Acid rain

Acid rain is caused by burning coal or oil. When either fuel is burned, it releases poisonous gases which are carried up into the atmosphere and sometimes transported long distances.

Over 3,000 research projects have been carried out to look into acid rain, and a decision to solve the problem has been taken in most of the western European countries. Measures have been taken in Scandinavia and in Central Europe to stop the pollution before it has destroyed the environment, and a diplomatic campaign has been launched to convince other countries that the problem has to be considered as a major ecological threat.

“Five years ago this issue wasn’t being treated seriously,” says one leading environmental group,” but now that damage has been reported in large areas of forest and lakeland, our politicians are being forced to take action. This problem must be solved quickly: if governments do nothing, they will be faced in two or three years‘ time with the accusation that they have allowed our forests to die.”

I. Match english phrases with their definition. (Найти соответствие)

1. Acid rain a. экологическая проблема

2. to carry out b. действовать

3. to take a decision c. исследовательский проект

4. to solve the problem d. кислотный дождь

5. to launched a campaign e. ядовитые газы

6. ecological threat f. проводить, осуществлять

7. to destroy the environment g. решать проблему

8. to take action h. начать компанию

9. poisonous gases i. разрушать экологическую среду

10. research project j. принимать решение

II. Find the answers to the given questions (найдите ответы на вопросы)