English Project Work: Teresa Borges Nº21 11ºC Escola Secundária de Arganil Global threats versus Personal Strategies to Protect the Environment

Introduction Humans think that the Earths resources are something that we will always have. However reality is a bit different. Our planet has never been so dangerously threatened. Nowadays we are constantly reminded that the ozone hole is growing and global warming reaches levels never seen before. This work warns the most heedless to the reality in which we live: we have to take measures to support the continuity of our planet, for the sake of our continuity.

Some global threats: Pollution; Global Warming; Deforestation; Depletion of the ozone Layer.

Pollution Pollution is the introduction of pollutants, chemical substances or energy (noise, heat, or light), into the environment, arriving at a point which endangers all living creatures or the environment. It can be: Water pollution; Soil pollution; Air pollution; Sound pollution; Light pollution.

Global Warming When we talk about global warming we are talking about the increase in the average temperature of the Earths near surface and oceans. There are a lot of possible causes for global warming like the presence of the greenhouse gases, the variation of solar radiation, the destruction of ozone Layer and air pollution.

Deforestation Destruction of forests by humans. The most common causes are building of houses, preparing agriculture fields, furniture and fires.

Personal Contributions to Decrease Global Threats: ٤R٤Recycle your garbage and put it in a collecting bank; ٤U٤Use compact fluorescent bulbs; ٤S٤Save water; ٤U٤Use your washing machine in 40º C programs, and if possible, at night; ٤D٤Dont let your TV or video on stand by- turn your appliances off; ٤P٤Prefer your bike to cars; ٤U٤Use public transports;

٤A٤Avoid air-condition, which use CFCs; ٤U٤Use rechargeable batteries; ٤R٤Receive and pay your bills online; ٤A٤Avoid biodegradable plastics; ٤B٤Buy products in recycled packaging; ٤P٤Plant your own vegetables and fruit; ٤P٤Plant a tree once in a while. Other Personal Contributions:

ىSىSpeak out Talk to your friends and neighbours about your concerns and interests in topics related with the environment: you may be surprised to learn youre not alone. Planet Earth is our home. We have the duty to protect and ensure its continuity.

Conclusion We need to stop being selfish. If we dont do something we are condemning future generations. There are small gestures which can do miracles for our planet. We just need to have the decency to assume them.

Sources: ming#Causes s.php rupo0034_altglobais/causas.html.