53. Topic: An Environmental Concern

– Question 53: Describe an environmental concern that worries you.

– You should say:

– What is the environmental issue, and why is it a concern?

– How does it impact the planet and living creatures?

– What measures can individuals take to address it?

– What role should governments play in tackling this concern?

Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre

One environmental concern that deeply troubles me is improper waste management, which is a widespread issue across both urban and rural areas. This problem arises when waste is not handled, treated, or disposed of properly, leading to a range of environmental and health hazards. From overflowing landfills to toxic emissions, the effects are alarming and far-reaching.

Improper waste management is a major concern because it directly contributes to pollution in various forms. Plastic waste, for instance, often ends up clogging rivers and oceans, threatening marine life. Additionally, when waste is burned in the open, it releases harmful gases like methane and carbon dioxide, which worsen air pollution and contribute to global warming. For humans and animals alike, exposure to toxic waste can lead to severe health issues, such as respiratory problems and diseases caused by contaminated water and soil.

The impact of this issue is devastating. Improperly managed waste not only degrades natural ecosystems but also affects biodiversity. Marine animals, for example, often mistake plastic for food, leading to choking or death. Furthermore, the accumulation of waste in landfills produces leachate, a toxic liquid that can seep into the ground and contaminate water supplies. Over time, this can severely affect agriculture and drinking water sources, creating a vicious cycle of environmental degradation.

To address this concern, individuals must take responsibility for their own waste. Segregating waste into biodegradable, recyclable, and non-recyclable categories is a small but impactful step. Additionally, reducing the use of single-use plastics, practising composting, and participating in community clean-up drives can collectively make a significant difference. As the saying goes, “every little helps,” and if everyone contributes, the results can be remarkable.

Governments and organisations also play a pivotal role in combating this issue. They need to enforce strict regulations on waste disposal and encourage sustainable practices such as recycling initiatives and waste-to-energy programmes. Investment in modern waste treatment plants and education campaigns about proper waste management can create lasting change. Policies like banning single-use plastics and incentivising companies to adopt eco-friendly packaging are steps in the right direction.

In conclusion, improper waste management is a pressing environmental concern that requires collective action. By taking proactive measures at the individual, community, and governmental levels, we can work towards a cleaner, healthier planet. After all, as the old saying goes, “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”

List of vocabulary used:

1. Improper waste management – Mishandling of waste, leading to environmental and health issues.
2. Urban areas – Cities or towns with dense populations.
3. Rural areas – Countryside or less densely populated regions.
4. Environmental hazards – Risks or dangers that harm the natural environment.
5. Health hazards – Risks or conditions that threaten human health.
6. Overflowing landfills – Dump sites filled beyond their capacity.
7. Toxic emissions – Harmful gases released into the air.
8. Pollution – Contamination of the natural environment, making it harmful.
9. Plastic waste – Discarded plastic materials.
10. Marine life – Animals and plants that live in the sea.
11. Methane – A greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.
12. Carbon dioxide – A gas produced by burning organic materials, contributing to climate change.
13. Air pollution – Contamination of the air by harmful substances.
14. Global warming – The increase in Earth’s average temperature due to greenhouse gases.
15. Toxic waste – Hazardous material harmful to health and the environment.
16. Natural ecosystems – Communities of living organisms interacting with their environment.
17. Biodiversity – Variety of plant and animal life in an ecosystem.
18. Leachate – Contaminated liquid produced from waste decomposition in landfills.
19. Contaminate – Pollute or make something impure.
20. Responsibility – Obligation to take action or care for something.
21. Segregating waste – Sorting waste into categories (biodegradable, recyclable, non-recyclable).
22. Biodegradable – Materials that decompose naturally over time.
23. Single-use plastics – Plastic products designed for one-time use.
24. Composting – Recycling organic waste into fertiliser.
25. Community clean-up drives – Collective efforts to clean public spaces.
26. Every little helps – Small actions can collectively make a big impact.
27. Strict regulations – Enforced rules and laws to ensure proper practices.
28. Sustainable practices – Eco-friendly actions that preserve resources for future generations.
29. Recycling initiatives – Programmes promoting the reuse of waste materials.
30. Waste-to-energy programmes – Converting waste into usable energy.
31. Waste treatment plants – Facilities designed to process and manage waste safely.
32. Education campaigns – Efforts to inform and raise awareness.
33. Eco-friendly packaging – Environmentally safe and sustainable product wrapping.
34. Proactive measures – Steps taken in advance to prevent problems.
35. Pressing concern – An urgent and important issue.
36. Collective action – Efforts made by a group to address an issue.
37. Cleaner, healthier planet – An environment free from pollution and hazards.
38. We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children – A saying emphasising the responsibility to preserve the planet for future generations.

