15篇文章貫通六級詞匯MP3（字幕版）Unit11-Part2
The choice of using remote barren land
removed from highly populated areas,
virgin ground so to speak,
presents its own problems.
The transportation of dangerous chemicals
in sealed capsules over major arteries
increases the possibility of spills and contamination.
Recurring excerpts in national
and local newspapers warn of the dangers
confronting the ordinary citizen.
The pretext of protecting the public interest
must be questioned.
Accidents and poor planning
lead to the erosion of public faith.
With certainty, we can report that
the air we breathe is becoming more polluted daily.
For those residents of large cities
who are afflicted with a respiratory condition
it becomes imperative for officials
to clamp down on smog conditions.
To protect their health,
citizens may deem it necessary
to check smog levels beforehand
when they are planning strenuous outdoor activity.
To disregard this problem
will surely increase the number of premature deaths
and serious health problems.
Direct action by governments should
help alleviate some of the risks for the elderly
and those people with heart and lung disease.
One breakthrough occurred
when the government signed a pact
to check pollutant emissions on all motor vehicles.
Some continuity of policy is desirable
not only between provinces but
among nations to monitor air quality.
On a global scale the deforestation
of the rain forests of Brazil is
causing grave worldwide concern.
The present day regime
that is encouraging the building of roads,
allowing for easier travel
has laid siege to one
of the world's most valuable natural resources.
This has become an obscene rape of the land,
a slash and burn approach.
An aerial view of this area shows terrible fires,
enormous blazes every day,
resulting in consequent air pollution.
The Brazilian government however,
is reluctant to abolish this practice
that would mean less income
for the poor of Brazil.
Sadly, on the other hand,
natives must evacuate their homes,
becoming exiles.
A world forum on this matter has
left people all over the world
with some indefinite answers.
Both governments and individuals
can voluntarily help achieve goals
for a cleaner safer environment
by incorporating some of the following ideas
into their daily lives.
They can ascribe to the idea of participating
in local recycling programs.
As well, they can cut back
on the use of motor vehicles.
Walking more will improve everyone's health,
as well as improving the environment.
Using alternatives to herbicides on lawns
and gardens will improve water quality.
Some general advice might be to differentiate
between what we need and what we want.
If we are going to pass on a healthy world
to our children and grandchildren
we must remain diligent and
maintain a balance between our environmental
and social responsibilities and our economic goals.
It's our world and how we leave it
for the next generation depends
on what we do today.
