5 1


A


Who’s responsible? Common prefixes


In groups. Discuss which global issues you think are most important. Give reasons and add your own ideas.


environmental destruction overpopulation waste water shortage 2 Read the text. How relevant is each issue in your country?


Global issues


The population of the planet is reaching unsustainable levels as the world population reaches 7.8 billion, and people and countries compete for resources. Overpopulation is especially problematic in urban areas where the cities’ infrastructures often suffer from overuse and overcrowding.


Globally, we generate more than 3.5 million tonnes of waste a day and that figure is rising fast. The issue of waste disposal is often underestimated, but it can cause serious health and environmental problems. Experts believe we need to rethink our relationship with waste – how we generate it and how we dispose of it.


More than 1.2 billion people in the world lack access to clean drinking water and water shortage is a problem that affects every continent.


72 English for the 21st Century • Unit 5


Sometimes it is caused by a lack of water but can also be due to irresponsible use of water and mismanagement of the water resources.


Humans are destroying the natural environment at an incredible rate. Deforestation is just one example of this, with 1.5 acres of forest being cut down every second. Human activity also contributes to the loss of biodiversity, meaning the extinction of many animal species.


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