our environmental news

1)Ecological problems around the world

2)news about “storm drones could revolutionize
weather forecasting”
3)the latest inventions that have been related to
the good care of the environment
4)ecological tips for environmental care
5)home ecological tips for environmental care

(Angela ) Good Morning. Today is Monday, March 18. Welcome to the news, greetings
from Angela Villarreal. LET’S begin.

We start with the news that has monopolized the attention these last days: The warming global and
the environment problems.

Now let’s kick it back on over to Gabriela from Bogotá

 1) Environmental Problems ( Gabriela )
Our environment is constantly changing. There is no denying that. However, as our
environment changes, so does the need to become increasingly aware of the problems
that surround it. With a massive influx of natural disasters, warming and cooling periods,
different types of weather patterns and much more, people need to be aware of what types
of environmental problems our planet is facing.
Global warming has become an undisputed fact about our current livelihoods; our planet is
warming up and we are definitely part of the problem. However, this isn’t the only
environmental problem that we should be concerned about. All across the world, people
are facing a wealth of new and challenging environmental problems every day. Some of
them are small and only affect a few ecosystems, but others are drastically changing the
landscape of what we already know.
Our planet is poised at the brink of a severe environmental crisis. Current environmental
problems make us vulnerable to disasters and tragedies, now and in the future. We are in
a state of planetary emergency, with environmental problems piling up high around us.
Unless we address the various issues prudently and seriously we are surely doomed for
disaster. Current environmental problems require urgent attention.
(Angela ) undoubtedly, you must do something about it, however we going to list some of
these environmental problems

(Angela ) 1. Pollution: Pollution of air, water and soil require millions of years to recoup.
Industry and motor vehicle exhaust are the number one pollutants. Heavy metals, nitrates

and plastic are toxins responsible for pollution. While water pollution is caused by oil spill,

acid rain, urban runoff; air pollution is caused by various gases and toxins released by

industries and factories and combustion of fossil fuels; soil pollution is majorly caused by

industrial waste that deprives soil from essential nutrients.

(Angela ) 2. Global Warming: Climate changes like global warming is the result of
human practices like emission of Greenhouse gases. Global warming leads to rising

temperatures of the oceans and the earth’ surface causing melting of polar ice caps, rise in
sea levels and also unnatural patterns of precipitation such as flash floods, excessive

snow or desertification.

(Angela ) 3. Overpopulation: The population of the planet is reaching unsustainable

levels as it faces shortage of resources like water, fuel and food. Population explosion in

less developed and developing countries is straining the already scarce resources.

Intensive agriculture practiced to produce food damages the environment through use of

chemical fertilizer, pesticides and insecticides. Overpopulation is one of the crucial current

environmental problem.

(Angela ) 4. Natural Resource Depletion: Natural resource depletion is another crucial

current environmental problems. Fossil fuel consumption results in emission of

Greenhouse gases, which is responsible for global warming and climate change. Globally,

people are taking efforts to shift to renewable sources of energy like solar, wind, biogas

and geothermal energy. The cost of installing the infrastructure and maintaining these

sources has plummeted in the recent years.

(Angela ) Gabriela do you know of other problems?

( Gabriela ) Of course, there are quite a few

( Gabriela ) 5. Waste Disposal: The over consumption of resources and creation of

plastics are creating a global crisis of waste disposal. Developed countries are notorious
for producing an excessive amount of waste or garbage and dumping their waste in the
oceans and, less developed countries. Nuclear waste disposal has tremendous health
hazards associated with it. Plastic, fast food, packaging and cheap electronic wastes
threaten the well being of humans. Waste disposal is one of urgent current environmental
problem.

( Gabriela) 6. Climate Change: Climate change is yet another environmental problem

that has surfaced in last couple of decades. It occurs due to rise in global warming which

occurs due to increase in temperature of atmosphere by burning of fossil fuels and release

of harmful gases by industries. Climate change has various harmful effects but not limited
to melting of polar ice, change in seasons, occurrence of new diseases, frequent

occurrence of floods and change in overall weather scenario.

( Gabriela 7. Loss of Biodiversity: Human activity is leading to the extinction of species

and habitats and and loss of bio-diversity. Eco systems, which took millions of years to

perfect, are in danger when any species population is decimating. Balance of natural

processes like pollination is crucial to the survival of the eco-system and human activity

threatens the same. Another example is the destruction of coral reefs in the various

oceans, which support the rich marine life.

