Britain's Ecological Activity
Mankind long believed that, whatever we
did, the Earth would remain much the same. We know now that is untrue. Nature
is under threat. One country's pollution can be every country's problem. So we
all need to work together to safeguard our environment.
We have a moral duty to look after our
planet and hand it on in good order to future generation. That does not mean
trying to halt economic growth. We need growth to give us the means to live
better and healthier lives. We must not sacrifice our future well-being for
short-term gains, nor pile up environmental debts which will burden our
children. Where there are real threats to our planet we have to take great
care. Prevention can often be better and cheaper than cure. But action in
Britain is not enough. The Government will play a full part in working out
international solutions through bodies like the United Nations, the World Bank,
the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the European
Community.
The British Government will aim:
♦ to preserve and enhance Britain's natural and cultural inheritance;
♦ to encourage the more prudent and efficient use of energy and other
resources;
♦ to make sure that Britain's air and water are clean and safe, and
that controls over wastes and pollution are maintained and strengthened where
necessary.
The world's population doubled between 1950
and 1987. More people means more mouths to feed, and that demands more
agricultural land. That in turn can lead to deforestation and soil erosion.
By burning forests, draining wet lands,
polluting water courses and overfishing mankind is rapidly driving many species
to extinction.
The Government is supporting international
efforts for a global agreement to protect species of plant and animal life. The
Government is also supporting projects to conserve endangered species of wild
life such as the black rhino and the African elephants.
Action Taken
Britain attaches particular importance to
the environmental policy of the European Community.
Much has already been achieved: since Britain
joined, the Community has adopted some 280 environmental measures, including
far-reaching-legislation to combat acid rain, curb pollution from cars and
industry, conserve wildlife and ensure public access to information about the
environment.
Questions:
1. What do we know now?
2. What do we all need to do?
3. What moral duty do we have?
4. Why do we need economic growth?
5. What will the Britain's Government aim do?
6. What demands more agricultural land?
7. What does Britain attach particular importance to?
8. What has already been achieved?
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