作品排名不分先後，以獲獎者姓名排序。Works arranged in the order of the winner’s names.

EDB： 教育局 Education BureauHKPTU： 香港教育專業人員協會 Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ UnionHKRA： 香港閱讀學會 Hong Kong Reading AssociationHKTLA： 香港學校圖書館主任協會 Hong Kong Teacher-Librarians’ Association

初中組中一 (S1) 　中三 (S3)Junior Secondary

The IEarth &

與我球

2014年

創作比賽

CHAN Ho Yin CUHKFAA Chan Chun Ha Secondary School

Topic To live with nature

About 10,000 years ago, when people first started farming, huge forests covered about half of the Earth's land. I can picture how serene and tranquil the world is. However, trees are disappearing at an alarming rate. Now less than a third of the land is covered with forests. It is especially serious in richer areas of the world such as Europe and the USA. Many forests have been cut down in the past 500 years. While for the island of Madagascar, only less than a third of the original rainforest still exists. The book "Protecting Trees & Forests" prompts me to think about the following two questions. What have we done? More importantly, what can be done to protect them?

To begin, the book outlines the close relationship between trees and living things. Trees provide food and shelter for an enormous number of animals and plants. Different kinds of wildlife live in different types of forests. Each species make good use of trees. For instance, woodpeckers find insects to eat by pecking holes in trees while nuthatches run up and down tree trucks and nest in holes in trees.

We also have a strong bond with trees. In the old days, people relied on trees for shelter, fuel, food and tools. Today, we still cannot survive without them. They provide us with wood and paper. They keep soil in place and even help to keep the air clean by trapping dust in their leaves.

If trees are so important to us, why do we dare to forget our connection with the beautiful nature gradually and take more than we need?

It is worrying to see that billions of trees around the globe have been cut down because of grazing, mining, logging and farming. In Central and South America, a lot of lands were used to graze cattle and provide cheap meat for rich countries. While in the Amazon rainforest, trees were cut down and big holes were made in the ground to search for oils and metals like iron and gold. Finally in Southeast Asia, giant tropical trees like teak trees were cut down for wood to be sold. If we continue to exploit natural resources and look for short-term benefits, I believe, the environment will be severely damaged and our world will be depleted one day.

Reading the last few pages of the book, I was inspired and came up with a few simple things we as individuals could do to protect our environment. Buying recycled paper and trying to get your family to buy recycled paper towels, tissues and so on can help. Moreover, we can reuse paper bags and envelopes. If possible, avoid buying furniture, souvenirs and other items made by tropical woods such as mahogany. Every little bit of action can help to complete the mission of saving our environment.

Perhaps schools can take up a role. Millions of papers have been used to print teaching materials, test papers and notices. Thanks to the advancement of technology. Students nowadays, and hopefully learners in the future, can acquire knowledge by reading electronic books and be assessed by online tests and exams. It is believed that lots of papers can be saved.

Education is also a way to let our future planner know more about the benefits of environmental protectional measures like tree planting. Children around the world are already helping to give birth to trees and build forests for the future, including countries with lower socio-economic background like Vietnam. In Kenya (Africa) and Gujarat (India), every school has a tree nursery where trees are grown from seeds.

Actually, not only children have to learn planting, we also should. Planting the right type of tree will help to provide a habitat for wildlife and improve your local area. You can grow trees from seeds or buy sapling. Your trees will need a lot of time and care, so try to get a group of friends to help planting more trees and to promote this act.

From the book, I saw the original scenery of our lovely world. However, I also saw the awful things human did to trees. Now, all around the world, people are planting more trees. Some plan to plant billions. It is likely that this will form new forests or take the place of ones which have been destroyed. Trees give us oxygen though photosynthesis. If we live without trees, we will suffer due to the lack of oxygen. I know it is going to be a long way, but I can feel that we will succeed.

