ADV. 14.3. ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

I. DISCUSSING PRESSURE TO CHANGE 

1. READING FOR A PURPOSE

Scanning for key information

Scanning is looking over a text to find specific information quickly. The key is to know exactly what information you need, then to look quickly for related language without reading everything word-for-word. For example, if you need information about a local recycling policy, you should quickly scan a text for words like recycling, plastic and aluminum.

2. DISCUSSING TRENDS

Here are a few useful phrases for discussing trends. Notice that there is is more appropriate for sentences describing something less personal, or what you've learned from a source.

There's definitely a perceived need to keep waste to a minimum.
There's increasing pressure on the government to think greener.

You can make what you say more personal by talking in the first person.

I've got a growing sense that everyone is starting to pitch in.
I see a move toward more reusing of products.

3. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Describing personal responsibilities

Here is some useful language for talking about the personal responsibilities you are taking regarding the environment. I'm doing my part to save the planet. I always try and make sure to go paperless whenever possible. You've got to do what you can. People these days feel like they need to pitch in for the planet. Use phrases like I must admit, the truth is and to be honest to emphasize the sincerity of your opinions, especially when you're discussing a weakness. I must admit I don't do as much as I should. The truth is I don't want to be seen as not caring. 4. VAGUE LANGUAGE In casual spoken language, people often use vague words or phrases. These may include non-specific references like something, stuff, things, or people. I'm sure there are many things we can do.We can try to save power by turning off the lights or something. We may use vague language when we feel we don’t need to or we can’t be specific. It's not just us – the government needs to do something, too. Speaking vaguely is also a strategy when details are beyond our knowledge. Scientists are looking into environmentally friendly materials, like biomaterial and stuff.

II. ANTICIPATING THE FUTURE 

1. READING FOR ATTITUDE

Reading for the author's attitude

Writers often use intense words and phrases to emphasize their attitude toward a serious topic. Look out for these intensifying terms as you read.

Another reason is its huge impact on our planet. The impact goes far beyond warming temperatures. It will not be long before food shortages become an imminent issue. Fortunately, warnings and calls for action have been appearing globally.

A writer's explicitly stated opinion clearly reveals their attitude. These may come at the end of an article or essay, where the writer is summarizing the situation or suggesting solutions to a problem. Look for key words that indicate their attitude.

Nevertheless, it's still not too late if the right actions are taken fast. There are many reasons to be hopeful, knowing that a gargantuan effort is being made to fix the mess  that we humans have made.

2. EXPRESSING PESSIMISM

You may hear a range of phrases to express pessimism, the view that a situation or outlook is basically bad. These phrases can be used to express extreme pessimism.

We're doomed.
We're pretty much done.
The world doesn't stand a chance.

Less severe pessimism can be expressed using these phrases.

I have to say, it's only going to get worse.
I don't see it getting better in the near future.
It certainly doesn't look like things can turn around any time soon.

Be careful, as some expressions, like We're doomed, can also be used in a humorous or ironic way, as if the speaker is making light of a serious situation.

We're doomed!

3. RESPONDING TO PESSIMISM

Responding to pessimism

When someone is in a pessimistic mood, you can use these phrases to respond in a hopeful way. A. We're doomed! B. Hey, don't be so melodramatic! A. There's nothing we can do. We're pretty much done. B. Well, it's not all doom and gloom. A. Human beings don't stand a chance. B. Have a little faith, Eric! Here are a few more positive phrases to use. There's still time for us to turn it around. There's always hope. There are plenty of reasons to be hopeful. It is also helpful to support your positive attitude with reasons using the introductory phrases below. With any luck, we'll be using clean and renewable sources of energy in the near future. Given our track record, the countries will be able to unite and deal with the issue together. I'd like to think that people are growing aware of the situation and will take action. I trust that enormous investment is going into research on energy saving. It won't be long before technology helps boost crop yield.

III. EXPLAINING POLICY CHANGES 

1. COMPLEX PASSIVE STRUCTURES

Complex passives

The passive form is useful when you're explaining rules and regulations because it focuses more on the action than the person who does the action. Have a look at these examples. Notice that, despite the complex tenses, the basic passive structure stays the same: object + (auxiliary verb) + be +past participle + (by) + (subject).

Paper cups will not be supplied starting next month. Trash cans on each floor have been replaced by recycling bins. A more energy-efficient lighting system is being installed.

You can use modal verbs in passive structures. Notice the modal verb takes the place of the auxiliary verb.

New recycling bins can be found near the stairs. The new receptacles might be installed tomorrow.

You can also use passives in infinitive (to + base verb) or gerund (verb + ing) clauses.

Items to be thrown away must be sorted into the correct bins. Instead of being thrown away, old computers should be donated to charity. 2. ADDING DETAIL WHEN SPEAKING Bits of detail   In everyday speech, we don't often use formal structures like complex passives. Instead, formulating information as we talk, we add detail to what we say in bits, for example at the beginning: The old trash cans, they're all going. Or, if we feel it's necessary to clarify what we're talking about, we might add more information at the end: They're really important to the board, these new rules. When you're listening to native speakers in conversation, pay attention to the beginning and end of sentences; it's where you'll often find the important details.

IV. EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF CHANGE

1. DISCUSSING VALUE 

Language for discussing value

When there are changes or new rules introduced in your office, it's natural to comment on their value. You can use these phrases for a negative evaluation. The new rules are just a feel-good factor. They'll have a hard time selling this to the team. It'll be difficult to maintain. It's hard to see value in such trivial changes. How much will this really save in the long run? You can use the following phrases to express a positive evaluation. It's a pretty smart move. I genuinely believe that this change is worth it. You can also bring in additional considerations or build on your opinion with the introductory phrases considering that and given that. Considering that paper cups will be replaced by mugs, people won't need the bins as often. Given that there will be bins on every floor, it won't be inconvenient. 2. POINT-OF-VIEW ADVERBS Point-of-view phrases   Adverbs or adverbial phrases are often used to introduce a point of view. Different adverbs express different emotions. To emphasize a sincere feeling or view, use frankly, honestly and personally.

Honestly, I think the rules are just a feel-good factor.

Personally, I think they'll have a hard time selling this to the team. Frankly, turning off your computer makes you aware of things you can do. Frankly and honestly are interchangeable with the phrases to be frank and to be honest. To be frank, turning off your computer makes you aware of things you can do. Adverbs like clearly, apparently and obviously can be used sincerely for emphasis or sarcastically when you think an idea is absurd. Listen to the stress and intonation in the sarcastic sentences below. Apparently, sorting trash is an efficient use of our work time.Obviously, the company has finally started to care about the planet.Clearly, turning off our computers each day will save the whole planet. If there is no exaggerated stress and intonation on the adverbs, the speaker is probably giving their honest opinion. Clearly, these changes will help. 3. MORE SPOKEN GRAMMAR Ellipsis   Ellipsis refers to the omission of parts of a sentence when we're speaking. Understanding it can help you follow a casual conversation more effectively. (Have you) Seen the email about the new green rules? In cases where the context is clear, large parts of a sentence can be dropped. (Would you like to have) Dinner (with me) at 7?