A) Work in groups. Read four texts below.

The World Environment Day

B) In pairs discuss different activities people can undertake to help the environment.

Example: Before discarding reusable rubbish people can sort it out for recycling bins. This way they could reduce the amount of non-biodegradable waste being dumped at landfill sites.

c) Express regret about people’s being environmentally unconscious.

Example: I wish people sorted out reusable rubbish before discarding it. If they did it the amount of waste dumped at landfill sites would be reduced. D 17. a) Read the text and write out words and phrases that describe different activities people undertake on the World Environment Day.

The World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Another resolution, adopted by the General Assembly the same day, led to the creation of UNEP.

The World Environment Day can be celebrated in many ways, including street rallies, bicycle parades, green concerts, essay and poster competitions at schools, tree planting, recycling efforts, clean-up campaigns, etc. In many countries this annual event is used to enhance political attention and action. Heads of State, Prime Ministers and Ministers of Environment deliver statements and commit themselves to care for the environment. More serious pledges are made which lead to the establishment of permanent governmental structures dealing with environmental management and economic planning. This event also provides an opportunity to sign and ratify international environmental conventions. On the World Environment Day we can examine the state of our environment and consider carefully the actions which each of us must take.

Every year the World Environment Day is celebrated all around the world. In 2001 some 100 countries undertook thousands of activities, not only on the World Environment Day itself, but often for an entire week and sometimes even a whole month. Activities organized involved all sectors of society, including governments, non-governmental organizations, business, industry, inter-governmental organizations, civic societies, media and schools.

b) In pairs discuss your views on the celebration of the World Environment Day. If you were in charge of this celebration what way would you organize it?

Student A: Read the text Local environmental action plan in practice.

Student B: Read the text Borzhava environmental initiative.

Student C: Read the text Clean-up weekend.

Student D: Read the text A service for recycling.