Protection of the environment in Ukraine is paid much attention.
The development of industry has had a bad influence on the nature of the whole world. People often do things which pollute land and waters greatly. It is very dangerous because it damages health of the people.
The worsening of the ecological situation has been closely linked to the Chernobyl explosion. On April 26, 1986, a fire burnt out of control and released radioactive materials. The disaster killed 31 persons immediately and caused the hospitalization of about 500 others. It has caused widespread illnesses and made the land in the area unusable. A radioactive cloud spread from the plant over most of Europe. Radiation even spread so far as to appearin Asia and in North America.
Another issue of concern in Ukraine is the question of where to put nuclear waste. This waste is largely the spent fuel of reactors. It is radioactive, and some of its components remain so forever. The waste is held at temporary sites until a solution of the problem can be found.
At present the most promising solution of the problem of waste storage is recycling.
Another environmental problem is air pollution. One of its results is acid rain. It is caused by smoke from factories and transport. Nowadays the emission of smoke is strictly controlled by special governmental agencies. The activity of various environmental organizations helps to improve the situation. Among the leading environmental organizations in Ukraine are the Greenpeace and the Green Party.
They are very popular with the youth in Ukraine.
3. Answer the questions:
1. Why is protection of the environment in Ukraine paid much attention to?
2. What happened on April 26, 1986 in Chornobyl?
3. What environment problems are there in Ukraine?
4. What do you know about Greenpeace and the Green Party?