Book readTitle: Protecting trees & forestsAuthor: Felicity BrooksPublished by: NY: Scholastic, Inc., 1994.

香 港Hong Kong

Comments:

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An in-depth discussion on writer's views on environmental conservation. There are many examples to justify the writer's views and this makes the ideas convincing to the readers. A good insightful essay. (EDB)

Excellent grammar and excellent writing by quoting and using convincing statistics. (HKTLA)

Comments:

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A well-written essay with lucid style. There is a right balance of the book review and personal views towards environmental protection. The writer's support of environmental conservation was clearly presented. (EDB)

Smooth writing shows that the writer has deep re�ection. (HKPTU)

Excellent structure to analyse the problem, starting from individuals then upgrading to school and the world. (HKTLA)

AU YEUNG Connor Wong Shiu Chi Secondary School

Topic To live with nature: A reading report

What is shown inside the new Hong Kong Geopark? To most of us, we see rocks of different shapes, colours and sizes; in forms of animals, body-like shapes and such.

However, have we wondered how come the stones take such a form? Angular? Round? Sharp? Heavy? In this book, chemical processes and geological forms which have formed the unique landscape of the hills and islands of our city have been accurately and explicitly described. Furthermore, it provides a relaxing guide to the contemplation of the products of the processes - the rocks and islands.

Take Port Island as an example. Its Chinese name, Chek Chau, implies that its colour is literally red! That happens on Port Island since its deposits are coated by haematite, or iron ore for you and me. As we know, iron easily oxidizes and turns into a brown-red colour-iron oxide in chemistry, hence displaying its reddish colour.

It was until I picked up the book and read it over that I realized Hong Kong had its own undeveloped countryside areas. All we all knew about Hong Kong were only packed skyscrapers in rows after rows, the dense flow of transport, the meagre quality of air and nights polluted by excessive light throughout the year. To my surprise, this is an example of how man should interact with nature - taking just what we need. However, throughout the globe, destruction of forests, sea beds and such have been executed by the name of 'tapping natural resources' - what kind of transgression have we done to the greens, the nature, and the wilderness? There is a saying, 'Land supplies what man needs, not what man desires.' Since the Industrial Revolution, humans have already wasted countless resources - trees, coal, crude oil and fresh water and destroyed plenty of lands which could have been a haven for animals, a treasure chest for biological discoveries, even a piece of art from nature itself under the treads, the blades, the motors and wheels of machines in name of 'civilization' and 'comfort'. If nature is a large net, man is just a thin line. Without intertwining with others, there will be no existence of man itself, for we survive not on ourselves, but on what we have taken from the land.

Given that we have caused such grave destruction (it is still carrying on at the moment) to the nature, should we take initiative to reconsider our place on the Earth? A billionaire may enjoy fine delicacies while simple and cheap food would do for a person in poverty, but they both have to eat - we are more intelligent than other creatures; however, this does not imply that their interests may be neglected in order to fulfill our desires!

To live in harmony with nature may be hard for one to adapt to, but we must do so as we humans, however intelligent, are merely living off the

expenses of nature. As the Indian wisdom believes,'our lives are debts to our sons.' The debts have gone too far. Now we must compensate for what we have done: whether by technology, a shift of living habits or any others, we must stop before there is none in nature left for our off-springs - a debt too large and innocent for them to pay for our deeds. Till now, a lot of us still live in a way such that precious resources have been wasted in amounts which are shocking: According to the latest figures, Hong Kong holds one of the largest waste production, or 1.36kg per capita while similar cities such as Seoul generates only 950g per capita!

Some may claim that such behaviour is of minor business compared to its cause. Here I have to ask a question: Where does our food come from? Pork does not appear from thin air, nor does broccoli grow out of nowhere. Everything we need to sustain our lives comes from the Nature, and yet we are damaging the provider of our existence! Up to now, astronomers have so far found no hospitable planets which are in reach of current spaceflight technologies, which makes Earth and anything on it so special. We, as the creatures with the highest intelligence bear a great responsibility of resolving these environmental issues, not just because of the basic need to sustain our existence, but out of our cherish towards our home among stars - Earth and its product, the Nature.

