Environmental pollution

1. What is environmental pollution?

Environmental pollution is a term that refers to all the ways that human activity harms the natural
environment.
2. What are the chief (main) types of pollution?
The chief types of environmental pollution include air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, pollution
caused by solid waste and hazardous waste, and noise pollution.
3. Why is environmental pollution a serious problem?
Environmental pollution is one of the most serious problems facing humanity today. Badly polluted air can
harm crops and cause life-threatening illnesses. Some air pollutants cause the Greenhouse effect and Global
Warming – they have begun to change climates around the world. Water and soil pollution threaten the
ability of farmers to grow enough food. Ocean pollution endangers many marine organisms.
4. What is an ecosystem?
All the living things in an environment and the nonliving things with which they interact make up an
ecosystem. All the ecosystems of Earth are connected. So, pollution that seems to affect only one part of the
environment may also affect other parts.
5. Why is it difficult to end or greatly decrease pollution?
People would have to reduce their use of cars and other modern conveniences. Some factories would have to
close or change production methods. This would increase unemployment. If farmers suddenly stopped using
chemical fertilizers and pesticides, there might be less food to feed the people of the world.

Air Pollution
1. What is air pollution?
Air pollution is the contamination of the air by such substances as exhaust fumes and factory smoke.
2. What are the harmful effects of air pollution?
Air pollution can harm the health of plants and animals and damage buildings and other structures. It can
cause a change in the worldwide climate. According to the World Health Organization, about 3 million
people die each year as a result of air pollution.
3. What does the atmosphere consist of?
The atmosphere normally consists of nitrogen, oxygen, and small amounts of carbon dioxide and other gases
and particulates (tiny particles of liquid or solid matter).
4. What are the two main types of air pollution?
There are two chief types of air pollution: outdoor and indoor.
5. What does most of outdoor air pollution result from?
Most of outdoor air pollution results from the burning of fuel to power motor vehicles and to heat buildings.
Some air pollution also comes from business and industrial processes.
6. What is smog?
Smog is a brown, hazy mixture of gases and particulates.
7. What is ozone?
Ozone is a toxic form of oxygen.
8. What does ozone cause?
Exposure to high concentrations of ozone causes headaches, burning eyes, and irritation of the respiratory
tract in many individuals. In some cases, ozone in the lower atmosphere can cause death. Ozone can also
damage plant life and even kill trees.
9. What is acid rain?
Acid rain is a term for rain and other precipitation that is polluted mainly by sulfuric acid and nitric acid. It
comes chiefly from the burning of coal, gas, and oil by cars, factories, and power plants.
10. What can acid rain do?
Acid rain can kill fish populations in lakes. It has also damaged many buildings, bridges, and statues.
Scientists believe high concentrations of acid rain can harm forests and soil.
11. What pollutants destroy the ozone layer?
Chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's).
12. What is the ozone layer?
Ozone forms a protective layer in the upper atmosphere. It protects Earth's surface from more than 95
percent of the sun's ultraviolet radiation.
13. What is the greenhouse effect?
The greenhouse effect is the warming that results when Earth's atmosphere traps the sun's heat. It is created
by carbon dioxide, methane, and other atmospheric gases, which allow sunlight to reach Earth but prevent
heat from leaving the atmosphere. These heat-trapping gases are often called greenhouse gases.
14. What can be the results of a strong greenhouse effect?
A strong greenhouse effect could result in melting of glaciers and Arctic ice, floods, droughts and severe
tropical storms.
15. What is indoor air pollution?
Indoor air pollution occurs when buildings with poorly designed ventilation systems trap pollutants inside.
16. What are the main types of indoor air pollutants?
The main types of indoor pollutants are tobacco smoke, gases from stoves, household chemicals and
hazardous fumes such as glue and paint.

