The environment is something you are very familiar with. It's everything around us! It actually affects our ability to live on the earth - from the air we breathe, the water that covers most of the earth's surface, the plants and animals around us to much much more.
In the past people have not always given much thought to what is around us and what effect it may have on us if it were removed or polluted. However, in recent years, scientists have been carefully examining the ways that people affect the environment and people are beginning to realise that we need to take extra care of our 'environment'.
They have found that we are causing air pollution, deforestation, acid rain, and other problems that are dangerous both to the earth and to ourselves. These days, when you hear people talk about "the environment", they are often referring to the overall condition of our planet, or how healthy it is.
We must all do our bit to look after the planet to avoid any further damage !
