long-term
sustainability. One of the most shocking revelations is that the Amazon
rainforest, often called the "lungs of the Earth," is now emitting more carbon
dioxide than it absorbs due to deforestation and wildfires. Once a vital carbon
sink, parts of the Amazon have turned into a net carbon source, accelerating
global climate change. These are just a few consequences of what humans have
done to the Earth. In our assignment, we will make it clearer that humans are a
dangerous feature to our planet.

II. The current state of natural environment

1. The world before human existence

Before human existence, our planet was a dynamic marvel of geological

processes. Continents drifted and mountains rose, like the Himalayas, which
began forming about 50 million years ago.

The Earth was a symphony of pristine landscapes: vast forests teeming with
life, oceans brimming with creatures, and skies clear and untainted. Its
atmosphere was rich in carbon dioxide and methane. It provided a stable climate
that nurtured a rich tapestry of biodiversity. From towering redwoods to the
smallest insects, every organism played a role in a finely-tuned ecological
orchestra.

Natural resources were abundant and renewable. Forests regenerated, rivers

flowed freely, and minerals lay in their natural states, ready for their role in the
grand design of Earth’s ecosystems. Fossil fuels formed over 300 to 400 million
years ago, setting the stage for future energy use. Life thrived in equilibrium, a
testament to the planet’s robust and self-sustaining systems.

2. The world after human existence

After the advent of human civilization, our impact on the planet has been
profound and pervasive. The rise of industrialization brought significant
pollution, with factories and vehicles emitting harmful substances into the air.
Greenhouse gas emissions have skyrocketed; CO₂ levels have risen from 280
parts per million before industrialization to around 420 ppm today, driving
global warming and climate change. This warming is evident in the rise of
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global temperatures by about 1.2°C since the late 19th century, causing glaciers
to melt and sea levels to rise.

Our actions have led to widespread environmental degradation. Biodiversity

has suffered dramatically, with extinction rates 100 to 1,000 times higher than
natural rates. Coral reefs, which support a significant portion of marine life,
have declined by about 50% in the past 30 years. Overexploitation of resources
like forests and fish stocks has pushed many ecosystems to the brink. The
Amazon rainforest, often called the “lungs of the Earth", has seen about 20%
deforestation in the past 50 years.

Waste generation has also surged, with over 2 billion tons of municipal solid
waste produced annually, much of it ending up in landfills. The plastic waste
crisis is particularly alarming, with around 8 million tons of plastic entering our
oceans each year, affecting marine life and ecosystems.

III. What have humans done to the Earth

Humans have dramatically transformed the Earth through their actions,

driven by both greed and sloth. These behaviors have resulted in irreversible
damage to ecosystems, climate, and biodiversity. This section delves deeper
into how these factors have contributed to environmental degradation.

1. Greed
Greed is one of the most significant driving forces behind environmental
destruction. It pushes individuals, corporations, and governments to prioritize
short-term profits and material wealth over the long-term health of the planet.
This insatiable desire for more whether in terms of resources, wealth, or power
has led to unchecked exploitation of natural resources, extensive pollution, and
widespread environmental degradation.

A. The correlation between greed and environmental destruction

Greed drives the overexploitation of finite resources, which has long-term
consequences on ecosystems, biodiversity, and the overall health of the planet.
As natural resources are depleted, ecosystems struggle to regenerate, causing
permanent damage. Below are key examples of how greed manifests in human
actions:

Resource depletion:

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 Human greed has led to the rapid consumption of non-renewable resources
such as fossil fuels, minerals, and freshwater. Fossil fuel extraction, for
instance, has been driven by the global demand for energy. However, this
results in the depletion of reserves that took millions of years to form, while
also releasing large amounts of CO₂ and other greenhouse gasses into the
atmosphere, driving climate change.
Example: The world's oil consumption has surged to over 90 million barrels a
day, putting enormous pressure on natural reserves while also exacerbating
carbon emissions.