Book readTitle: Hong Kong geopark all in oneAuthors: Bernie Owen, Raynor Shaw and W. C. ChanPublished by: Hong Kong: Lions Nature Education Foundation, 2011.

作品排名不分先後，以獲獎者姓名排序。Works arranged in the order of the winner’s names.

EDB： 教育局 Education BureauHKPTU： 香港教育專業人員協會 Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ UnionHKRA： 香港閱讀學會 Hong Kong Reading AssociationHKTLA： 香港學校圖書館主任協會 Hong Kong Teacher-Librarians’ Association

初中組中一 (S1) 　中三 (S3)Junior Secondary

The IEarth &

與我球

2014年

創作比賽

HO Nga Ying Heep Yunn School

Topic Our choice

香 港Hong Kong

CHAN Pang Wong Cheung Sha Wan Catholic Secondary School

Topic Environmental protection is not a sci-fi or a fairy tale

Comments:

．Common topic enchanced by novelty of point of view, and supported by well used quotations and statistics. (HKTLA)

Comments:

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The writer's support of green lifestyle is clearly presented. Ideas are logically and well illustrated. (EDB)

Compelling messages conveyed through clear writing, well used quotations. (HKTLA)

The term environmental protection has existed in publications for decades. However, people choose not to do anything as most people either conceive every green initiative a slogan without taking it into practice or a noble quest which is remote to them. Does it sound like an excuse of refusing to read fairy tale or sci-fi, thinking the book is either too predictable or fancy.

The book 'Slime Squad vs. Killers Sock' is an imaginative science-fiction but I have gained practical insights which are neither too unrealistic nor far-fetched after reading it.

This story happens in an enormous, mucky, rusty, old rubbish dump where all the rubbish of people is collected. Being worried about the pollution and rubbish in the world, the mad scientist, Godfrey, wants to create a kind of monster that can clean up the planet by eating, drinking, and devouring all types of trash. Finally, the scientist successfully creates a squad of monsters called "Slime Squad" and they lived in Trashland peacefully. However, the giant, fire-breathing sock monsters want to take revenge on Slime Squad in Trashland. Fortunately, Slime Squad protected the monsters in Trashland and defeated the sock monsters with their bravery and wit.

This story poses a great impact on me. I can't imagine what our world will be if rubbish we have discarded becomes monsters which take revenge on us. The whole world will certainly be destroyed since we have made countless rubbish. Perhaps, you will think that I am telling something that won't happen. However, it reminds us that it is the right time for us to think about the pollution problem.

The earth is sick now because of different kinds of pollution. It is not just influencing our environment but also our health. Municipal solid waste pollution that the book has mentioned is one of serious problems we are facing too. Most of the developed cities are just concerned about how to maximize their economic growth but not minimize the pollution. Take Hong Kong as an example, shops use too much packaging for just one single product. This will definitely cause a huge wastage. The prime concern of these outlets is to appeal to people to buy the products at the expense of the earth. Why are they doing this? Is that selling products more important than our environment as well as our health? Each Hong Kong citizen generates 2.69kg rubbish per day and it means more than 6 million tonnes of municipal solid waste will be generated. Aren't you afraid of such an astounding number? Do you want Hong Kong to become the second rubbish dump besides the one mentioned in the book? Like what Christopher Dodd, a famous American politician, said, 'we have learned that economic growth and environmental protection can and should go hand in hand.' Therefore, when we consume, we need to protect our environment at the same time.

Luckily, our government realizes the importance of environmental protection and some green policies have been set up, such as plastic bags levy and raising the accessibility of segregated recycling bins around the street. These policies help a lot in protecting the environment but I still think the magic bullet to the problem is to - reduce.

