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2. What do you think is the meaning of the headlines?

The titles refer to problems associated with the natural eiwironment.

•    'How green is your aerosol?'

I think that the word 'green' in this title means 'environmentally friendly'. The ąuestion asked refers destruction of the ozone layer, which is caused, among other factors, by gases used in various types o of aerosol and spray.

•    'Giant trees found around Chernobyl'

This title refers to the effects of the contamination of the natural environment with radio-active m; after the explosion of the nuclear power station in Chernobyl, which happened some time ago. It is sa: many plants in the vicinity of the station have grown unnaturally big.

3.    Why is the problem of recycling getting morę and morę important nowadays?

recycling: processing used materials or objects so that they can be used again

•    natural resources are running out;

•    morę and morę rubbish is produced - the problem of overpackaging;

•    some materials, e.g. paper, need a few years to rot away/break down if dumped;

•    some materials, e.g. metals, plastics, glass may never rot away/break down.

4.    What measures, do you think, should be taken to reduce the damage caused to the natural environme

Environmental problems: damage to the ozone layer • water/ air/ soil pollution and noise • the greenhouse effect - global warming • acid rain • deforestation • water shortage • food contamination • increasing amount of rubbish • toxic waste - the problem of storing nuclear waste materials • extinction of endangered species of animals and plants • overpopulated cities • road congestion • overfishing

•    passing strict regulations to protect the natural environment by parliaments all over the world;

•    inspecting industrial plants and vehicles;

•    imposing heavy fines on offenders;

•    fitting filters to chimney stacks in industrial plants;

•    insulating buildings to save energy needed to heat them;

•    constructing morę and morę sewage treatment plants;

•    raising people s awareness of the conseąuences of the degradation of the natural environment;

•    planting forests where they have been destroyed (reforestation);

•    setting up recycling spots; less rubbish is burnt; protecting endangered species of plants and animals;

° using alternative sources of energy (hydropower, windmills, solar energy);

•    producing biodegradable packaging;

•    introducing park & ride schemes in cities.