Is plastic in the ocean a problem?
Duration: 50 minutes.
Let’s talk about the issues raised in this short video from the Guardian.
The issue of plastic in nature, particularly in our oceans, is a global crisis. Every minute, about a dump-truck load of plastic goes into the oceans, sullying beaches, hurting wildlife, and contaminating our food supply.
Let’s watch this video and after we will talk about it.
Reading text: What About the Environment?
Listen to the audio and read the text at the same time.
There are growing concerns about the effects of microplastics on our environment, especially on marine life. However, it is difficult for scientists to understand exactly how microplastics affect animals, because they are also exposed to many other harmful things.
According to Lauren Roman, a researcher at CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, “the size of the plastic matters.”
If a plastic piece is too large, animals won’t eat it, or seabirds might regurgitate it (bring it back up). If it’s very small, it can pass straight through their system.
For larger pieces, scientists believe that plastic in animals’ stomachs can make them feel full, even when they haven’t eaten enough food. This is called the dietary dilution effect, and it can make animals weak or sick.
What Should We Do?
Experts agree that the best step is to reduce our use of plastic. We can:
- Avoid single-use plastics (like straws and plastic bags).
- Replace plastic with eco-friendly materials whenever possible.
However, scientist Mark Browne warns that when we redesign or replace products, we must be careful not to create new problems. For example, asbestos is a natural fibre, but it turned out to be dangerous for people.
Vocabulary Focus from the text.
| Word / Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Microplastics | Tiny pieces of plastic that pollute the environment | Fish often swallow microplastics in the ocean. |
| Marine life | Animals and plants living in the sea | Marine life is suffering because of plastic waste. |
| Regurgitate | To bring food or another substance back up from the stomach | Seabirds regurgitate large pieces of plastic. |
| Pass through | To go in one end and out the other | Small particles can pass through the animal’s body. |
| Single-use | Meant to be used once and then thrown away | Single-use plastic bottles create a lot of waste. |
| Eco-friendly | Not harmful to the environment | We should use eco-friendly packaging. |
| Asbestos | A natural mineral fibre that can cause health problems | Asbestos was once used in buildings but is now banned. |
Discussion questions.
The environment is everything around us and is very important. It is our home, after all! If we don’t take care of it, nobody will take care of it.
Do you ever worry about the environment?
Simple English: Yes, I do worry about the environment. I think it’s important to take care of the planet and try to reduce pollution and waste.
Advanced English: Environmental concerns are a significant issue for me, and I consider them a crucial factor in our society’s future. The potential consequences of human actions, including climate change, air and water pollution, and biodiversity loss, are alarming and demand immediate attention. Therefore, I believe in the importance of individual and collective efforts to reduce environmental harm, such as waste reduction, adopting renewable energy sources, and supporting environmentally friendly policies.
Why are microplastics such an environmental concern?
Simple English: Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that come from products like cosmetics, clothing, and plastic waste that break down over time. They are a concern because they are harmful to the environment and can be ingested by animals and end up in the food chain. This can cause health problems for animals and eventually for humans too.
Advanced English: Microplastics are small plastic particles that are less than 5mm in size and can come from a range of sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic debris, synthetic textiles, and personal care products like toothpaste and exfoliants. Due to their small size and abundance, they are a major environmental concern. These tiny particles can be ingested by animals and can accumulate in their tissues, leading to a range of health concerns. Additionally, microplastics can absorb harmful chemicals and pollutants from the surrounding environment, which can then be transferred to animals and eventually to humans through the food chain. This can have serious consequences for human health, including endocrine disruption, cancer, and developmental and reproductive problems. Furthermore, microplastics are extremely persistent in the environment, taking hundreds of years to break down, and their long-term impacts are not yet fully understood.
What can governments do to save our environment?
Simple English: Governments can pass laws and regulations to protect the environment, invest in green technologies, and promote sustainable practices to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Advanced English: Governments can play a critical role in protecting the environment by implementing policies and programs that encourage sustainable development, conservation, and climate action. This can include passing legislation and regulations that set limits on pollution and emissions, investing in renewable energy and green technologies, and providing incentives and support for individuals and businesses to adopt sustainable practices. Additionally, governments can work to raise public awareness and engagement on environmental issues through education campaigns and public outreach initiatives, and collaborate with other countries and international organizations to develop coordinated strategies to address global environmental challenges. Ultimately, the success of these efforts will depend on political will, effective implementation, and ongoing commitment to prioritizing the health and sustainability of our planet.
- Do you ever worry about the environment?
- Have you heard any news recently about environmental problems?
- Why are microplastics such a big concern?
- What can we do to reduce plastic pollution?
- Is clean water a problem in your country? Why or why not?
- Is clean air a problem in your country? What are the causes?
- What kind of waste is common in your city or in Brazil?
- How does pollution affect your daily life?
- What actions can governments take to protect the environment?
- What can you personally do to help the planet?
Photo by OCG Saving The Ocean on Unsplash | Source: www.theguardian.com
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