Ecology and Environment (Living in a Redwood Tree)

Working with words

The words/phrases in the box are from the text. Check their meanings in a dictionary and use these words to complete the given sentences.

redwood, propane, occasional, wake-up call, logging, detrimental, stint, resolution, transformation, debris

a. Logging is one of the main reasons behind the rapid deforestation in the world.
b. That's one example of how the pandemic should be a wake-up call.
c. Propane is a gas used as a fuel for cooking and heating. d. Emergency teams are still clearing the debris from the plane crash.
e. What a transformation! You look great.
f. My father made a New Year resolution to give up smoking.
g. He has worked in the Army for two years. He consumes that two-year stint.
h. Emissions from the factory are widely suspected of having a/an detrimental effect on health.
i. My father is an occasional smoker. He doesn't smoke often.
j. Redwood is a very tall type of tree that grows especially in California and Oregan.

Match the following words/phrases related to the ecology with their meanings.

Comprehension

Choose the best answer.

a. The author of the text above has the opinion that Julia Hill made her pastime in a tree for two years more.
b. The sentence ‘Julia had occasional visitors’ indicates she had a few visitors now and then.
c. The logging company managed 24 hour security service around the tree to discourage her from her campaign.
d. Ms. Hill began to respond the loggers with songs and conventional conversations because she had unconditional love for all nature’s creations.
e. Julia Hill climbed down the tree after 738 days when her demands were about to be fulfilled.

Answer the following questions.

a. Who was Julia Butterfly Hill? How did Hill’s campaign gain popularity?
Julia Butterfly Hill was an environmental activist who climbed into a redwood tree in California in December 1997 to protest against the logging of old-growth redwoods by the Pacific Lumber Company. She lived in the tree for over two years before finally coming down in December 1999. Hill's campaign gained popularity because she gained national attention for her cause and was able to negotiate a deal to save Luna and the surrounding trees from logging.

b. What made Hill start her mega campaign to save redwood trees?
Hill felt called to try to protect the remaining majestic redwoods after visiting the redwood forest and feeling a spiritual connection to it. She was motivated by her desire to leave a positive legacy, as she realized that the value of people is not in their stock portfolios and bank accounts, but in the legacies they leave behind.

c. What kinds of amenities were there to support Hill’s life in the tree?
Hill had a sleeping bag, a solar-powered cell phone for media interviews, and a single-burner propane stove to cook and heat water. She had few necessities, and no luxuries.

d. Did Hill's value of life change after her car accident? How?
Yes, Hill's value of life changed after her car accident. She said the experience was a wake-up call. Until then, her main focus had been work. After the accident, she realized that the value of people is not in their stock portfolios and bank accounts, but in the legacies they leave behind.

e. Deforestation causes natural calamities. What evidence do you have in the text to prove this?
The text states that Hill learned the logging was detrimental to people, as well as the forest. A hillside near Stafford, CA, had already been clear-cut. Just months before Hill arrived, a huge 20-ft-high mudslide carried trees, stumps and debris from that hillside down into the town, leaving seven families without homes. Despite evidence that clearcutting had destabilized the hillside and caused the mudslide, the Department of Forestry granted permission to continue logging on the very next slope.

f. How did the logging company try to discourage Hill in the early days of her sit-in?

The logging company employed various tactics to discourage Julia Hill during the early days of her protest. They hired security guards to disrupt her support team and prevent them from delivering supplies. They also flew a helicopter dangerously close to the tree, cut down a neighboring tree which nearly caused Hill to fall, verbally abused her, threatened her with violence, rape and death, used floodlights and loud noises to keep her awake at night.

g. How were the vagaries of nature unwelcoming to Hill?
Hill faced the harsh living conditions in the tree. She was cold and wet for much of that two years. There was no heat, no electricity. No artificial light. She also faced occasional visitors such as spiders, birds, and mice. A pair of resident flying squirrels specialized in keeping her awake at night by noisily investigating all her supplies.

h. What is the purpose of the author to write a review on Hill’s book? Do you think the author stands for ecological sustainability? Give reasons.
The purpose of the author to write a review on Hill’s book is not mentioned. It can be assumed that the author wants to share Hill's story and inspire people to take action against deforestation. Based on the text, it can be inferred that the author is in favor of ecological sustainability as it highlights the negative impact of logging on both the forest and local communities.

Critical thinking

Suppose you are Julia Butterfly Hill. After staying one year in the tree, the government offered you five million dollars and requested you to drop the strike. Write in about 200 words responding them that the money is a mean thing for you in comparison with the woods.

Thank you for the offer of five million dollars, but I cannot accept it. For me, the money is insignificant in comparison to the value of these ancient redwood forests. These trees have stood for centuries, providing habitat for countless species, sequestering carbon, and offering a spiritual connection to generations of people. To sacrifice them for a short-term gain would be a tragedy.

Furthermore, this is not about money for me. It's about standing up for what is right and protecting these precious natural resources for future generations. The government has a responsibility to protect the environment, not exploit it for profit. The money you are offering is a short-term solution to a long-term problem. It does not address the root cause of the issue, and it does not guarantee that these forests will be protected in the future.

