Microplastics in Water — a Wake-up Call for All of Us

Today researchers announced that they have found tiny pieces of plastic in water samples from around the world. These pieces are called microplastics and are so small that they are invisible to the naked eye and are very difficult to remove from the water. When in the water, they are swallowed by fish and other animals and then enter the food chain.

Even more concerning is the fact that the plastic has also been found in drinking water across the world. This means that we are drinking plastic every day. Scientists do not know what level of harm this will cause us in the future.

Microplastics come from a number of different sources, in particular from washing and drying synthetic (non-natural) clothing and from cosmetics and cleaning products, such as toothpaste and face washes. Microplastics are even found in the air outside and at our homes.

Almost every country across the world agrees that we cannot continue using so much plastic in our lives. We need to find a solution to remove microplastics from our oceans. We also need to introduce new taxes and other means to encourage companies to choose environment-friendly ingredients and recyclable packaging for their products.

We need to take personal responsibility, too. We all have the freedom to choose how we spend our money and what kids of business and products we support. Let’s work together to protect our environment, both now and for the future.

Remember: Reduce — Reuse — Recycle. (244 words)

4 . Top scientists have emphasized the importance of forest carbon sinks as having an irreplaceable role in reducing carbon in the atmosphere and ultimately combating climate change.

Yin Weilun, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and former principal of Beijing Forestry University, said that forests and grasslands hold a unique position in combating global climate change.

Forest carbon sinks are plants that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and fix it in vegetation or soil, thereby reducing concentration of the gas, Yin said.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Forestry and Grassland Carbon Sink Innovation International Forum, which is running parallel to the Zhongguancun Forum held in Beijing from Thursday to Tuesday, the scientist said that good forest management can increase carbon absorption capability.

Yin called for more research in forest management to ensure the sustainability of forests and their carbon sink capacity.

“The growth and development cycle of each tree species is different. For example, poplars (白杨木) reach their peak height in about 20 years. After that, they are unlikely to grow and the tree top will rot away.”

To use land efficiently, forest managers must cut down some rotten trees and replace them with young ones so that the forest system can maintain its ability to reproduce and act as a carbon sink, he said.

Yin also stressed the need for increasing forest reserves, grasslands and wetlands to enhance their ability to absorb carbon.

At the forum, Du Xiangwan, former deputy head of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said forests and grasslands can make multiple contributions to climate change mitigation as each cubic meter of wood growth can absorb an average of 1.83 metric tons of carbon dioxide, he said.

In addition, afforestation, grassland and wetland restoration, and desertification control not only protect biodiversity but also provide solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation, he added.

Last year, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration set up a carbon sink research institute to study the country’s potential for carbon sinks through forests and grasslands.

This research work will assess the spatial distribution of carbon sinks with the aim of understanding how to increase them, the administration said.

Reducing Water Pollution In The Wanquan River

   We all share a great responsibility to protect the environment, without which we could not survive.     1    , the amount and scale of environment issues may seem too much for ordinary people. But with hard work and     2    (determine), anyone can achieve great things.

One such person is Yin Yuzhen. At a young age, Yin moved to Inner Mongolia to live with her husband in the desert. She felt very lonely.     3    (improve) the tough environment and cheer     4    (she) up, Yin began planting trees to take land back from the desert. “I would rather die of tiredness from fighting the sand than     5    (bury) by it!” She said.

The deserts of Inner Mongolia have spread over centuries. Planting small trees was very hard work. The couple had to travel on foot,     6    (do) everything by hand. At first, many trees did not survive, but over the years, she learnt from her failures, discovering the best plants and methods to use to successfully plant a forest in the desert.

Over more than three decades, Yin Yuzhen and her husband     7    (plant) over 300,000 trees and have taken back a large area of land from the desert. Yin has received praise and awards from all over the world. It has been said of Yin: “She is a symbol of courage, patience and perseverance. Her work in greeting the desert deserves     8    (universe) respect.”

It is inspiring to see a clear example of     9     the problem of desertification can be dealt with. Although actions may seem small and insignificant, over time they join together to become great achievements. The journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step and the will to continue, and a great forest begins with     10     single small tree and the will to protect and nurture it. Take your first step. Plant your first tree.