Exploitation of nature for profit:

Nature has been seen as a limitless resource, to be harvested and exploited for
economic gain. Forests are logged for timber, land is cleared for agriculture, and
oceans are overfished, often with little regard for long-term sustainability. This
exploitation has led to habitat loss and the collapse of ecosystems.
Example: Overfishing has decimated fish populations, with 31% of the
world’s fish stocks being overfished. This has caused marine biodiversity to
decline sharply, threatening food security for millions of people worldwide.

Habitat destruction:

In the relentless pursuit of economic development, vast swaths of land are

cleared to make way for agriculture, urban development, and industrial
infrastructure. This deforestation and land conversion leave countless species
without homes, contributing to biodiversity loss.
Example: The Amazon rainforest, often called the "lungs of the Earth," has
been deforested at alarming rates. Over 20% of the forest has been cleared in
the last 50 years, significantly reducing its ability to absorb CO₂.

B. The price of greed: How human avarice is destroying the planet

Human pride in material wealth often blinds people to the broader

consequences of their actions on the planet. From individuals accumulating
wealth to corporations striving for ever-larger profits, pride in one's economic
success often results in actions that harm the environment.

Mining and drilling:

Driven by corporate greed, industries involved in mining and drilling for

minerals, oil, and natural gas often ignore environmental regulations and

6
consequences. The extraction processes frequently result in deforestation, loss
of biodiversity, water contamination, and the displacement of local
communities.
Example: The oil industry has long been linked to environmental disasters,
such as oil spills in the oceans, which have devastated marine life. The
Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010 released millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf
of Mexico, causing catastrophic damage to marine ecosystems.

Fast fashion:

Another significant contributor to environmental degradation is the fashion

industry, specifically the rise of fast fashion. Driven by consumer demand for
cheap and trendy clothing, companies produce large quantities of low-cost
apparel, often using unsustainable practices. This leads to excessive water
usage, chemical pollution, and waste.
Example: The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon
emissions, and it produces 92 million tons of waste annually, much of which
ends up in landfills or is burned, releasing harmful chemicals into the
environment.

C. Consequences of greed:

Climate change:

Greed accelerates climate change by encouraging the excessive burning of

fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and industry. Deforestation, particularly
in tropical regions like the Amazon, further compounds this issue by reducing
the number of trees available to absorb CO₂. The result is an increase in global
temperatures, leading to extreme weather events, melting ice caps, and rising
sea levels.
Example: The world has already warmed by about 1.2°C since the pre-
industrial era, largely due to the burning of fossil fuels. This warming has led to
more frequent and severe heat waves, droughts, and hurricanes.

Pollution:

Industrial greed often leads to pollution as companies prioritize cost-cutting

over environmental responsibility. Factories and power plants release harmful
chemicals and greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere and water bodies. This
results in air and water pollution, which harms both human health and
ecosystems.
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 Example: Industrial waste has heavily polluted rivers like the Ganges in India
and the Citarum in Indonesia, where toxic chemicals from factories have
severely degraded water quality, affecting millions of people who rely on these
water sources for drinking and agriculture.
2. Sloth

While greed drives the over-exploitation of resources, sloth or human

laziness and apathy plays an equally harmful role in environmental destruction.
Many people are aware of environmental issues but choose not to act, either out
of convenience, lack of motivation, or a sense of helplessness. This inaction
allows destructive behaviors to persist, enabling environmental degradation to
worsen.

A. The correlation between sloth and environmental inaction

Sloth manifests in various forms of apathy, where individuals or societies fail

to adopt environmentally friendly practices. Whether it's the refusal to reduce
personal waste, recycle, or take public transportation, human laziness
contributes to ongoing harm to the planet.

Apathy Toward Sustainable Practices:

Many people are aware of environmental problems like climate change and
plastic pollution but do not make meaningful changes. For example, despite the
availability of reusable bags, many still choose single-use plastics because it’s
easier or more convenient.
Example: The average American generates 4.4 pounds of waste per day,
much of which could be recycled or composted but is instead thrown away due
to a lack of effort or infrastructure.

