THE OZONE LAYER
The ozone layer is a layer of gas high above the surface of the earth that helps to protect it from the sun's ultraviolet radiation, which can damage our skins and cause cancer. Scientists have recently discovered holes in the ozone layer, caused by substances called CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). CFCs are used in refrigerators, aerosol cans and in the manufacture of some plastic products. Some companies now make aerosols that do not contain CFCs, and these are often marked 'ozone-friendly'.
5. Think over the environmental effect after the Chernobyl explosion. Then read the text and express your opinion on the facts given in it.
CHERNOBYL CATASTROPHE
The whole world is aware of the tragedy happened in Ukraine on the 26th of April 1986. As the result of the explosion of the failed reactor a huge amount of radioactive substances was released into the atmosphere. Later on they left the large fall-out “spots” on the ground surface. The radiation situation was determined by radionuclides with the period of half-decay from 8 days till 24390 years. After the Chernobyl accident Belarus has become the zone of the ecological disaster. The situation got worse because radioactive contamination coincided with the formerly existing zones of high chemical pollution. 260,000 hectares of agricultural lands are forbidden to use for farming purposes. Thousands of hectares of forests are contaminated with radioactive elements. The Chernobyl catastrophe has affected the destinies of millions of people. The radioactive contamination of the ecosystems has created the conditions for making it impossible to conduct the agricultural production and manage forestry in the normal way for many decades. In order to decrease the influence of radiation on the people considerable work was done during the post-accident period. Measures were taken to evacuate the people from the most dangerous districts, to provide for their medical check-up and treatment. Various measures were almost carried out – radioactive decontamination, agricultural treatment of soil, provision of clean food. However, these measurements are not enough yet. And international co-operation in this field serves the interests of the entire mankind.
The Green Answers
Work in groups. Discuss the following ways of solving ecological problems.
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