We are all in the same boat, so you shouldn’t turn a blind eye to the ecological problems in the most distant parts of the globe as the fragile ecological balance could be disrupted and repercussions could be far-reaching.
Sustainability is the idea that the economy should be organized in ways that can be continued without causing irreversible damage to the environment or depletion of natural resources, so that the ability of the planet to reproduce and support life can be sustained.
Businesses should be run not for short-term profit, but in a way that takes account of the long-term interests of the society and the environment.
Developing countries are trying to attain living standards of the industrialized world. Some scientists warn that the world’s natural resources are not sufficient for it. Others argue that renewable, non-polluting energy resources such as wind power will allow further economic growth without causing damage to the environment. Probably nuclear energy still has a role to play.
For any economy it’s essential to manage natural resources efficiently. For example, deep-sea fishing has to be done in a way that maintains fish stocks and avoids overfishing. Ideally, those engaged in logging that causes deforestation should have an incentive to maintain future timber stocks through reafforestation. These industries should be run in ways that are sustainable – in ways that maintain resources that they rely on.
Today companies are more concerned with environmental or green issues. That’s why some of them try to greenwash – to give a more favorable impression than is justified by the real facts.
Complete the sentences with the terms from the previous exercise.
1. Illegal ………… could accelerate degradation or even cause ……………, which has affected more than 9.8 million acres of forest in the past 30 years.
2. Fishermen are being encouraged to catch alternative fish species because ………… has caused ………. of the stocks to near-collapse.
3. The country’s society is maturing and adopting a model of economic development that balances economic growth, social justice and the ………… use of ………….
4. They accuse multinational companies of “………….” – polishing up their images on environmental issues with brochures and advertising campaigns.
5. Many politicians are keen to revive research into renewable …………… like solar and wave power.
B Words in Context
1. Tick the word closest in meaning to that of the each boldfaced word. Use the context of the sentences to help you figure out each word’s meaning.
belligerent (adj) Usually peaceful and gentle Esteban becomes belligerent whenever the question of animal extinction arises.
Belligerent means a. overly casual b. quarrelsome c. confused
commensurate (adj) The developers who endangered the local water supply by dumping poisonous wastes in the landfill did not get a punishment that was commensurate with their reprehensible act: they had to pay only a small fine.
Commensurate means a. essential b. delayed c. consistent
dissipate (v) After twenty minutes of meditation, I find that the stresses of my day have dissipated, and I am relaxed enough to enjoy the evening.
Dissipate means a. blend b. scatter c. assemble
imperative (adj) It’s imperative to help people learn more about environment protection.
Imperative means a. impossible b. difficult c. essential
integral (adj) Careful attitude to natural resources is an integral part of sustained development.
Integral means a. essential b. very small c. predicted
mitigate (v) Ecology-friendly approach to farming includes actions to mitigate grievous effects of indiscriminate usage of pesticides for the environment.
Mitigate means a. relieve b. worsen c. reveal
nonchalant (adj) Sara’s calm, casual style seems to be an inherent part of her personality. She remains nonchalant in tense situations that would make most people distraught.
Nonchalant means a. coolly unconcerned b. anxious c. angry
noxious (adj) The entire office building had to be evacuated when noxious fumes started coming out of the air vents and dozens of workers got sick.
Noxious means a. potential b. unhealthy c. impossible
subversive (adj) For the Green Party supporters logging of forests is a subversive act.
Subversive means a. faithful b. blameless c. destroying
unprecedented (adj) Recent period has been marked by unprecedented growth of environmental awareness, which has caused a greater demand for recycled paper.
Unprecedented means a. unheard-of b. unprejudiced
c. controversial
utilitarian (adj) In deciding which over-the-counter medicine to take, it’s important to use a utilitarian approach. Choose a drug for the specific purpose it serves, and don’t rely on any one drug as a panacea.
Utilitarian means a. unique b. practical c. expensive
vindicate (v) People falsely accused of crimes often have to spend a great deal of money on legal fees in order to vindicate themselves.
Vindicate means a. prove innocent b. make a commitment
c. weaken
yen (n) While the word “yen” can refer to a strong desire for anything, to many people it has the specific connotation of a sharp longing for a particular food.
Yen means a. longing b. disapproval c. memory