Idioms and Phrases

1. Deeply troubles me – Affects me greatly or causes concern
2. A widespread issue – A problem that is common or prevalent in many places
3. This problem arises – This issue occurs or comes about
4. Range of environmental and health hazards – A variety of dangers to the environment and health
5. Overflowing landfills – Landfills that are so full that waste spills over
6. Toxic emissions – Harmful gases released into the atmosphere
7. The effects are alarming and far-reaching – The consequences are concerning and affect many areas
8. Directly contributes to pollution – Directly causes pollution
9. Clogging rivers and oceans – Blocking or obstructing rivers and oceans, especially with waste
10. Threatening marine life – Endangering the life of creatures in the sea
11. Burned in the open – Set on fire in an uncontrolled or open area
12. Worsen air pollution – Make air pollution more severe
13. Contribute to global warming – Add to the problem of climate change
14. Exposure to toxic waste – Coming into contact with harmful waste
15. Lead to severe health issues – Cause serious health problems
16. Degrades natural ecosystems – Deteriorates or harms natural environments
17. Affects biodiversity – Has a negative impact on the variety of life in an ecosystem
18. Mistake plastic for food – Confuse plastic with something edible
19. Choking or death – Suffocating or causing the death of marine animals
20. Produces leachate – Generates a harmful liquid that seeps from landfills
21. Seep into the ground – Slowly flow or leak into the soil
22. Contaminate water supplies – Pollute or make water sources unsafe
23. A vicious cycle of environmental degradation – A harmful, ongoing process of environmental damage
24. Take responsibility for their own waste – Be accountable for one’s waste disposal
25. Segregating waste – Separating waste into different categories
26. A small but impactful step – A minor action with significant results
27. Practising composting – Engaging in the process of recycling organic waste into compost
28. Community clean-up drives – Organised efforts to clean up public spaces
29. Every little helps – Small contributions can collectively make a big difference
30. Play a pivotal role – Have an essential or crucial role
31. Enforce strict regulations – Ensure the implementation of severe rules or laws
32. Encourage sustainable practices – Promote environmentally friendly methods
33. Waste-to-energy programmes – Systems that convert waste into energy
34. Create lasting change – Produce long-term or permanent improvements
35. Incentivising companies – Offering rewards or benefits to companies to encourage certain behaviours
36. Steps in the right direction – Positive actions that move towards solving a problem
37. Pressing environmental concern – An urgent environmental issue that needs attention
38. Collective action – Efforts made by a group of people working together
39. Proactive measures – Actions taken in advance to address a problem
40. Work towards a cleaner, healthier planet – Strive for a better and more sustainable world
41. We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children – A reminder to take care of the planet for future generations

Names

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Study / Job

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Hometown

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Accomodation

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Weather

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Time

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Television

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Museum

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Holidays

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Films

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Leisure Time

Discuss how leisure activities impact personal well-being.

Sport

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Vegetables and Fruits

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Maths

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Sky

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Clothes&Fashion

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Weekend

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Reading

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Sleep

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Trees&Plants

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Newspaper

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Texting

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Memorising

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Travelling

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Communication

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Letter&Email

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Swimming

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Snacks

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Photography

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Help

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History

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Handwriting

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Music

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Colours

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Teachers

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Being Alone

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Teamwork

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Countryside & City

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Social Media

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Friends

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Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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Climate Change

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Transportation

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Sustainable Transportation

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Space Exploration

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Shopping

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Modern Technology

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Technology

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Sustainable Living

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Globalisation

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Global Warming

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Gender Equality

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Health and Fitness

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Renewable Energy

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Cultural Traditions in Kerala

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Cultural Traditions in Your Country

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Education System

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Traditional Cuisine

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