Water pollution
1. What is water pollution?
Water pollution is the contamination of water by sewage, toxic chemicals, metals, oils, or other substances.
2. What can water pollution affect?
It can affect such surface waters as rivers, lakes, and oceans, as well as the water beneath Earth's surface,
called ground water.
3. Where does water pollution come from?
Water pollution comes from businesses, farms, homes, industries, and other sources. It includes sewage,
industrial chemicals, agricultural chemicals, and livestock wastes. Water pollution occurs when people put so
much waste into a water system that its natural cleansing processes cannot function properly.
4. What is thermal pollution?
It is the clean but heated water discharged by power plants into waterways. This heated water, called thermal
pollution, harms fish and aquatic plants by reducing the amount of oxygen in the water.
5. What diseases can water pollution cause?
Disease-carrying bacteria in the waste can then contaminate the drinking water and cause such illnesses as
cholera and dysentery.

Soil pollution
1. What is soil pollution?
Soil pollution is the destruction of Earth's thin layer of healthy, productive soil, where much of our food is
grown.
2. What does healthy soil depend on?
Healthy soil depends on bacteria, fungi, and small animals to break down wastes in the soil and release
nutrients. These nutrients help plants grow.
3. What harm can fertilizers and pesticides do?
Fertilizers and pesticides can limit the ability of soil organisms to process wastes. As a result, farmers who
overuse fertilizers and pesticides can destroy the soil's productivity.
4. What human activities can damage soil?
A number of human activities can damage soil. The irrigation of soil in dry areas with poor drainage can
leave water standing in fields. When this standing water evaporates, it leaves salt deposits behind, making
the soil too salty for growing crops. Mining operations and smelters contaminate soil with toxic heavy
metals.

Solid waste
1. Where does solid waste come from?
Solid waste comes from homes, offices, and stores. It is called municipal solid waste. It also comes from
industries and agriculture.
2. What does solid waste include?
It includes paper, plastic, glass, metal cans, food scraps, and yard trimmings. Other waste consists of junked
automobiles, scrap metal, leftover materials from agricultural processes, and mining wastes known as spoil.
3. What is spoil?
Spoil is mining wastes.
4. Why are open dumps harmful?
Open dumps ruin the natural beauty of the land and provide a home for rats and other disease-carrying
animals. Both open dumps and landfills (areas of buried wastes) may contain toxins that pollute ground
water or surface waters.
5. What does the uncontrolled burning of solid waste create?
The uncontrolled burning of solid waste creates smoke and other air pollution. Even burning waste in
incinerators can release toxic chemicals, ash, and harmful metals into the air.

Hazardous waste
1. What is hazardous waste?
Hazardous waste is composed of discarded substances that can threaten human health and the environment.
2. When is a waste hazardous?
A waste is hazardous if it corrodes other materials; explodes; ignites easily; reacts strongly with water; or is
poisonous.
3. What are the sources of hazardous waste?
Sources of hazardous waste include industries, hospitals, and laboratories.
4. Why is such waste hazardous?
Such waste can cause immediate injury when people breathe, swallow, or touch it. Hazardous waste can
seriously harm the health of people, wildlife, and plants.
5. What are the main hazardous pollutants?
These pollutants include radiation, pesticides, and heavy metals.
6. What is radiation?
Radiation is an invisible pollutant that can contaminate any part of the environment.
7. Where does radiation come from?
Most radiation comes from natural sources, such as minerals and the sun's rays. Radioactive waste is
produced by nuclear reactors and weapons factories.
8. What does radiation cause?
Exposure to large amounts of radiation can harm cells and result in cancer. It can cause death.
9. What do heavy metals include?
Heavy metals include mercury and lead.
10. What are the sources of heavy metals?
Mining operations, industrial processes, and motor vehicles can all release heavy metals into the
environment.
11. Why are heavy metals harmful?
Heavy metals can damage bones, various internal organs, and the nervous system. Many can also cause
cancer.
12. Why are pesticides harmful?
They can damage bones, various internal organs, and the nervous system. Many can also cause cancer.