Missed Opportunities for Change:

Sloth also results in missed opportunities to implement or support

environmental policies that could make a significant impact. For instance, many
governments and corporations delay taking meaningful action on climate
change or pollution control because of political or economic interests, allowing
environmental issues to escalate.
Example: Despite the growing availability of renewable energy technologies,
many countries continue to rely heavily on fossil fuels because of inertia and
vested interests, missing crucial opportunities to reduce carbon emissions.

8
B. Apathy in sloth: The impact of inaction on the environment

Apathy toward environmental issues can be even more dangerous than

ignorance. Many problems persist not because people are unaware, but because
they fail to take action. Whether it’s the reluctance to change consumption
habits or the lack of urgency in addressing pollution, human sloth enables the
continued degradation of ecosystems.

Waste Generation:

Apathy contributes to the growing waste problem. Many people do not make
the effort to recycle, and companies often avoid adopting sustainable packaging
solutions because of cost. As a result, waste continues to pile up in landfills and
oceans.
Example: Each year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans,
affecting marine life and contributing to the formation of massive garbage
patches, like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

C. Consequences of Sloth:
Failure to Adopt Sustainable Habits:

By failing to adopt sustainable practices like reducing energy consumption,

recycling, or choosing eco-friendly products, people exacerbate environmental
problems. These small, individual actions accumulate over time, making global
solutions even harder to implement.
Example: Energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy sources are
widely available, yet many households continue to rely on traditional, energy-
intensive technologies due to a lack of initiative.

Climate Inaction:

Climate change requires immediate and concerted action, yet apathy and
complacency have slowed global efforts to mitigate its effects. In some cases,
people fail to recognize the urgency of the issue, while in others, governments
and corporations delay implementing necessary changes due to political or
financial considerations.
Example: The Paris Agreement set ambitious goals for reducing carbon
emissions, but many countries are falling short of their targets due to a lack of
political will and public pressure.
IV. Is it possible to change what we have made?

9
 1. Some solutions to reduce the negative impacts of humans on the
environment.

As the consequences of human activities cause severe problems to our own

living habitat, the need for solutions to mitigate these impacts has become more
and more urgent.

Transition to renewable energy

The first solution is adopting renewable energy. Overusing fossil fuels, such
as coal, oil and natural gas is one of the main contributors to environmental
destruction. These non-renewable energy sources release large amounts of
greenhouse gasses into the air, primarily carbon dioxide (CO₂), which leads to
global warming. A fundamental solution to this problem is the transition to
renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower. Unlike fossil
fuels, renewable energy sources do not deplete over time and have a minimal
carbon footprint. Some countries have already made significant strides in
transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as Denmark and Germany,
which set a good example for others to follow.

Sustainable practices

Agriculture is another factor that leaves a great impact on the environment,

including deforestation, soil degradation, and excessive water usage. The
widespread use of fertilizers and pesticides contributes to soil and water
pollution, harming both ecosystems and human health. Adopting sustainable
practices, such as organic farming, crop rotation, and agroforestry, can reduce
these negative impacts. For instance, organic farming reduces reliance on
chemical fertilizers and pesticides, enhancing soil health and biodiversity.

Reducing plastic waste

Plastic pollution is also one of the most well-known causes of environmental

degradation. Single-use plastics like bottles, bags, and straws often end up in
landfills or oceans, where they harm marine life and ecosystems. In order to
reduce plastic pollution, governments, industries, and individuals need to
embrace the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic materials.
Simple steps like avoiding plastic products while shopping or in daily life can
make remarkable changes.

10
 2. Examples of individuals who have made impactful changes to the
Earth.

"Saigon Xanh" is an environmental volunteer group in Ho Chi Minh City,

founded by Nguyen Luong Ngoc. They mobilize hundreds of young volunteers
to clean polluted canals and promote sustainable living. Their efforts go beyond
cleanups, aiming to raise awareness about environmental protection. Notably,
they use floating barriers to collect trash and ensure responsible waste disposal.
Despite challenges like recurring pollution and health risks, the group continues
monthly cleanups, inspiring other green movements in Vietnam (Soha)(SGX
Group).