( Gabriela) 8. Deforestation: Our forests are natural sinks of carbon dioxide and
produce fresh oxygen as well as helps in regulating temperature and rainfall. At present

forests cover 30% of the land but every year tree cover is lost amounting to the country of

Panama due to growing population demand for more food, shelter and cloth. Deforestation

simply means clearing of green cover and make that land available for residential,

industrial or commercial purpose.

( Gabriela) We go with our reporter Camila Rodriguez from the United States, who will
inform us about other environmental problems not very commonly known. How r u Camila

(Camila) Good afternoon tele viewers from Colombia and the whole world, In the new

news is this the only channel that has the information for you. I will name other problems

that are not often mentioned as:

(Camila) 9. Ocean Acidification: It is a direct impact of excessive production of CO2.

25% of CO2 produced by humans. The ocean acidity has increased by the last 250 years

but by 2100, it may shoot up by 150%. The main impact is on shellfish and plankton in the

same way as human osteoporosis.

(Camila) 10. Ozone Layer Depletion: The ozone layer is an invisible layer of protection

around the planet that protects us from the sun’s harmful rays. Depletion of the crucial

Ozone layer of the atmosphere is attributed to pollution caused by Chlorine and Bromide

found in Chloro-floro carbons (CFC’s). Once these toxic gases reach the upper

atmosphere, they cause a hole in the ozone layer, the biggest of which is above the

Antarctic. The CFC’s are banned in many industries and consumer products. Ozone layer

is valuable because it prevents harmful UV radiation from reaching the earth. This is one

of the most important current environmental problem.

(Camila) 11. Acid Rain: Acid rain occurs due to the presence of certain pollutants in the

atmosphere. Acid rain can be caused due to combustion of fossil fuels or erupting

volcanoes or rotting vegetation which release sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the

atmosphere. Acid rain is a known environmental problem that can have serious effect on

human health, wildlife and aquatic species.

(Camila) 12. Water Pollution: Clean drinking water is becoming a rare commodity. Water

is becoming an economic and political issue as the human population fights for this

resource. One of the options suggested is using the process of desalinization. Industrial

development is filling our rivers seas and oceans with toxic pollutants which are a major

threat to human health.

(Camila) 13. Urban Sprawl: Urban sprawl refers to migration of population from high

density urban areas to low density rural areas which results in spreading of city over more

and more rural land. Urban sprawl results in land degradation, increased traffic,

environmental issues and health issues. The ever growing demand of land displaces

natural environment consisting of flora and fauna instead of being replaced.

(Camila) 14: Public Health Issues: The current environmental problems pose a lot of risk

to health of humans, and animals. Dirty water is the biggest health risk of the world and
poses threat to the quality of life and public health. Run-off to rivers carries along toxins,

chemicals and disease carrying organisms. Pollutants cause respiratory disease like

Asthma and cardiac-vascular problems. High temperatures encourage the spread of

infectious diseases like Dengue.

(Camila) 15. Genetic Engineering: Genetic modification of food using biotechnology is

called genetic engineering. Genetic modification of food results in increased toxins and

diseases as genes from an allergic plant can transfer to target plant. Genetically modified

crops can cause serious environmental problems as an engineered gene may prove toxic

to wildlife. Another drawback is that increased use of toxins to make insect resistant plant

can cause resultant organisms to become resistant to antibiotics.

(Angela ) having said all that

(Angela ) The need for change in our daily lives and the movements of our government is

growing. Because so many different factors come into play; voting, governmental issues,

the desire to stick to routine, many people don’t consider that what they do will affect future

generations. If humans continue moving forward in such a harmful way towards the future,

then there will be no future to consider. Although it’s true that we cannot physically stop

our ozone layer from thinning (and scientists are still having trouble figuring out what is

causing it exactly,) there are still so many things we can do to try and put a dent in what

we already know. By raising awareness in your local community and within your families

about these issues, you can help contribute to a more environmentally conscious and

friendly place for you to live.

( Gabriela ) a fun fact 2) news about “storm drones could revolutionize
weather forecasting”

Dorothy could have skipped her trip to Oz—if she only had a storm drone.
US meteorologists are working on drone technology to better predict severe weather
phenomena, which could save lives and limit property damage.
Scientists are using drones—either specially designed for storms or commercial units fitted
with sensing equipment—to develop quicker forecasting. Currently, warning systems can
only predict severe storms and tornadoes 14 minutes in advance, leaving Americans and
their property vulnerable.
The drones are able to monitor changes in the atmosphere from two to three kilometers
above, an area both ground-based instruments and satellites have trouble tracking. This
new system con uld improve storm-warning times by an hour or more, giving people time
to stash their stuff and find a safe place to hide.