Noise pollution
1. What is noise?
Noise is unwanted sound considered unpleasant, loud or disruptive to hearing.
2. What is noise pollution?
Noise pollution is any disturbing or unwanted noise that interferes or harms humans or wildlife.
3. Where does noise pollution come from?
Noise pollution comes from such machines as airplanes, motor vehicles, construction machinery, and
industrial equipment.
4. What are the harmful effects of noise pollution?
Noise does not dirty the air, water, or land, but it can cause discomfort, anxiety, sleep disturbances, stress and
hearing loss in human beings and other animals.
5. Why does noise pollution receive little attention?
Noise pollution receives less attention than water quality and air quality issues because it cannot be seen,
tasted, or smelled.
Controlling pollution
1. What does controlling pollution depend on?
Controlling pollution depends on the efforts of governments, scientists, business and industry, agriculture,
environmental organizations, and individuals.
2. What do local governments do to control pollution?
Many local governments have enacted laws to help clean up the environment. For example, such laws that
include measures to restrict the use of gasoline-powered vehicles and to encourage the use of public
transport. National governments may put taxes on the release of pollutants or substances that create
pollution. High gasoline taxes may encourage people to drive less, to carpool, and to use public
transportation, thus reducing air pollution from automobiles.
5. What are the efforts of scientists?
Scientists and engineers look for technological solutions. Many industrial researchers are finding more
economical ways to use fuels and other raw materials. Scientists and engineers are researching ways to
generate electric power more cheaply from renewable energy sources, such as the wind and the sun, causing
little or no pollution.
6. How do business and industry control pollution?
Some companies have developed environmentally safe products or packaging to satisfy consumer demands.
Lighter and less bulky packaging means distributors use less fuel transporting the products. In addition, the
consumer throws out less packaging and creates less garbage.
7. What is done in the sphere of agriculture to control pollution?
Scientists and farmers are developing ways to grow food that require less fertilizers and pesticides. Many
farmers rotate their crops from year to year to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
8. What do environmental organizations do?
Environmental organizations work to help control pollution by raising money for their incentives, raising
people’s awareness of environmental issues; by trying to influence lawmakers and to elect political leaders
who care about the environment.
9. What can individuals do to reduce pollution?
People should use public transport, ride a bike, walk instead of driving a private car.
People can save electric power by buying energy saving light bulbs.
People can insulate their houses and use double-glazed windows. This way they will be using less electricity
to warm their accommodation.
People can buy more local organic products and in-season food rather than processed food and convenience
food. It is a good idea to calculate food miles before you buy something.
It might be cool to get a reusable shopping bag and eco-friendly packaging for shopping.
It is a good idea to reuse as much as possible. People should fix their own gadgets, mend old clothes or give
them away. Buying secondhand stuff is also ‘green’.
People should be involved in recycling programs. Recycled wastes include metal cans, glass, paper, plastic
containers, and old tires. Cans and plastics can be melted down and reused.
Donate money and volunteer for environmental organizations.
10. What do you do to control or reduce pollution? (choose what is true for you from 9.)

Environmental organizations
Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth
1. What are Environmental organizations?
These are special organizations, which try to save our nature.
2. What kind of an organization is Greenpeace?
Greenpeace is a non-profit organization, with a presence in 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia
and the Pacific. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments or corporations but relies on
donations from individual supporters and foundation grants.
3. What problems does Greenpeace focus on?
Greenpeace focuses on the most crucial worldwide environmental problems. It campaigns 1) to stop climate
change; 2) to stop whaling; 3) to eliminate toxic chemicals; 4) to protect ancient forests; 5) to save the
oceans; 6) to say no to genetic engineering; 7) to encourage sustainable trade; 8) to stop the nuclear threat.
4. How many supporters does Greenpeace have?
It has 3,5 million supporters worldwide.
5. What is the slogan of Greenpeace?
“When the last tree is cut, the last river poisoned, and the last fish dead, we will discover that we can’t eat
money.“
6. What are the principles of Greenpeace?
It is committed to the principles of non-violence, political independence and internationalism.
7. What is Friends of the Earth?
It is one of the leading environmental pressure organizations in the UK. Friends of the Earth is a national
campaigning organization established in Britain in 1971 with a network of 250 local groups. There are
Friends of the Earth groups in 35 countries in four continents.
8. What is the messeage of Friends of the Earth?
Its message: it is only in protecting the Earth that we can protect ourselves against pollution, the destruction
of our urban and rural environment, mass unemployment and the horrors of global famine and war.
9. What campaign methods does Friends of the Earth use?
Its role is to put the pressure on politicians and decision-makers at every level. Friends of the Earth groups
are constantly addressing public meetings; giving radio, TV and newspaper interviews; and meeting
politicians, civil servants, local government officers and representatives from industry. Friends of the Earth
ask people to think about the environmental consequence of everything they do: to refuse to buy
overpackaged goods; insulate your home to save energy; travel by bicycle or public transport wherever
possible; and persuade your family, friends and work colleagues to do the same. It all helps. Friends of the
Earth is politically impartial.
10. How many supporters does it have?
There are about 50,000 registered Friends of the Earth supporters who provide about 40 per cent of the
annual income.
11. What environmental organizations are there in your country?