We can reduce the consumption with our minimal effort. For instance, using both sides of the paper or work online are different ways to reduce the consumption of paper.

We can also bring our own shopping bags when going out and reduce the use of plastic bags.

We can bring our own eating utensils to school and we can avoid using disposable eating utensils provided by the tuck shop.

We can ...

Yes! We can live in a more beautiful planet with our solidarity.

Adopting green initiatives can soothe the pain and suppress the groan of the environment but it depends on our perseverance. If we can do what we can to help, if we can do what we can continuously, if we can do what we can together, we can certainly help the world and reduce pollution.

Saving our earth is not something which only happens in a science-fiction or a fairy tale but in our everyday life. Do you want to live in a better and safer world?

Book readTitle: The slime squad vs the killer socksAuthor: Steve ColePublished by: London: Red Fox, Random House, 2011.

Our world is in trouble, the way we live is taking a toll on our planet. It is well-known that the problem of global warming is getting tenser day by day. This book, written by the chairman of a nonprofit organization to help solve the climate crisis, clearly indicates the various causes of global warming, introduces the importance of greening and renewable energy, hence suggests ways to help protecting the earth to reduce global warming. Although topics like carbon captures and nuclear power seem to be complicated, the author added a lot of diagrams to help readers understand these ideas. In addition, the layout of the book is well organized, with highlighted headlines, point-formed sentences and additional pictures, it keeps young readers attracted to the book and their understanding of the content.

After reading this book, I had a deep thought of my daily habits and how my usual routine affects the Earth's health. Leaving the tap on when brushing my teeth, leaving the lights on even I won't use them, even though I thought it was only a small action that wouldn't cause any effect, in reality, every action of abusing energy is making global warming more and more serious. In the past, when I watched TV programmes of environmental protection, species facing extinction, and disasters caused by extreme weather conditions, I assumed that these issues were happening on the other side of Earth, that it has nothing to do with me. But there's one inspiring sentence in this book that changed my views, 'Because we don't see global warming in front of us, we don't go into high alert. We don't act.' This is the attitude of people nowadays, they seldom save energy, recycle or reuse things. But global warming requires the power of all citizens of Earth, to work together and go green.

So I have decided to start this kind of lifestyle myself. I choose showers over baths, eat more vegetables and fruits, use fans rather than air-conditioners, plants green plants and turn off electronic appliances when they are not in use, etc. Still, there are many other ways to reduce global warming mentioned in the book, but I will do it step by step and hope my behavior can move my family and friends to go green too. The power of a few is not enough, so I would like to suggest two ways for the government to show their support to reducing global warming.

One: Renewable energy source

As it mentioned in the book, solar energy is not a new idea, but it is not popularly used due to expensive costs and lack of space. I recommend the government to do this step-by-step by constructing large solar panels in unused space like hilltops or country parks where there is enough sunshine

and less people. The electricity produced can be used to support lots of families as there are more and more panels. Whenever it rains, their electricity source can be transferred to fuel again, but using solar energy for a period of time indeed saves lots of fuels. Moreover, operating these panels may also bring lots of job opportunities to locals. Two: Plant more plants

Plants like trees are the only oxygen suppliers and air refresheners on Earth, but now deforestation is too common, as to compensate the large amount of lost plants, in cities, we cannot lose the opportunity to plant. Between roads, in housing estates, building tops, even planting a small flower may help the environment, it helps beautify the surroundings and freshen the air. The government should do this on a large scale and promote this action as to make our home city more environmental friendly.

The reason I have all these ideas above is because of this book. It is meaningful, interesting and inspiring, and suits every adult or child who is interested in environmental protection. Global warming is a serious issue and everyone is welcomed to go green like me, be conscious to your living habits and make yourself environmental friendly by taking actions and reading this book.

Book readTitle: Our choice: how we can solve the climate crisisAuthor: Albert GorePublished by: London: Bloomsbury, 2009.

