EnvironmentandPollution3.doc

TOPIC:
Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas, are used in many countries. The use of alternative sources of energy, including wind and solar power, is encouraged. Is this trend a positive or a negative development?

Model Essay:
I think that the use of alternative sources of energy (also known in some cases as ‘green’energy) is a positive trend and development and indeed their use should be encouraged further. As the demand for energy worldwide is increasing, especially in developing countries, the strains on the existing, and already limited resources also increase. To solve this problem, we must consider 2 issues:1) how to better use the existing, limited fossil fuel resources; 2) how can we encourage the use of alternative energy sources?
It is universally acknowledged that there is a limitation in the use of fossil fuels, especially coal and oil. Some countries are rich in oil deposits like OPEC, whereas China is rich in coal deposits and Russia in natural gas, others, such as Japan and Germany, are completely dependant on the import of resources. For all countries----resources rich versus resource poor, alternative energies should be encouraged and utilized to reduce dependence on fossil fuels as well as to keep global environment in balance and ‘healthy’.
The only way is to turn to other sources to get energy supply. Wind power and solar power are at present feasible alternatives. France is one country which has the advanced technology needed to produce extremely efficient solar panels to store energy from the sun. Both kinds of power can reduce a country’s dependence on fossil fuels. Furthermore, they don’t pollute the environment and in turn help keep the ecosystem stable.
While fossil fuels resources are diminishing, the demand for energy continues to increase year-on-year. It is a positive trend to develop other alternatives to replace these traditional energy resources. Experiences should be shared and promoted, technology shared and exchanged to limit or even reduce the greenhouse effect. If this switch to alternative energy is encouraged early enough, then we may yet avoid the pending energy crisis.

重点词汇﹕
1. alternative
adj. 两者择一的﹐供选择的﹐非主流的
n. 替代物﹐取舍
Please find alternative means of transport.
We have no alternative, but to do it.

2. strain
v. 劳累﹐拉紧﹐过分使用
You will strain your eyes by reading in such poor light.

3. universally
adv. 普遍地
His actions made him universally respected.

4. deposit
n. 存款﹐定金﹐堆积物
The Nile floods the fields and deposits on them.

5. feasible
adj. 可行的﹐可能的
The plan is feasible in reason but impractical.

6. solar panel
太阳电池板
Solar panels are largely used in energy-friendly buildings.

7. diminish
v. 减少﹐变小﹐减损
His illness diminished his health.

8. year-on-year
adj. [经]与上年同期数字相比的
China’s CPI in May rising 1.4% year-on-year.

9. pending
adj. 待定的﹐即将发生或来临的
A decision on this matter is pending.