新概念第二册二单元原文.docxVIP

PreviewEnvironmental awareness takes second place to economic development in most nations of the world. As damage to our environment increases, however, some nations are developing programs to protect their natural resources. The first passage in this unit describes some of these national programs. The second passage tells us how some cities have begun to increase the amount of green space for their citizens. The third passage emphasizes the essential nature of water to our living planet and how we upset the balance of nature by polluting our water supply. Read more to learn how we must live in balance with nature or we will destroy the earth home we share.Introduction In most parts of the world, environmental awareness does not exist. The great majority of nations concern themselves with economic development, regardlessof its effect on the globalecology. But in recent years, as environmental damage has increased, signs of change have sprungupin various pockets around the world. The following are a few examples of countries undertakingnew environmental initiatives.CanadaWhen European explorers first came to the New World, the fishing grounds off what would become eastern Canada and New England held abundantcod and other species. The area, called the GrandBanks, was the most abundant fishing ground in the world.Now, 500 years later, excessive fishing has reduced the number of fish to dangerously low levels. In response, Canada has closed the area to cod fishing and set strict limits on catches of other species.When Canada took similar measuresto protect the supply of herring in the 1970s, the fish eventually recovered. But experts say that some species today have been so wasted, they may never recover. The government also faces protests from Canadian fishermen. About 40,000 are now unemployed asaresultof the fishing bans and loss of their fish supply.CostaRicaThis Central American country has one of the most ambitious programs in the world to reserve the ecological d