Comments:

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The writer successfully highlights the detrimental effects of pesticides on environment. Content draws the readers’ attention to the importance of conserving the natural beauty on earth. (EDB)

Strong ability to advocate the author’s critical thinking with appropriate use of quotations. (HKTLA)

作品排名不分先後，以獲獎者姓名排序。Works arranged in the order of the winner’s names.

EDB： 教育局 Education BureauHKPTU： 香港教育專業人員協會 Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ UnionHKRA： 香港閱讀學會 Hong Kong Reading AssociationHKTLA： 香港學校圖書館主任協會 Hong Kong Teacher-Librarians’ Association

初中組中一 (S1) 　中三 (S3)Junior Secondary

The IEarth &

與我球

2014年

創作比賽

LAM Man Hei CUHKFAA Chan Chun Ha Secondary School

Topic An awakening to the complexity of earth's ecology and the importance of maintaining it

"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature - the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter." - This is quoted from "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson. It is an inspiring book with unique and profound thoughts which have driven us to know that nothing exists alone in nature. We should cherish the charm we own on earth and let the beauty of nature shines upon our next generations. "Silent Spring" is meant to evoke a spring season in which no birds' chirping can be heard because they have all been vanished as a result of pesticide abuse. Moreover, "Silent Spring" has been well-written with an encouraging beginning that symbolizes the peace and harmonious environment with abundant vegetation cover adorning the lakes as well as chirping of birds and other creatures. However, human activities have ruined the amicable environment. Furthermore, chemical pesticides cause water pollution and harm the soil which further affect the living species. Through "Silent Spring", Rachel has suggested that water pollution is caused by the use of pesticides on earth. Chemicals are washed into bodies of water and they even seep into ground water which is the source of public water supplies. She has also suggested that soil is made out of the bodies of living creatures. Different living species create the new world. Pesticides remain in the soil will kill the living species living in the soil. In addition, chemical pesticides can damage humans' health. Through "Silent Spring", Rachel has presented a view of nature compromised by synthetic pesticides such as DDT. Once these pesticides enter the biosphere, she has suggested that they will kill bugs. The bugs will become immune to the pesticides causing the need for more potent poison. It will increase the damage causing by using pesticides. Along with killing the pests, the poisons will kill practically everything it touches. It will affect the most sensitive animals such as birds at first. However, all bodies will store their poison in their fat. All animals at the time of spraying including humans will be affected eventually. With the above impacts Rachel has contributed in "Silent Spring", it has risen our awareness towards the misuse of chemical pesticides which may lead to further destruction of the environment and harms the ecology. Therefore, we should protect our environment. I believe that different kinds of species are interdependent in the nature. Different parts of ecosystem are linked together by the flow of energy and matter. They form a food chain in order to survive. They maintain an ecological

香 港Hong Kong

IP Rainbow Wing To Maryknoll Convent School (Secondary Section)

Topic Our fate is in our hands

Comments:

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An interesting account with sensible ideas and clear central message. (EDB)

Excellent presentation by echoing the title with analysis, and the viewpoint is clearly stated. (HKTLA)

balance which is very essential. It refers to the balance in the environment and all the organisms living in it. It is important for continued existence and survival of organisms and stability of environment as well as the adaptation for the species. Therefore, we should not let human activities affect the ecological balance and threaten the biodiversity on earth. Besides, through “Silent Spring”, it has illustrated the impacts that harm the environment caused by human activities. As the misuse of pesticides has caused damages to the environment, I suggest that the government can take certain measures to control the use of pesticides. It can also educate the public about the impacts pesticides have caused to the environment and the ecology which will eventually harm humans' health. I believe that it can raise the awareness of the public to conserve the natural beauty on earth and stop polluting the environment. Additionally, in my opinion, it is essential to conserve the natural beauty on earth. The world is developing into “concrete jungles” surrounded with buildings. It is rare to have forests such as the Amazon Tropical Rainforest which contains high biodiversity. With the existence of forests, we can have knowledge on different kinds of species. Therefore, it is important for us to protect the environment so as to continue the loveliness of nature. “The cornerstone of the new environmentalism...... well crafted, fearless, and succinct,” - Peter Matthiessen. Our fate is in our hand. Let's start conserving and building a harmonious environment to maintain an ecological balance!