Nuclear energy
1. What is nuclear energy?
Nuclear energy, also called atomic energy, is the powerful energy released by changes in the nucleus (core)
of atoms.
2. How does a nuclear reactor operate?
A nuclear reactor operates somewhat like a furnace. But instead of using such fuels as coal or oil, almost all
reactors use uranium. And instead of burning in the reactor, the uranium fissions – that is, its nuclei split in
two. As a nucleus splits, it releases energy that is converted largely into heat. The heat produces steam. The
steam turns the turbines. The turbines power generators which produce electricity
3. What is the consequence of exposure to too much radiation?
Nuclear radiation can be extremely dangerous. Exposure to too much radiation can result in a condition
called radiation sickness.
4. How many nuclear power plants are there in the world?
As of 2023 in 32 countries 436 nuclear power plants are in operation and 60 nuclear power plants are under
construction. Nuclear power plants produce about 10 percent of the world’s electricity. The United States has
92 nuclear reactors and is the world’s largest producer of nuclear energy.
5. What are the advantages of nuclear energy?
Nuclear power plants have two main advantages over fossil- fuel plants:
 A nuclear plant uses a small amount of fuel that generates huge amount of energy.
 Uranium releases no chemical or solid pollutants into the air during use.
6. What are the disadvantages of nuclear energy?
Nuclear power plants have three major disadvantages:
 Nuclear power plants cost more to build than fossil-fuel plants. It costs $6 to $8 billion to build one
new reactor for a plant.
 Nuclear power plants must meet certain government regulations. For example, a nuclear plant must
automatically switch itself off in case of emergency.
 Nuclear reactors produce radioactive waste which remains radioactive for thousands of years. This
material is difficult to dispose of safely.
7. What chemical element do many power reactors harness?
Almost all today’s power reactors use a scarce type of uranium known as U-235.

Chernobyl
1. When and where did the worst nuclear accident happen?
The worst nuclear accident in history occured in 1986 at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine,
which was then part of the Soviet Union. The two explosions took place at 1:23 a.m. On 26 April 1986.
2. When did the evacuation of villages begin?
The evacuation of villages near the reactor began about 40 hours after the explosions. It was only by 2 May,
nearly a week later that the evacuation zone was extended to 30 kilometres around the plant.
3. Were the Chernobyl reactors originally designed for military or civil use?
The Chernobyl reactors were not originally designed for civilian use. Their design is based on a military
reactor, built to produce materials for nuclear weapons.
4. How many workers who cleaned up after the blast have fallen ill?
Of the 400,000 workers who cleaned up after the blast, an estimated 30,000 have fallen ill, many with sexual
or reproductive disorders.
5. What was the problem with reactor number four?
It exploded. The design and operational failures caused the accident. It had a design flaw which makes it
unstable unless it is operating at full power. The Chernobyl reactor also did not conform to international
safety standards: all safety mechanisms could be switched off manually (they had been switched off just
before the explosion); and there was no protective structure around the reactors to limit the effects of an
accident.