3) (Angela ) In our sections of technological curiosities we will mention the latest

inventions that have been related to the good care of the environment the latest
inventions that have been related to the good care of the environment
We are going to talk about some of the latest inventions that have been related to the good
care of the environment

1. (Angela ) Solar panels

In China, they created solar panels capable of generating and absorbing energy despite
rain, fog and even night.

This technology, kind to the environment, was executed by a team of scientists from two
Chinese universities, the Oceanic University of China and the Pedagogical University of
Yunnan.

2. (Angela ) The device that says if the garbage is recyclable

In France, the company named Uzer, created a device that scans the bar code of the
products that are in the trash to warn which waste can be recycled and which can not,
something that will be very useful in terms of caring for the environment . This is the
Eugene, a scanner that works with WiFi.
3. (Camila) Floating trash can
Australians named Andrew Turton and Pete Ceglinski, tired of the ecological damage
caused by garbage, have created a floating dump that sucks the plastic from the sea.

The device, which can suck up plastic pieces of various sizes and even small amounts of
fuel, has a cloth bag that is collected and cleaned when it is full, and it also works with
solar energy.

4. (Camila) Machine that converts air into water

The invention consists of a machine that is capable of transforming air into water, which is
suitable for human consumption.

The device works thanks to a state-of-the-art software, which performs an analysis of the
environmental conditions of the territory where it is located, since the air quality varies
depending on the height at sea level and the pollution indexes.

5. ( Gabriela ) Bamboo bicycles

Innovators from all over the world have dabbled in the practical use of bamboo.

In Colombia, for example, the seedbed of Electrical Machines and Power Electronics of
the Autonomous University of the West of Cali built an electric bicycle with a bamboo
frame, in order to promote a means of transport that does not pollute the environment and
that is an alternative for sustainable development.

4) ( Gabriela to go finished we will give you some ecological tips for environmental
care

( Gabriela )1.Conserve water at home. Wasting water is one of the biggest ways
individuals impact the health of the planet. Taking measures to use less water is
something you can start doing right away. If you live in an area with a water shortage, this
is even more important for the health of your region's environment. Try to check off as
many items as possible from this list:
Check and fix any water leaks. A leaky faucet can waste a lot of water.
Install water-saving devices on your faucets and toilets. A low-flow showerhead could be a
good start.
Don't wash dishes with the water running continuously. Use a method that requires less
water to get the dishes clean.
Turn off washing machine's water supply to prevent leaks. It doesn't need to be on all the
time.
Replace old toilets with new ones that use a lot less water.
Wash and dry only full loads of laundry and dishes. Doing a half-load wastes water.
Don't use too much water to water your lawn.
Don't leave the faucet running while you brush your teeth.

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. (Camila) 2 Use fewer chemicals. Chemicals used to wash our bodies, homes, cars and
everything else get washed down the drain or absorbed in the grass, and eventually, end
up in the water supply. Since most people use heavy-duty chemicals for all sorts of things,
chemicals are doing real damage to waterways and aquatic life. The chemicals aren't good
for humans, either, so do your best to cut back on them. Here's how:
Learn about alternatives household cleaning items that do not use hazardous chemicals.
For example, using a solution of 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 water works as well as most
commercial cleaners for basic cleaning jobs. Baking soda and salt are cheap, non-toxic
cleansers, but should be used in moderation.
When no good alternatives to a toxic item exist, determine the least amount required for an
effective, sanitary result and use a minimal amount each time you clean. Paying close
attention to the requisite amount will help you reduce and also save money.
Instead of using chemical-laden shampoos and soaps, try making your own.
Instead of using pesticides and herbicides, find natural ways to get rid of weeds and pests.

3(Angela ) Dispose of toxic waste the right way. Paint, motor oil, ammonia, and a host of
other chemicals should not be poured down the drain or directly into the ecosystem. They'll
soak into the earth and end up in the groundwater. Contact your local sanitation
department to find out about best practice for disposing of hazardous waste and toxic
chemicals. [1]

4( Gabriela ) Help identify large-scale water polluters. Individuals can only do so much
when it comes to keeping water clean. Businesses and industries are often the culprits
when it comes to water pollution. In order to protect the earth's water, concerned citizens
should speak up and find ways to stop pollution at its source. [2]
Join a local environmental group that works to clean up the water in your area, whether it's
a river, lake or ocean.
Contact your local representative to speak up about your views on keeping water
chemical-free.
Volunteer to help clean up beaches or riverbanks.
Help others get involved in efforts to clean up the water in your area.

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