Book readTitle: Silent springAuthor: Rachel CarsonPublished by: Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1962.

Ecology is the study of relationships between living things and between them and their environment. Until now, there are many mysteries about ecology that cannot be explained. Why are there more people than tigers? How can worms help keep the world turning? Why are all lives on Earth based on the element carbon? All these questions make me burn with curiosity to find out more.

I've always believed that organisms are dependent on each other and there is a feeding relationship between them. However, I did not realize that I had underestimated the intricacy and sophistication of the existing food chains until I read this informative guide to ecology. The slightest change in a single type of animal can result in a disaster that affects the whole natural environment and even humans. For example, if the number of grasshoppers decreases, what will happen? It may be good news for insect-haters. But in fact, the happiness doesn't stay long, since the grasshopper is a fundamental part of the food chain. If the number of grasshoppers drops, predators which eat grasshoppers to survive will die of hunger, and other predators which eat the predator to stay alive will also die for the same reason. It will result in the collapse of the food chain. In the end, we, human beings will suffer.

You may consider the above as the worst case scenario and there may be a possibility that it won't happen in reality. But let me tell you, it's a real deal and the conditions have been changing from bad to worse because of us. Here are some true stories from the book.

The overfishing of large whales in the ocean around Antarctica has led to a so-called "knock-on effect". The loss of these predator species somehow created an opportunity for other species to thrive. Not only did it lead to an increase in the number of the shrimp-like krill on which they fed, it also led to a rapid rise in the number of other species like crab-eater seals, which fed on the increasing krill. The gradual disappearance of a living group can strongly influence the perfect balance of the ecosystem. Another example is that thousands of bees in Canada died since the farmers there overused pesticide. It led to an eco-disaster as pollen, losing bees as a major transporter, was adversely affected and this had a detrimental effect on the fundamental parts in the food chain such as fruits and nuts. So you see, all living things are interlocked. It is impossible to imagine what will happen if one group vanishes.

We, being the most influential creatures on the planet, should look into how we have altered the atmosphere and how we can strike a better balance within the ecosystem.

According to the book, there are a few human actions that are worth investigating. For example, the burning of fossil fuels and the resultant pollution, advances in technology and the use of fertilizers and pesticides.

To remedy what have done, I think further international agreements regarding pollution should be made as soon as possible. Breeding programs should also be set up to conserve wildlife facing extinction. For instance, laws should be enacted to fix the minimum size of fish that can be taken to provide sustainable yields and ensure that the ecosystem is well-balanced. Of course, we, as individuals should always protect the environment in whatever ways possible.

When I looked at the colorful images of animals and plants in the book, I was truly awakened. Humans and the ecosystem are so closely related. Everything that we do to the ecosystem will return to us. We cannot only focus on the present, we should also focus on the future. If we continue to destroy the ecosystem, we will become stupid murderers who ultimately kill ourselves. Action speak louder than words. It is time for us to disregard commercial benefits as our first priority. The idea of environmental conservation cannot be sacrificed anymore. God created such a beautiful world and passed it on to us, but we mismanaged it by destroying it day after day. Please, everybody, stand up and take action to protect the ecosystem. To protect the gift that God presented to us.

Book readTitle: EcologyAuthor: Steve PollockPublished by: London: Dorling Kindersley, 1993.

作品排名不分先後，以獲獎者姓名排序。Works arranged in the order of the winner’s names.