Wangari Maathai was a renowned Kenyan environmental and political

activist, best known for founding the Green Belt Movement in 1977. This
grassroots organization focused on environmental conservation, women’s
rights, and sustainable development. Through tree planting, the movement
aimed to combat deforestation, restore ecosystems. Under Maathai's leadership,
over 51 million trees were planted across Africa, significantly contributing to
environmental restoration and the fight against climate change.

Boyan Slat, a Dutch inventor, is the founder of The Ocean Cleanup, an

ambitious project aimed at removing plastic pollution from the world's oceans.
He launched the initiative in 2013 at the age of 18, after observing plastic
pollution while scuba diving. His team designed systems that use natural ocean
currents to collect and remove plastic debris, focusing on large accumulations
like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

The Ocean Cleanup’s innovative approach includes the development of

floating barriers to trap plastic, which is then collected and recycled. Slat’s goal
is to remove 90% of the ocean's plastic pollution by 2040. His work has
received widespread recognition for its technological innovation and
environmental impact.
V. Conclusion
In conclusion, human activities have caused severe harm to the Earth, from
deforestation, pollution to natural resources depletion, which all led to climate
change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. Hence, it is high time
we took action. Individuals can help reduce their environmental footprint by
adopting sustainable habits, such as recycling, conversing energy and
supporting eco-friendly practices. Meanwhile, societies can focus on
transitioning to renewable energy, preserving the ecosystems as well as
11
investing in green technologies. With collective effort, the environment can be
restored and our planet will heal, ensuring a better world for the future
generations.

12
 REFERENCES

1. [Link]
2023/

2. [Link]

3. [Link]

4. [Link]
management

5. [Link]
deaths-globally-2021-becoming-second-leading-risk

6. [Link]

7. [Link]
gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw1NK4BhAwEiwAVUHPULFL1fPAHh
XX21RmhyU514iSCyE3rSmguimRMNxgRoDoVeYN0bdtUhoCioEQAv
D_BwE

13
 Questions

1. Which of the following is a result of human greed according to the

text?
A. Preservation of natural habitats
B. Reduction in pollution
C. Resource depletion
D. Increase in biodiversity

2. What is the impact of human sloth on the environment mentioned in

the text?
A. Promoting sustainable practices
B. Reducing waste generation
C. Apathy toward environmental issues
D. Decreasing carbon footprint

3. Which greenhouse gas contributes the most to global warming?

A. Methane (CH4)
B. Carbon dioxide (CO2)
C. Nitrous oxide (N2O)
D. Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6)

4. Which is NOT a renewable energy source?

A. Solar energy
B. Wind energy
C. Fossil fuels
D. Hydropower

5. Which forest is known as “Lungs of the Earth”?

A. Congo Rainforest
B. Temperate Evergreen Forest
C. Tropical Deciduous Forest
D. Amazon Forest

6. Which of the following is a consequence of deforestation?

A. Increased oxygen production
B. Greater biodiversity
C. Loss of habitat for wildlife
D. Decreased soil erosion

7. How do greenhouse gas contribute to climate change?

A. They absorb and trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere
B. They reflect sunlight back into space

14
C. They help plants grow faster
D. They reduce the temperature of the Earth's surface

8. Why is protecting wetlands important for the environment?

A. They increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
B. They serve as habitats for many species and help prevent flooding
C. They dry out the soil for farming
D. They speed up climate change

9. What is the main cause of ocean acidification?

A. Increased oxygen levels in the water
B. Excess carbon dioxide absorbed by the oceans
C. The melting of polar ice caps
D. Oil spill in the ocean

[Link] were the two sins mentioned in the presentation?

A. Pride and Wrath
B. Sloth and Gluttony
C. Envy and Lust
D. Sloth and Greed

[Link] did the Himalayas begin forming?

A. About 50 millions years ago
B. About 25 millions years ago
C. About 5 millions years ago
D. About 100 millions years ago

[Link] was the primary composition of Earth’s early atmosphere?

A. Nitrogen and Oxygen
B. Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide
C. Carbon Dioxide and Methane
D. Nitrogen and Argon

[Link] much plastic waste enters the oceans each year?

A. 1 million tons
B. 3 million tons
C. 5 million tons
D. 8 million ton

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