UNIT 4 NATURAL: PROTECTING OUR PLANET

If we use a lot of our non-renewable energy sources now, we won’t have enough in the future. These sources are limited and produce pollutant gases, such as carbon, nitrogen and sulphur oxides. 

Global warming: The extra carbon dioxide in the atmosphere traps heat from the Earth. As a result, the planet is becoming warmer each year. Glaciers are melting, causing sea levels to rise. This may lead to flooding. In addition, the increase in temperature causes more extreme weather, such as tornados, blizzards and droughts.

Acid rain: Water in the atmosphere dissolves polluting gases producing acids. This damages buildings and kills many plants and animals. Acid rain can hurt the growth of fish and eventually cause their death.

The three Rs

To take care of our planet, we should conserve energy whenever possible. We should also use renewable sources of energy as much as possible. The three Rs protect the environment because they help us use fewer resources.

• Reduce: Buy products that don’t have a lot of packaging.

• Reuse: Use glass, metal and plastic containers again and again.

• Recycle: Separate rubbish and put it in the correct bin.