EDB： 教育局 Education BureauHKPTU： 香港教育專業人員協會 Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ UnionHKRA： 香港閱讀學會 Hong Kong Reading AssociationHKTLA： 香港學校圖書館主任協會 Hong Kong Teacher-Librarians’ Association

初中組中一 (S1) 　中三 (S3)Junior Secondary

The IEarth &

與我球

2014年

創作比賽

TAM Chun Sing Jason Cheung Sha Wan Catholic Secondary School

Topic Need or greed?

香 港Hong Kong

LAW Ka Ming CUHKFAA Chan Chun Ha Secondary School

Topic To live in nature, to live with nature, to live for nature

Comments:

． A comprehensive review on the impact of human activities on ecosystems. The content successfully highlights the urgent need for individuals to take active role to save the earth. (EDB)

Comments:

． Realistic point of view is well illustrated by con�dent writing and balanced structure. (HKTLA)

The rapid growth of cities is the irresistible trend of this modern age. Cities all over the world are growing ever larger, and in fact the tremendous growth is quite worrisome. We do not stop sacrificing the natural landscapes to fulfill people's endless desire and they are covered up by cities with bricks and concrete. The conservation of the environment is never considered. As a matter of fact, do we really need to sacrifice the precious natural scenery and consume all the natural resources?

In fact, people have started to realize that over-exploration of the city damages the environment. We have to face the stark fact that not only has urban development damaged the countryside but also the entire world environment. Natural resources are not limitless. When the city uses resources faster than that they can be replaced, the city is no longer sustainable. Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed. Therefore, everybody lives in a sustainable way of living can also conserve the environment. Then, what could we do to live sustainably?

All of us are contributing to the damage of the earth as a vast amount of waste, sewage and pollution is produced every day. This is the fundamental cause of cities being unsustainable. Unless this situation is remedied immediately, it will add fuel to environmental problem such as global warming. Cities burn fossil fuels to generate electricity but it produces a great amount of greenhouse gases which trap heat in the atmosphere. In my opinion, to deal with the problem, the only way is to introduce renewable energy. Electricity can be generated by a more eco-friendly way so that hazardous greenhouse gases can be reduced. It is really a better way to preserve the mother earth and safeguard the natural treasures.

Is it the end? Should we be complacent about strategies which rely on government or international intervention, something we, the majority of people living on the Earth, have no control over? Is there any way which we can do individually? - The book 'Sustainable Cities' has revealed the truth.

The writer of the book suggests that to live with nature, a green community should be created and awareness of being environmental friendly should be raised throughout daily life. For example, one can try to seek a job that is close to home so as to reduce the energy consumption. Less fuel is used and less carbon dioxide is emitted. One successful example illustrated is London Car Sharing Scheme, namely 'car2go'. Instead of owning their own cars, people who join the scheme have access to a pool of cars which they can reserve. As there is no pressing need of motoring all the time, participants can

scrap the plan of buying a car if they have joined the scheme. Moreover, many developed countries discourage the use of cars and even ban cars from the city centre. Instead of travelling by vehicles, people are encouraged to use mass transport system, cycle or walk.

How about food? One of the less debated concept introduced by the book is the idea of sustainable food. By sustainable food, it means food produced with various environmental, social and health concerns. Citizens can buy fresh food which is planted in their hometowns and it can reduce the fuel used in transportation. The best advantage is that people can get a better price for the products as they can buy from the farmers directly. Not being grown in the mode of mass production, the quality of the crops can be easily monitored. Last but not least, growing food on people's own is another alternative for people to adopt a more sustainable life. We can choose to grow any kinds of food that we like, gaining a greater sense of ownership as we distinguish ourselves as an environmentalist.

We should brook no delay of conserving our adorable earth as it will soon demise without our great care. Walk the walk instead of talk the talk. From now on, we, the inhabitants, as well as the owners of the earth should act pragmatically and try our best to lead a sustainable mode of life. Only if everybody conserves our admirable environment and lives with nature can the future generations inherit the natural resources and landscapes.

