ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 1036.

Environmental pollution is a term that refers to all the ways by which people pollute their surroundings. People dirty the air with gases and smoke, poison the water with chemicals arid other substances, and dam­age the soil with too many fertilizers and pesticides. People also pollute their surroundings in various other ways. They rain natural beauty by scattering rubbish and litter on the land and in the water. They operate motor vehicles that fill the air with the noise.

Environmental pollution is one of the most serious problems facing humanity today. It causes global warming, destruction of the ozone lay­er, and other disastrous processes. Air, water, and soil — all harmed by pollution — are necessary to the survival of all living things. Badly pol­luted air can cause illness, and even death. Polluted water kills fish and other marine life. Pollution of soil reduces the amount of land available for growing crops. Environmental pollution also brings ugliness to our naturally beautiful world.

The pollution problem is as complicated as it is serious. It is compli­cated because much pollution is caused by things that benefit people. Exhaust from cars causes a large percentage of all air pollution, but the car provides transportation for millions of people. Factories discharge much of the material that pollutes air and water, but factories provide jobs for people and produce goods that people want. Too many fertiliz­ers or pesticides can rain soil, but they are important aids for the grow­ing of Crops.

Thus, to end or greatly reduce pollution immediately, people would have to stop using many things that benefit them. But pollution can be gradually reduced. Scientists and engineers should work hard to find the ways to lessen the amount of pollution that such things as cars and fac­tories cause. Governments should enforce laws that require enterprises or individuals to stop or to reduce certain polluting activities.

EXERCISE 11. Read and give a summary of the text.