23. Like many countries, Britain has serious environmental problems. In 1952, more than 4, 000 people died in London because of the smog (雾霾). The government made new laws to stop smog from coal (煤) fires and factories and things became better.
Today, London is much cleaner but there is a new problem: smog from cars. In December 1991, there was very little wind in London and pollution was much worse. As a result, about 160 people died from pollution in just four days.
Part of the problem is the new "out of town" shopping centers. In the past, people often walked to shops near their home or went by bus. Now, many people drive to the new shopping centers. As a result, the small shops have been closed and more people have to travel to do their shopping.
Many people think that Britain needs better and cheaper public transport (交通). Transport in Britain is very expensive. An early morning train trip from Glasgow to London (about 600 km) can cost about 100 pounds, for example. A short 15-minute bus trip can cost over 1. 00 pound.
Many people are trying to cut the use of cars in Britain. Some cities now have special bicycle paths and many people cycle to work. Some people also travel to work together in one car to make less the pollution and the cost.
Environmental (1) in Britain |
(2) | Why | What | How |
In the past | Smog from coal fires and factories. | (3) 4, 000 people died in 1952. | The government introduced new laws. |
Today | Smog from (4) | About 160 people died in a few days in 1991. | • Provide better and cheaper public transport. • Build special paths for (5) . •Travel to work together in a car. |