I understand that logging is an important industry, and I am not against it entirely. However, it is essential that it is done in a sustainable and responsible manner. The clearcutting of old-growth redwoods is not sustainable, and it is causing significant harm to both the forest and the local communities.

I will not be swayed by money or material possessions. I will continue to protest until my demands are met and these ancient redwoods are protected for future generations to enjoy.

Writing

Write a review of a book/film which you have read/watched recently.

I recently read "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos" by Jordan Peterson. This book is a powerful and thought-provoking read that offers practical advice on how to live a meaningful life.

The book covers a wide range of topics, from the importance of taking personal responsibility to the dangers of identity politics. Peterson's writing style is engaging and easy to understand, and he uses a variety of examples and anecdotes to illustrate his points. One of the things I appreciated about this book is that it is not a one-size-fits-all approach to life. Peterson acknowledges that every individual's path is unique and that there is no single formula for success.

The author's insights on the relationship between individual responsibility and societal well-being was particularly compelling. He argues that taking personal responsibility is not just good for the individual but also for society as a whole. He also provides a unique perspective on the importance of facing one's own demons and exploring the darker aspects of human nature.

The book also delves into the importance of tradition and the role it plays in shaping our lives. Peterson advocates for the preservation of traditional values and the wisdom they offer. The author also provides a fresh perspective on the concept of masculinity and femininity, emphasizing that we should embrace the strengths of both.

Overall, "12 Rules for Life" is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their life. It is a well-written and thought-provoking book that offers valuable insights on how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. The author's unique perspective on personal responsibility, tradition, and the role of masculinity and femininity makes for a compelling read. While some may disagree with certain points made by the author, the book is sure to spark valuable discussions and self-reflection. I highly recommend "12 Rules for Life" to anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Your school is going to organize a speech competition on coming Friday. The subject of the speech is “Let’s save the trees and protect our environment.” Draft a speech using the following prompts.

Natural world – plants, elements and animals – billions of living beings and billions of trees- environment – entire air, soil, trees, water- co-existence of all-good environment - human being - greedy/selfish/consumerist- thinking him owner- other things property- urbanization- industrialization- road construction - canal/dam construction- airport construction- loss of trees- control greed/appetite- good environment- quality life- bad environment- bad life.

Good morning everyone,

We are here today to talk about one of the most important issues of our time - the protection of our environment, and in particular, the preservation of trees. The natural world, with its plants, elements, and animals, is home to billions of living beings and billions of trees. These trees are an essential part of our environment, providing us with clean air, healthy soil, and fresh water. They are the foundation of our co-existence with all other living things on this planet.

But as human beings, we have often been greedy and selfish in our approach to the environment. We have thought of ourselves as the owners of the earth and have treated other things as property to be used for our own gain. We have urbanized and industrialized at the expense of our natural resources, constructing roads, canals, dams, and airports without consideration for the loss of trees.

This reckless behavior has had a detrimental effect on our environment, and ultimately, on our quality of life. The loss of trees has led to air and water pollution, soil erosion, and climate change. It has also led to the loss of biodiversity and the extinction of countless species.

But it is not too late to change our ways. We can control our greed and appetite for destruction. We can choose to live in harmony with the natural world, rather than exploiting it for our own benefit. By protecting the trees and preserving our environment, we can ensure a good quality of life for ourselves and future generations.

So, let us take a stand today to save the trees and protect our environment. Let us pledge to be responsible and conscious citizens, who care for and preserve the natural resources that we have inherited. Let us work together to create a better world for all living beings.

Thank you.

Grammar

Someone says something to you which contradicts to what they told you earlier. Match the beginnings of the conversations with the correct endings.

Change the following sentences into indirect speech.

a. The principal said, “You can phone from my office, Rita.”
The principal said that Rita could phone from his office.

b. “You must not neglect your duty,” said the teacher to the student.
The teacher told the student not to neglect his duty.

c. The student said, “Sir, please, grant me a leave for two days.”
The student asked the teacher to grant him a leave for two days.

d. I said to her, “Go to school or you will be fined.”
I told her to go to school or she would be fined.

e. The headmaster said, “Don’t make any noise, boys.”
The headmaster told the boys not to make any noise.

f. “Work hard if you want to rise in life,” said the old man.
The old man said that one must work hard if they want to rise in life.

g. He said, “Goodbye, my friends!”
He said goodbye to his friends.

h. She said to me, “Have a pleasant journey ahead.”
She wished me a pleasant journey ahead.

i. “Don’t give me the book, please,” Sharmila said.
Sharmila requested not to give her the book.

j. “Where have you been these days?” she spoke on the telephone.
She enquired over the phone where I had been these days.

k. The teacher said, “Have you submitted your assignments, students?"
The teacher asked the students if they had submitted their assignments.

You're telling your friend what Dinesh told you. Complete the text.

He said he has just got engaged. He told me that he is getting married next month. He told me they are going to Pokhara for their honeymoon. He mentioned that it will be very expensive. He said that his friend is a photographer and he will take the photos for them. He mentioned that they will have the reception in his parents' garden. He admitted that his mum is baking the cake for them. He said his sister’s band is playing free for them. He said he hopes I'd come to the wedding.