1 Natural resources
Conserve natural resources
Conserve energy
Conserve electricity
The amount of available fresh water is limited, so it is important to conserve water.
Use natural light whenever possible
Contrast:
Rapid population growth
Consumer culture
Industrial production
Raw materials
Fossil fuels : coal, natural gas and oil
Put great pressure on natural resources
Waste natural resources
An alarming trend
2 Damage the environment
Cause damage to the environment
(Government) introduce strict laws to protect the environment
3 Petrol-powered cars
Use more fuel
Create more pollution
Increase greenhouse gas emissions
Contrast:
Electric cars
Hybrid cars
Are more energy-efficient
(Government) offer subsidies to electric cars buyers
4 Car fumes/ traffic fumes
Greenhouse gas emissions from factories
Increase global warming
Contribute to the climate change
Cause the polar ice caps to melt
Cause sea levels to rise
This model considers the processes that cause sea levels to rise.
Damage the ozone layer
Allow more ultraviolet rays to reach Earth
Increase the risk of skin cancer
Contrast:
Reduce our carbon footprint
Control industrial pollution
5 Pollute the air
Lead to acid rain
Cause smog
Make people sick
Increase the risk of asthma(哮喘), bronchitis(支气管炎) and lung cancer
Cause damage to buildings
Contrast:
Reduce people's dependence on cars
Drive less
Use public transport whenever possible
Walk or cycle to and from work
6 Pollute rivers and lakes
Discharge waste into rivers
The factory was fined for discharging waste into the river.
Threaten aquatic life and public health
(Government) introduce strict laws to control pollution
7 Oil spill
Threaten marine life
Pose a threat to marine life
9 Log forests
Cut down large numbers of trees
Destroy natural habitats
Disrupt the ecosystem
Cause natural disasters
They explain the science behind different types of natural disasters.
Dust storm
Floods and droughts
Extreme weather conditions
9 Renewable energy sources
Solar energy, wind energy and hydro energy
Promote the use of renewable energy
Research on renewable energy
Solar panel
Wind farm
Reduce our dependence on fossil fuels
Alternative energy sources
Do not pollute the environment
Achieve sustainable development
Contrast:
(Solar/ wind energy) depend heavily on weather conditions
10 Build nuclear power stations
Nuclear energy
Generate electricity without using fossil fuels
Contrast:
Radioactive nuclear waste
Cause health and safety concerns
Nuclear accident/ disaster
Nuclear weapons
May be obtained by terrorists
11 Water shortages
The rising demand for water
Agriculture and industry
Irrigation needs
Industrial production
Household use of water
Use water irresponsibly
(Water) is becoming scarce in many regions
Water crisis
Contrast:
Conserve water
Use water more responsibly
Hand-wash and air-dry laundry
Improve water supply systems
Reduce water pollution
Desalination technology
This region relies on desalination technology to get most of its water.
Convert seawater to fresh water
12 Household waste
The government is looking at measures to reduce household waste.
Contrast:
Drop litter in public places
Industrial waste
Produce increasing amounts of waste
Contrast:
Reduce waste
Recycle waste
13 A throw-away culture
Avoid single-use items
Reuse shopping bags
Fabric shopping bags - more Eco-friendly than plastic shopping bags
Recycle as much as possible
Recycle cans and bottles
Recycle old household items
14 Plastic packaging
Plastic containers
Plastic bottles and boxes
Do not break down easily
Contrast:
Choose products with less packaging
Eco-friendly containers
Non-biodegradable waste 白色垃圾
15 Raise people's environmental awareness
Environmental education programs in schools
Media coverage of environmental issues
Use double-sided printing
Future generations
