Dialogue 7

A: There are so many environment problems in the world today. Do you think we can really solve them all or will destroy the world?

B; I hope that all the countries around the world can get together and agree on a plan for action, but I doubt it’ll happen before it’s too late.

A: We need to solve the problem of air pollution before we destroy the atmosphere. There’s lots of clean, modern technology, but companies in developed countries say it’s expensive. Developing countries put more emphasis on economic development than on environment protection.

B: Everyone is looking at the issue in the short term, rather than the long term. It’s the same with the destruction of the rainforests. Countries and companies just want the wood. They’re not thinking about the long-term damage to the forest.