6. What countries were affected by the radiation?

The countries worst affected by the radiation included Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Georgia, Poland, Sweden,
Germany and Turkey. But radioactive particles were carried much further away. Even Japan and the US, on
the other side of the globe, received measurable amounts of radiation after the accident.
7. Were reactors one and three supplying Ukraine with electricity after the explosion?
The remaining reactors one and three were still supplying Ukraine with 5 per cent of its electricity. The
nuclear plant was supposed to close permanently at the end of 1993, but it was closed only in 2000.
8. Did the Chernobyl reactor conform to international safety standards?
The Chernobyl reactor did not conform to international safety standards: all safety mechanisms could be
switched off manually.
9. What diseases did many people suffer from after the nuclear accident?
Radiation sickness. Sexual or reproductive disorders. Another disease, known as “Chernobyl Aids”, depletes
the killer cells of the immune system. Leukemia and malignant tumours, thyroid cancer. Stress-related illness
is also a problem.
10. Why do people have fear of nuclear energy?
Many people view Chernobyl as proof that technology has run amok. They say nuclear technology is not
worth the risks.

Alternative sources of energy

1. What are alternative sources of energy?
Alternative sources of energy are solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy, biomass
energy.
2. What non-renewable sources of energy do you know?
Oil, gas, coal, uranium.
4. What is solar energy?
Solar energy is the energy of the Sun. Solar panels use this energy for generating electricity and heat. Much
energy is generated at solar power plants or solar farms.
5. What is wind energy?
Wind Energy is the energy of the wind. When the blades of a wind turbine [ˈtəːbɪn] spin, the generator works
and it converts wind energy to electrical energy. Wind turbines can work alone (windmill) or in a group,
called a wind farm.
6. What is hydropower?
Hydropower is the energy of water. The water flows through a river dam, it makes generators work and
produce ['prɔdjuːs] electricity. Falling water generates 25% of the world’s electricity.
7. What is geothermal energy?
Geothermal Energy is heat that comes from inside Earth. The steam [stiːm] from magma gets to the
generator and it produces electricity.
8. What is Biomass energy?
Biomass Energy is produced from organic materials. Wood is the principal fuel for 80% of people in
developing countries.
9. What forms of power from the sea are there?
Ocean power comes in four main forms: wave power, tidal power, current power, and ocean thermal energy
conversion, which exploits temperature differences between surface and depths.
10. What alternative fuels do you now?
Most vehicles are traditionally powered by gasoline or diesel fuel. Now there are some alternatives: 1)
natural gas (but it is non-renewable), 2) biofuels: ethanol and biodiesel, 3) hydrogen (for electric cars).
11. Which source of energy do you feel most positive about? Why?

The Third World

1. What is the Third World?
Third World is the general name for economically developing nations.
2. Where are the countries of the Third World located?
The countries of the Third World, containing two-thirds of the world’s population, are located in Latin
America, Africa, and Asia.
3. What are the main characteristics of the Third World?
The Third World countries are generally characterized by
 (1) a lack of democracy
 (2) political instability
 (3) low literacy levels but high birth rate
 (4) poor health facilities and transport infrastructure
 slow pace of industrialization,
 low to very low levels of income that is insufficient to generate savings for economic growth,
 dependence on agricultural exports as main foreign exchange earners.
4. What are the common problems of developing countries?
They share common problems of poverty, famine and malnutrition, unemployment, high crime rates, child
labour, natural disasters and crop failure, limited resources, poor sanitation and healthcare.
5. What are the chief causes of crop failure?
The chief causes of crop failure include: 1) natural disasters (drought, flooding, cyclones, earthquakes, early
frosts, and tsunamis) and 2) plant diseases and pests (e. g. swarms of locusts).
6. What natural disasters can create a famine?
Such natural disasters as cyclones, earthquakes, early frosts, and huge, destructive waves called tsunamis
may affect a large area, destroying enough crops to create a famine.
7. What are the chief causes of famine?
The chief causes of famine include: 1) death and disease, 2) destruction of livestock and seed, 3) crime and
other social disorders, and 4) migration.
8. What types of crime are widespread in developing countries?
Such crimes as extortion, burglary, murder, kidnapping, arms trafficking, drug trafficking, looting,
prostitution, and theft. Desperate people steal food and other items they could not obtain otherwise. They
may sell stolen goods to buy something to eat.
9. What diseases do many people suffer from in developing countries?
Many famine victims die from diarrhea or some other ailment. Standing, open water bodies make attractive
breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which may transmit malaria. Drinking polluted water can cause cholera
and dysentery. All in all, they are called tropical diseases.
10. How many people do not have an adequate supply of water?
Nearly 1 billion of the world's people do not have an "adequate" supply of water.
11. Why do most developing countries have an increasing population?
Most developing countries have an increasing population, chiefly because death rates are decreasing and
birth rates remain high. Many nations have promoted birth control programs to limit their population growth.
However, such programs have had limited success in areas where large numbers of people remain poor.
Many poor people want large families so the children can help with the work and, later, care for the parents.
12. Do you sympathize with people of developing countries? Why? / Why not?

