I climate change Floods storms electricity Wildlife pollution public transport rainforest Waste A PLANET IN TROUBLE There are more problems facing the environment today than at any time in the past. World population stands at around 6 billion and by the end of the 21st century, it may reach 8 or 10 billion. To satisfy the needs of these people, we are destroying (48) ………………………………………… and other natural places so that we can grow food and put up buildings. This creates (49) ………………………………………… of the land, sea and air, which can be very bad for the health of humans and (50) ………………………………………… such as birds and animals. Most scientists now agree that it has also caused (51) ………………………………………… and this means that the temperature of the Earth is rising. The ice at the North Pole could melt, raising sea levels and causing serious (52) ………………………………………… Generally, the Earth’s weather will be worse and there will be more wind, rain and (53) ………………………………………… However, there are things we can do. Scientists are working to come up with ways of making power that do not cause so much pollution. People at home can recycle their (54) ………………………………………… paper and glass and try to use less (55) ………………………………………… by turning off lights, TVs and stereos when they are not using them. We could all use our cars less and walk or use (56) ………………………………………… more.