Eco-cities

Some urban planners are designing Eco-cities, cities that are built to be environmentally
friendly. For example, there is easy access to public transportation, so residents don’t need
to own cars, and the community is connected by many bicycle and pedestrian walking
paths. In addition, eco-cities use sustainable energy by incorporating solar and wind power
rather than relying solely on fossil fuels. Eco-cities also have green space, including parks
and forests that provide a natural habitat for wildlife, and community gardens where
residents can grow fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, the buildings in an eco-city are
constructed using ecological building materials, such as recycled materials and wood from
certified sustainable forestry operations. By incorporating all of these features into eco-
cities, urban planners believe we will be able to start restoring our environment so there
will be something left for our grandchildren.

1 Answer the questions.

a) What are eco-cities?
_________________________________________
_________________________________________

b) How do they help conserve natural resources?

 _______________________________________________
 _______________________________________________
 _______________________________________________
 _______________________________________________

2 What are the pros and cons of these eco-cities?

PROS CONS
3 Discussion
a) Would you like to live in an eco-city? Why (not)?
b) How would your life change if you moved to an eco-city?
c) What habits would you have to abandon to live in it?
d) What is the most ecologically correct city you know? What kind of things they
do to keep the standard?
e) Who should be responsible for protecting our resources – government or
individuals?
f) Do you know anyone without a care in the world?

4 Buy me! Your friend wants to talk to you about something important, but you suspect
you are not going to like it. Read the situation A and B, choose one and try to convince your
friends.

A B
You are trying to save pandas from
extinction. Make sure you convince
your partner to join your cause. Use
the expressions:
It’s essential that
is/are of utmost importance
this is something we cannot abide by
it’s vital that
We urge you to
There is no better demonstration of
You heard that a green area near
you home will be turned into a
luxury condominium complex. It’s a
beautiful project, and you are
seriously thinking of buying an
apartment there. Your friend,
however, doesn’t want you to do
that. Talk to them and use these
expressions:
as often as I can
as far as I know
as long as I remember
as much as I’d like to