Acid rain

Acid rain is caused by burning coal or oil. When either fuel is burned, it releases poisonous (ядовитый) 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 was not 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.’

Notes:

1. launch – (зд.) начать

2. convince – убеждать, считать

3. consider – рассматривать

4. accusation – обвинение

Ex. 15. Decide on the correct verb form. Choose from the verbs in Italics and underline the correct form.

Save the World!

Twenty-five years ago the United Nations explained to the world that our earth was in danger. From more than a thousand different types of plants, trees and flowers, only about five hundred still existed. The others destroyed / are destroyed / had been destroyed by modern man and his technology. The UN hoped that some extreme measures is taken / took / would be taken in order to protect nature.

But the earth, the air, the water and everything that grows and lives is changed / are being changed / had changed constantly. We cannot continue like this or we will destroy ourselves. We need action before it’s too late. Most people know that something should do / is done / be done now. Today at school and at home young people were encouraged / are encouraged / encouraged to look after the world. In some countries kids spend their time with projects on nature. Some plant trees and others clean riverbanks and forests.

Markets, school festivals or bike ralleys was organized / are organized / have been organized to raise money for the protection of nature. A lot of things can do / was done / be done. So let’s start today!