第三周：星期六　Talking about Environment 谈环境

A：Is the air pollution serious in your place?

B：It used to be, but the government has been working hard to improve it recently. So now, we can see the blue sky in Beijing again.

A：Many efforts have been made for a better environment, such as the "No Car Day".

B：Sure. We all have to be aware of energy saving and environmental protection.

A：What can you do to protect the environment?

B：First, I'll try my best to protect it. Second, I'll ask the people around me to also do it.

A：It is easier said than done. I am curious to see how far you can go.

B：OK. We'll bet on it.

A：你那里的空气污染严重吗?

B：曾经很严重，不过政府近些年做了很多努力来改善空气质量。所以现在，我们又能看见北京蓝色的天空了。

A：大家都在为改善环境做着努力，比如说"无车日"。

B：是呀。我们必须注意节约能源和保护环境。

A：你打算怎样保护环境?

B：首先，我会尽自己的努力。然后，我会告诉周围的人也保护环境。

A：说来容易做来难。我倒是好奇你能进展到什么程度。

B：好啊。那我们打赌吧。

A：The air in Beijing is seriously polluted. Look! I can even see the floating dirt overhead.

B：Yes, air pollution in China is extremely serious, especially in cities with heavy industry.

A：Isn't there any protecting measures adopted by the government for the sake of people's health?

B：There are many, but some depurating devices are not so effective. Some effective devices are so expensive that manufacturers can't afford them.

A：That's it. Then why not consider reducing some heavy industries?

B：It's pretty hard! China is a developing country and needs heavy industries to increase its GDP.

A：How about transferring some plants to suburbs?

B：Good idea!

A：There is a low population density in suburbs, and the harm to people is also slight.

B：However, it brings great inconvenience.

A：Like what?

B：For example, transportation. Many people live in the city, but they have to commute to work every day. Then they will spend too much time on the road.

A：Oh, that's really a problem.

B：Every coin has two sides.

A：北京空气污染很严重。瞧!我甚至能看到头顶上漂浮着的尘土。

B：是的，中国的空气污染相当严重，尤其是一些重工业城市。

A：为了人民的健康，难道政府没有采取一些保护措施吗?

B：采取过很多措施，但很多净化设施效果不明显。有效的设备又特别昂贵，很多厂家都支付不起。

A：确实。那么为什么不减少一些重工业?

B：这很难。中国是发展中国家，特别需要重工业来增加国民生产总值。

A：把一些工厂迁到郊区怎么样?

B：是个好主意!

A：郊区人口密度小，因而给人们带来的影响也小。

B：但是，将工厂迁到郊区会带来很多不便。

A：比如说?

B：比如交通问题。很多人是住在城里的，但是他们又不得不每天去郊区上班。这样他们会花很多时间在路上。

A：哦，这确实是一个问题。

B：事物总有其两面性的。

A：Where did you go last weekend?

B：To the lake.

A：Did you have fun?

B：Not at all. The water smells so bad. I miss my childhood very much.

A：Why?

B：Because I could catch fish in the river, but now they are all gone.

A：Yes, I hate the polluted water, too.

B：For myself, I hate the people who pollute the water much more than the water.

A：But what are the causes of water pollution? Do you know?

B：Many causes of pollution including sewage and fertilizers contain nutrients.

A：Yes, water pollution affects animals, humans, plants and ecosystems.

B：So we cannot ignore this problem, otherwise it will be difficult for us to live in the future.

A：Certainly. Everyone has the responsibility of protecting the water.

A：你上周末去哪里了?

B：湖边。

A：玩得好吗?

B：一点也不好。水臭臭的。我好怀念我的童年。

A：为什么?

B：因为以前我可以在河里抓鱼，可是现在什么都没有了。

A：是啊，我也痛恨那些被污染的水。

B：对我而言，我更痛恨污染水的那些人。

A：但是什么造成的水污染呢?你知道吗?

B：很多原因，不过主要是污水和肥料中的养分。

A：是呀，水污染会影响到动物、人类、植物和生态环境。

B：所以说我们不能忽视这个问题了，不然有一天我们将无法生存。

A：对。每个人都有保护水的义务。

A：Where are you going on your trip?

B：I think Hebei is a good place.

A：But I heard the north of China is experiencing severe sandstorms!

B：Really?

A：Yes, it is said that Hebei is experiencing six degree strong winds.

B：How do these storms affect the people who live in these areas?

A：The report said the number of people with respiratory tract infections tended to rise after sandstorms. The sand gets into people's noses and throats and creates irritation.

B：It sounds like sandstorms are trouble for everybody!

A：You are quite right.

A：你要去哪儿度假?

B：我想河北不错。

A：但我听说中国北部现在有严重的沙尘暴!

B：是真的吗?

A：是的，据说河北正刮六级大风。

B：沙尘暴对生活在这些地区的人们有什么影响?

A：报道说沙尘暴过后呼吸道感染的人数会增加。沙子进入人们的鼻孔和喉咙后会使这些器官发炎。

B：沙尘暴好像给每个人都带来了麻烦!

A：你说得很对。

A：I love this city.

B：So do I.

A：The air here is so fresh, and watching out from the window, your eyes are filled with green.

B：Yeah. That's one of the reasons why I choose to have a vacation in this area.

A：A nice environment is likely to make people feel pleasant and does good things for your health.

B：Exactly. Look at that tiny garden. It must be very comfortable to have a walk there.

A：I agree with you. The surrounding area of mine is not so good.

B：Maybe you could grow some plants at home to beautify your own space.

A：That's a good idea.

A：我喜欢这个城市。

B：我也是。

A：这儿空气清新，放眼望去满眼都是绿色。

B：是啊。这也是我为什么来这儿度假的原因之一。

A：好的环境能使人心情舒畅，还有益身心健康。

B：就是。看那个小公园。在里面散步肯定特别舒服。

A：我想是的。我家那儿的环境就没这么好。

B：或许你可以在家里种点植物来美化你自己的环境。

A：好主意。