18. Work in pairs and decide whether these statements are true or false.

Correct the false ones.

1. The environment includes both human (man-made), social and phys-

ical (natural) features.

2. Human interference with the environment does not cause anyenviron-

mental problems.

3. When oil, gas and coal are being burnt by power stations nitrogen ox-

ides are released into the atmosphere.

4. Acid rain increases the acidity levels of rivers, lakes and seas.

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5. Global warming is the worldwide warming ofthe atmosphere.

6. Plants and animals can survive in polluted water.

7. Petroleum products get into water by means of accidental spills from

ships, tanker trucks, pipelines, and leakyunderground storage tanks.

1. The statement is true. The environment includes both human (man-made), social, and physical (natural) features. The environment is not just made up of natural elements like mountains, rivers, and forests, but also includes human-created elements like buildings, roads, and cities. Social features such as communities and societies are also part of the environment.

2. The statement is false. Human interference with the environment can cause various environmental problems. For example, deforestation by humans can lead to habitat loss for many species and contribute to climate change. Pollution from industrial activities and waste disposal can contaminate air, water, and soil, harming ecosystems and human health.

3. The statement is true. When oil, gas, and coal are burned by power stations, nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere. These nitrogen oxides can contribute to air pollution and the formation of smog. They can also react with other pollutants and sunlight to form ground-level ozone, which is a harmful air pollutant.

4. The statement is true. Acid rain can increase the acidity levels of rivers, lakes, and seas. When sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels, they can combine with water vapor to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid. These acids can be carried by rain or other forms of precipitation and fall onto the Earth's surface, leading to acidification of water bodies.

5. The statement is true. Global warming refers to the long-term increase in average temperatures in the Earth's atmosphere. It is primarily caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Global warming has various impacts on climate patterns, ecosystems, and human societies.

6. The statement is false. Plants and animals generally cannot survive in polluted water. Pollution can introduce harmful substances, such as chemicals and toxins, into water bodies, making them unsuitable for many organisms. Polluted water can also disrupt the balance of nutrients and oxygen levels needed for aquatic life, leading to the death of plants, animals, and other aquatic organisms.

7. The statement is true. Petroleum products can enter water through accidental spills from ships, tanker trucks, pipelines, and leaky underground storage tanks. These spills can release large amounts of oil or other petroleum products into rivers, lakes, oceans, or underground water sources. Such spills can have severe environmental and ecological consequences, including harming aquatic life, contaminating drinking water sources, and damaging ecosystems.