Charity
1. What is charity?
 An organization whose purpose is to give money, food, or help to those who need it, or
to carry out activities such as medical research that will help people in need, and not to make a profit;
 Help, especially in the form of money, given freely to people who are in need, for example because they
are ill, poor, or have no home.
2. What charitable organizations do you know?
Oxfam, Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), Actionaid, Shelter, Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled
People, Amnesty International.
3. What do the members of Oxfam do to help people?
Oxfam is a charitable organisation that helps save millions of lives every day by providing food, shelter and
medical supplies for victims of famines, floods and civil war in the developing world. It works to improve the
lives of the less fortunate all over the world. It teaches them to grow their own food, dig wells for clean
water and even to become health workers. It also gives advice on education and on how to prepare for
droughts and famines by storing water and food.
4. What is the mission of Voluntary Service Overseas?
Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) is a charity that is committed to helping improve the quality of life for
people living in poor countries. It does this by sending expert volunteers to places where they can share
their skills with the local people and therefore help them to help themselves.
5. When was VSO set up? How many volunteers does VSO have?
VSO was set up in 1958 and since then it has placed over 29,000 volunteers overseas. At present, there are
about 2,000 qualified and experienced volunteers working in the Third World countries.
6. Where and when was Actionaid founded?
Actionaid was founded in Britain in 1972.
7. What is Actionaid’s motto and mission?
Actionaid’s motto is “Giving people choices”. Their first aim is to provide a basic education and, where
needed, food, clothing, and medical care.
8. What is Actionaid’s sponsorship scheme based on?
Their sponsorship scheme is based on the belief that individual people relate much more easily to the needs
and problems of one other person than to the statistics expressed in millions. Sponsorship is a personal
relationship with one child in need, and sponsors have a link with the child, either through reports on
progress at school or by direct correspondence.
9. When was Shelter established? What problem does it tackle?
Shelter was established in Britain in 1966. The organisation was set up to tackle the problem of
homelessness in Britain. Today, shelter is a powerful force, helping over 60,000 people every year.
10. What is Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People dedicated to? What’s its main priority?
Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People is a charity that is dedicated to helping people with
physical disabilities. It provides many different services such as employment, training and housing as well as
advice and support through its specialist disability centres. Its main priority is to help people with
disabilities to live a normal life.
11. When was Amnesty International launched in? How many members does the organization have
worldwide?
Amnesty International was launched in 1961 by British lawyer Peter Benenson. He called on people from all
walks of life to begin working peacefully for the release of “thousands of men, women and children
imprisoned throughout the world for their political or religious beliefs”. Today Amnesty International has
over a million members worldwide.
12. What are the organization aims of Amnesty International?
The organisation aims:
 To free all prisoners of conscience
 To ensure fair and prompt trials for political prisoners
 To abolish the death penalty, torture and other cruel treatment of prisoners
 To end extrajudicial executions and “disappearances”.
13. What prizes did Amnesty International win?
Amnesty International has won several prizes, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977 and the United
Nations Human Rights Prize in 1978.
14. Do you sympathize with needy/disabled/homeless/poor/illiterate people? Why? / Why not?