COLLOCATION
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental degradation
Contaminated environment
Disposal of household waste Harmful to the environment
Recycle waste Toxic waste
battery farming/battery rearing
Soil erosion
environmental catastrophes
/kə'tæstrəfi/
Public health
Weather patterns Intense, Searing heat
Dire consequence Irreversible climate change
alternative energy sources Renewable energy
Green taxes Eco-friendly design
Biodegradable packaging
Unleaded petrol
Sufficient will
To be willing to do sth
vehicle emission offshore wind farm
Offsetting carbon emission
Offsetting is a valid way to reduce
global carbon emission quickly and
cost effectively Carbon footprint
Food miles
In addition, food miles could be
considered a visible factor negatively Find a solution
influencing environment. Draw attention of sb
Organic
GMO Fossil fuel
Green Belt
◦unleaded petrol • fossil fuels • recycle (things) •
organic
◦global warming
◦endangered species
genetically modified • greenhouse • rain forest •
global warming
erosion • contaminated • environmentalists •
emissions
biodegradable packaging • acid rain • Green Belt •
ecosystem
◦conservation programmes
◦Poaching
◦ ‘Environmental degradation is a major world problem. What causes this problem, and what
can we do to prevent it?’
◦
There is no doubt that the environment is in trouble. Factories burn (1)_______ which produce (2)____, and this
kills trees. At the same time, (3)________ gases rise into the air and contribute to (4)______ which threatens to
melt the polar ice cap. Meanwhile farmers clear huge areas of (5)_______ in places such as the Amazon to
produce feeding land for cattle or produce wood for building. Rivers and oceans are so heavily (6)_______ by
industrial waste that it is no longer safe to go swimming. Cars pump out poisonous (7)______ which we all have
to breathe in. (8)_______ and overfishing are killing off millions of animals, including whales, elephants and other
(9)_________.
◦ In fact, all around us, all living things large and small which comprise our finely balanced (10)________ are being
systematically destroyed by human greed and thoughtlessness. There is a lot we can all do, however, to help
prevent this. The easiest thing, of course, is to (11)______ waste material such as paper and glass so that we can
use it again. We should also check that the things we buy from supermarkets are packaged in
(12)____ packaging which decomposes easily. At the same time, we should make a conscious effort to avoid
foods which are 13 _____ (at least until someone proves that they are safe both for us and for the environment ).
If you are truly committed to protecting the environment, of course, you should only buy (14)_______
fruit and vegetables, safe in the knowledge that they have been naturally cultivated. Finally, of course,
we should buy a small car that uses (15) ________ which is less harmful to the environment or, even better,
make more use of public transport.
The serious (16)________ , however, do much more. They are aware of the global issues involved and will
actively involve themselves in 17conservation programs by making sure our forests are kept safe for future
generations. They will oppose activities which are harmful to animals, such as (18)_______ . And they will
campaign to keep the (19)_________ around our towns and cities free from new building.
We cannot all be as committed as them, but we can at least do our own little bit at grass roots level.
We, as humans, have inherited the earth, but that doesn’t mean we can do whatever we like with it.
KEY
◦ 1. fossil fuels 2. acid rain 3. greenhouse 4. global warming 5. rain forest 6.
contaminated 7. emissions / gases
8. Poaching 9. endangered species 10. ecosystem 11. recycle 12. biodegradable 13.
genetically modified
14. organic 15. unleaded petrol 16. environmentalists 17. conservation programmes
18. battery farming
19. Green Belts
Restricting air travel is the only way to prevent air pollution.
Do you agree?