Imagine that you’re sleeping in the wild in a tent and are awakened by the sound of wolves howling(狼嚎叫). That’s     1    happened to me last summer when my family and I spent the night at the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) in South Salem, New York. The howling didn’t frighten me. Wolves howl to communicate     2    each other.

The WCC educates people about wolves,    3    (they) relationship to the environment, and how to ensure that they survive. Guests     4    (invite) to visit the wolves year­round. The center is home to twenty­five wolves and two    5    (serious) endangered species—the red wolf and the Mexican gray wolf. At one point, both species     6    (be) extinct in the wild. With help from the WCC, the wolves are making a comeback.

“Wolves help to keep all other animals in balance(平衡) and keep the environment really     7    (health) ,” said Mary Kate Kabbes, an educator at the WCC.

When wolves became extinct in Yellowstone National Park, the elk(麋鹿) population increased to five times its normal(正常的) size and destroyed areas where birds lived. As    8    result, several bird species were forced to leave the park.

Now that wolves are back at Yellowstone, the birds have returned. “Learning about wolves, reading books about them, and telling your family and friends is a simple way    9    (help) spread the word about the     10    (important) of wolves.” Kabbes said.

9 . The UK is blessed with some 1,000 ancient woods, which are free to visit today. Here are just four of the most appealing.

Quick Fact

1. Duncliffe Wood, Dorset       Age: 900+years old

This splendid ancient woodland sits on Duncliffe Hill and can be seen for miles around. Lots of butterflies, birds and wildflowers are dotted among the huge tree trunks.

2. Martinshaw Wood, Leicestershire   Age: 900+years old

The vast, picturesque Martinshaw Wood is steeped in history and packed with wildlife. You could see a host of rare and interesting insects. Birds are also plentiful here, including woodcock and mistle thrushes. This wood can be traced back to at least the 13th century, when it was part of a large deer park. Historical features include banks, earthen dams and a wide sunken track that appears to lead to ancient places where large quantities of stones are dug out of the ground.

3. Aversley Wood, Cambridgeshire     Age: 10,000 years old

This Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) has breathtaking views, plentiful birdlife and wild flowers. Wildlife species include the silver-washed fritillary butterfly, treecreeper and great crested newt. Much of Aversley Wood is ancient, which has been wooded since before the Middle Ages-some areas even since the Last Ice Age.

4. Dering Wood, Kent        Age: 1,400+years old

Dering Wood is an impressive showcase for wildlife and history. You’ll discover distinctive features including well-preserved woodbanks and agricultural drainage(排水)systems.

Protecting Together

There’s no better way to ensure ancient woods can benefit future generations of both wildlife and people than by becoming a member of our organization. You’ll help keep living history safe, plant more trees to keep our planet healthy, and make sure more than 1,000 of our woods-like the ones mentioned here-remain open for everyone to enjoy. Visit woodlandtrust.org.uk to join us today.

A salty sea which warms to planet-beating temperatures at the height of summer     1     (think) dangerous for most vegetation to survive. Yet in one corner of Abu Dhabi, there’s a forest not only surviving, but growing well,     2     (create) a habitat for wildlife and an escape from the desert and cities. Jubail Mangrove (红树林植物) Park is a green area of gray mangrove trees on the northeastern edge of Abu Dhabi’s Al Jubail Island,     3     shallow waterways flow into the clear blue Arabian Sea. Opened as a tourist attraction, the park now is a peaceful world away     4     the busyness and noise of downtown.

It’s not just humans who benefit from the restorative powers of the mangroves. Scientists say when     5     (manage) sustainably, the trees are also helping restore the planet and absorb carbon dioxide,     6     encouraging biodiversity. The peace of this corner of Abu Dhabi is     7     (part) down to the fact that it doesn’t allow some entertainment. “There’s no other place in the UAE that is     8     (compare) to here,” says Dickson Dulawen, a skilled guide.

And it keeps getting better. The Government and private planting programs have contributed to an     9     (expand) of mangrove areas using advanced technology in recent years, which is recognized as     10     top innovative initiative.