Book readTitle: Sustainable citiesAuthor: Angela RoystonPublished by: London: Franklin Watts, 2009.

I can't help but wonder at the amazing relationships between living things. I exist, because my grandparents gave birth to my parents and they did the same to me. I live, because my parents shelter and nurture me. I survive, because wild animals and plants supply a food source. All living things are interdependent. We have an inseparable connection within the mystical ecosystem. Living in nature and being part of the ecosystem, have we tried our best to live with nature or even live for nature?

A simile used by the author at the very beginning of the book "Ecosystems" best describes what I have been pondering. "An ecosystem is like a jigsaw puzzle... All the pieces in the ecosystem jigsaw must fit together". I imagine, if there is not enough rain on the African savanna, the grass withers and dies. Then the zebras that feed on the grass die too, so do the lions that feed on the zebras. Other similar examples in the book show me that all ecosystems, no matter how big or how small, work in this way. A healthy ecosystem has many different species living in it. Each species helps keep the ecosystem working. An ecosystem is almost like a team because if one group of animals or plants disappears from an ecosystem, the whole ecosystem can break down. Perhaps when we take what we need from our beautiful planet, it is time for us to think about how we can contribute our part and co-exist with nature.

It saddened me when I read that ecosystems are threatened because of human behavior. Deforestation is one of the major problems. Tropical rainforests are cut down to clear space for farming. It may be a struggle for wild animals to find food, water and mates due to the destruction of their habitat. When humans mercilessly burn down forests, it leads to the release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. With fewer forests, less carbon dioxide is removed from our atmosphere through photosynthesis. In the end, global average temperatures rise and bring about far-reaching environmental impacts. We, as a member of the ecosystem, and, through our own destructive behavior, we will be the ultimate victims.

The situation gets worse when there is pollution. It came as a shock to me that pollution still severely contaminates the ocean and brings hazardous effects to the ecosystem despite the environmental protection measures that have been implemented in recent years. Oil spills from factories and container ships keep poisoning the plants that fishes eat while acid rain keeps fishes eggs from hatching. Algae, which grows quickly around toxic waste, leaves less oxygen in the ocean for fish to breathe... Is there really nothing we can do? Picture the following scene in your mind: sea birds drowning in the sea as their feathers are coated with oil. Whales and dolphins found dead as their stomachs are filled with garbage bags and fishing lines. My heart sank.

To live harmoniously with nature, I sincerely hope that every one of you will start to cherish the valuble resources we have and take real action to

conserve the Earth's ecosystems. A wide range of campaigns have been taking place. Volunteers from all over the world wear rubber gloves and carry large trash bags to pick up debris along waterways, beaches, rivers and lakes. But, apparently, it is not enough. Individuals should try their best to keep all ecosystems clean and pollution-free. More importantly, business owners should shoulder their responsibility as earth dwellers and make a huge effort to reduce pollution. It is only when everyone does so that – pollution in the world can be eradicated.

To live for nature, this book rings a bell with me that long-term planning is of paramount importance and conservation is the key to success. One sustainable approach to conservation is to encourage community forests and extractive reserves. It is believed that local people have great knowledge of forest life. They also have limitless passion to conserve the ecosystem and prevent illegal logging from taking place, especially when they can benefit from jobs in ecotourism or the sale of resources. Another possible strategy is to encourage commercial forest industries to manage forests. With their professional knowledge of nature and their vision, some old trees may be fortunate enough to be left uncut in order to maintain the balance of biodiversity.

It was a saddening reading journey. Deforestation and pollution have been ruining the ecosystems. We TAKE and we GIVE. We should take up our role and protect our beautiful planet. It is hoped that we can sustain healthy ecosystems and assure the survival of an ecologically balanced planet for generations to come.

Book readTitle: EcosystemsAuthor: Jim PipePublished by: Tunbridge Wells: Ticktock, 2008.