PEOPLE AND NATURE
- What is climate?
Climate is the characteristic condition of the atmosphere near the Earth´s surface at a certain place on Earth.It is the long term weather of that area. Climate determines weather conditions and seasons. There are five types of climate.
- How is climate going to change over the years?
The Earth´s climate is changing dynamically. There is a tendency for global warming all over the world.It causes rising temperatures, the melting of glaciers and rising sea levels. The rainfalls will increase and the warming is likely to occur more rapidly over the land than the open seas.
- Define the climate in Slovakia.
Slovakia has a continental climate which is typical for the interior lands. We have four seasons. Winters are cold and dry, summers are hot and humid. Temperatures are about -3 degrees Celsius in winter and about 23 degrees Celsius in summer.
- What is ecology?
Ecology investigates the relationship between living beings and their environment.
- What natural disasters can you describe?
As a consequence of climate changes, many countries have been hit by different natural disasters: earthquakes, fire, droughts, volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, tsunami waves..
The latest and most devastating earthquake was in March in 2011 in Japan. Many people were killed and the tsunami damaged a part of nuclear power station. The biggest fires often occur in Australia, they always damage large areas of countryside. Volcanoes can have a negative impact on everyday life. The recent case was in Iceland in 2010 when flights had to be cancelled. Tornadoes and hurricanes are significant mainly for American continent. They are usually so strong that they damage houses and buildings. Floods started to appear in Slovakia in recent years, too. Large areas were under water and number of people lost their homes. To avoid these disasters people should change their attitude towards the environment and protect nature.
- What are the most serious ecological problems today?
The most serious ecological problems are pollution of air, water, soil caused especially by traffic and factories, the destruction of ecosystems, disappearance of many animal and plant species, sudden changes in climate, acid rains, the global warming, the destruction of tropical rain forest and ozone layer. Overpopulation is becoming one of the most serious problem of our planet.
- What is Greenpeace?
Greenpeace is an international organisation which tries to protect the environment and wants to save the planet for future generations. They fight against polluting nature, they point to the most serious ecological problems and warn people through the mass media and public campaigns. Many of their campaigns have been successful and have made governments pass various laws aimed at the improvement of the environment. For example unleaded petrol in cars is compulsory in many countries and ozone-destroying chemicals have been banned as a result of their activities.
- What is The Red List of Threatened Species?
Nowadays, the existence of some plants and animals is in danger.The Red List was created in 1963 and provides the list of species that are in danger. There are many organisations that try to save life on the Earth. They try to protect endangered plant and animal species.
- What can governments and people do to protect the nature?
They should develop materials which could be recycled, “end-of-pipes“ systems should be used to clean up emissions. We should use alternative sources of energy- solar, water, wind. Car fumes should be eliminated by using catalitic converters in their exhaust systems. We should develop environmentally friendly pesticides and use less harmful industrial processes. Waste disposal should be controlled and domestic rubbish should be separated. We should establish more National Parks to protect endangered species and encourage tree planting. We should support family planning to avoid overpopulation and reduce wasting of electricity, fuel, water and food. We should punish those who threaten the environment.
10. How do you try to protect the nature?
separate rubbish, save energy, walk more and use a bike instead of travelling by car, prefer recycled materials, stop using plastic bottles, use environmentally friendly washing powders and cleaning detergents, plant trees, clean rivers and forests..