Model texts Unit 5
The existence of climate change is now undeniable and the countries that suffer most as a result of it are often the poorest ones. Meanwhile, citizens in wealthy countries continue to enjoy lifestyles that directly cause climate change. I believe that individuals in rich countries can and should make changes to their lifestyles which will help to slow climate change down.
Transport in wealthy countries contributes significantly to global warming, but it would be relatively easy to change this. In cities, the use of public transport should be mandatory. People who really need cars should switch from vehicles that run on petrol or diesel to ones that are powered by electricity. Furthermore, the habit of taking regular short holidays abroad must cease, as aircraft emissions are a major contributor to climate change. Individuals should take holidays closer to home or satisfy their curiosity about other countries by using virtual methods.
Another way that individuals can help to reduce climate change is by limiting their use of electricity in their homes. During the winter months in cold countries, this involves wearing an extra layer of clothing indoors instead of turning the heating up. In hot countries, air conditioning exacerbates climate change both by consuming vast amounts of energy and by using coolants that damage the upper atmosphere of the planet. Private citizens can offset some of this damage by switching to fans, improving natural air flow inside the home and using dark blinds or curtains to block out the sun.
Finally, changing our eating habits can also help to reduce climate change. Fifty years ago, supermarkets stocked mainly locally grown fruit and vegetables which were available that season. Nowadays, consumers want to buy exotic fruit and vegetables all year round. This involves flying those products long distances from where they are grown, which increases transport emissions. What’s more, protecting those foodstuffs in transit requires large amounts of plastic packaging, the manufacturing of which produces huge amounts of greenhouse gases.
In conclusion, there are many things that individuals can do to tackle the causes of climate change and, if all the citizens of wealthy nations take these steps, the impact of the problem may be reduced.
English for the 21st
Century • Model texts
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