Pollution and global warming 42258

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Pollution and global warming : a few guidelines

Introduction 

Scientists and environmentalists’ predictions for the future of our planet are very pessimistic.

They ask everybody ? governments and citizens ? to react.

The question is : Will we react fast enough to save our planet or is it already too late ?

The first thing to do is to save energy.

Everybody can do something. We can all play a huge role to help reduce global warming.

Here are some examples :

• Drive less : Car pollution is still increasing.

People shouldn’t use their cars unnecessarily (when it is not necessary).

People should practise car-sharing and they should walk or take their bicycles as often as possible.

Governments should encourage the use of public transport (= common transportation). Environmentally friendly cars (electric cars or hydride cars) should be cheaper.

• Turn off the light and electric appliances when you leave a room.

• Turn the central heating temperature down.

• Use less hot water.

• Take short showers instead of baths.

• Store rainwater for the garden.

Governments should turn towards renewable energy : wind energy, solar energy... are often mentioned as a solution to reduce pollution and global warming since they don’t release dangerous gases, contrary to coal or oil, for example.

Although it produces 20% of the greenhouse gases, the USA still refuses to ratify the Kyoto Protocol (an international agreement which aims at reducing global warming).

Industrialized countries are the biggest polluters but the first victims of global warming will be Third-World countries.

Secondly, it is vital to keep the environment clean :

• Sort garbage : use the recycling bins.

• Avoid plastic bags and products with a lot of packaging.

• Use natural, biodegradable products instead of chemical products;

• Plant trees instead of cutting them : they produce a lot of oxygen.

Is it too late ?

Scientists and environmentalists say it will soon be too late.

There are many obstacles.

First, people are very slow to change their habits.