LAW OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES II

Unitate de învăţare Nr. 10

LAW OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL

RESOURCES II

Cuprins Pagina

Obiectivele Unităţii de învăţare Nr. 10

10.1 Professional Practice: Climate Change Law
10.2 Language Focus: Wish
10.3 Vocabulary: Water Law
Lucrare de verificare Unitate de învăţare Nr. 10
Răspunsuri şi comentarii la testele de autoevaluare
Bibliografie Unitate de învăţare Nr. 10

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OBIECTIVELE Unităţii de învăţare Nr. 10

Principalele obiective ale Unităţii de învăţare Nr. 10 sunt:

• Să selecţioneze informaţiile esenţiale din aceste texte;

• Să utilizeze cuvintele cheie în contexte de comunicare noi;
• Să rezolve exercitiile de înţelegere ale textului utilizând cuvinte
şi structuri din text.
• Să rezolve exercitiile de gramatica.

10.1 Professional Practice: Climate Change Law

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our day. It is a

global problem that affects every nation, community, and person on the
planet. The accumulation of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide,
in the atmosphere absorbs heat from the sun, so producing climate
change. In addition to rising sea levels, more frequent and severe
weather events, and alterations in ecosystems that threaten biodiversity
and human livelihoods, climate change has far-reaching consequences.
Climate change legislation is vital for addressing and mitigating this
legislative issue.
instruments
Climate change law refers to a number of legislative instruments aimed
at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to the effects of climate
change, and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy. These
instruments include national and international treaties, regulations, and
policies that establish emission reduction targets, establish carbon
markets and pricing systems, and encourage the development of
renewable energy and other low-carbon technologies.

The Paris Agreement, which was adopted by 195 countries in 2015, is

one of the most significant international climate change laws. The Paris
Agreement aspires to limit the global temperature increase to less than 2
degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels and to pursue measures to
minimise the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. To achieve
this purpose, the agreement requires governments to submit nationally
determined contributions (NDCs) that detail their intentions for reducing
greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to providing a framework for
monitoring and reporting progress towards these goals, the agreement
offers poor nations with financial and technical support to aid in their
efforts to mitigate climate change.

Numerous nations have implemented their own national climate change

laws and policies. The European Union, for instance, has established
obligatory emission reduction goals, established a carbon market, and
implemented legislation to stimulate the use of renewable energy and
energy efficiency.
Moreover, the United States has developed a number of federal and

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 LAW OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES II

state-level policies to counteract climate change, such as limitations on

power plant emissions, fuel efficiency standards for vehicles, and
subsidies for the development of renewable energy.

Ensuring that climate change legislation is both effective and equitable

challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is one of its greatest challenges.
This indicates that policy must take into account the interests and
perspectives of several countries and groups, particularly those most
vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. Poor nations may
require financial and technical assistance to implement climate change
legislation, and the transition to a low-carbon economy may
disproportionately affect low-income regions.

Another challenge is ensuring that climate change initiatives do not have

unintended negative consequences, such as creating new environmental
problems or infringing human rights. For instance, encouraging the use
of biofuels may have unintended consequences such as deforestation or
competition for food supply.
Compliance and
enforcement Compliance and enforcement are also important elements of climate
change policy. All governments and players must enact and adhere to
climate change policies for them to be effective. This requires stringent
monitoring, reporting, and verification procedures, as well as effective
fines and incentives for compliance.

In conclusion, climate change law is an essential tool for addressing the

global issue of climate change. International and national rules and
regulations are crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting
to the consequences of climate change, and facilitating the transition to a
low-carbon economy. Yet, climate change legislation must be fair and
equitable, taking into account the interests and perspectives of several
nations and individuals and avoiding unintended negative consequences.
In order to ensure the efficacy of climate change programmes,
enforcement and compliance processes must also be successful. If we
maintain our efforts and collaborate, we can tackle climate change and
establish a sustainable future for everybody.

Test de autoevaluare 10.1 – Scrieţi răspunsul în spaţiul liber din chenar.

1. What is climate change?

2. What is climate change law?

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 LAW OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES II

3. What is the Paris Agreement, and why is it significant?

4. What are some challenges in implementing effective and equitable

climate change legislation?

Răspunsul la test se găseşte la pagina

10.2 Language Focus: Wish

*Using “wish” for expressing regrets about the present or future:

Wish
When we use “wish” in this context, we are expressing a desire for
things to be different than they currently are. This can refer to situations
or circumstances that we regret, or things that we wish we could change.

For example:

I wish I had studied harder for the test.

She wishes she could speak French fluently.
They wish they didn’t have to work on weekends.

In these examples, “wish” is followed by a past tense verb (had studied,

could speak, didn’t have), indicating a regret or desire for something
that did not happen or is unlikely to happen in the future.

*Using “wish” for expressing hypothetical situations in the present or

future:

When we use “wish” in this context, we are expressing a desire for

things to be different than they currently are, but with the understanding
that they cannot be changed.

For example:

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 LAW OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES II

I wish I were taller. (Note: “were” is the subjunctive form of “to be,”
used for hypothetical situations in the present or future.)
She wishes she had more free time.
They wish they could travel more.

In these examples, “wish” is followed by a past tense verb or a modal

verb (were, had, could), indicating a hypothetical situation that is not
currently true.

*Using “wish” for expressing requests or suggestions:

When we use “wish” in this context, we are making a request or

suggestion in a polite and indirect way.

For example:

I wish you would stop talking.

She wishes he would ask her out.
They wish the boss would give them a raise.

In these examples, “wish” is followed by a modal verb (would) and a

base form verb, indicating a polite request or suggestion.

*Using “wish” for expressing surprise or disbelief:

When we use “wish” in this context, we are expressing surprise or

disbelief at something that someone has said or done.

For example:

I wish you had told me earlier. (implies surprise or disappointment)

She wishes she had known that before. (implies surprise or regret)
They wish they had seen the movie when it was still in theaters. (implies
regret)

In these examples, “wish” is followed by a past tense verb, indicating

surprise or regret at something that has already happened.
Expressing
annoyance Expressing annoyance

We can use wish + would(n't) to show that we are annoyed with what
someone or something does or doesn't do. We often feel that they are
unlikely or unwilling to change.

I wish you wouldn't borrow my clothes without asking.

I wish it would rain. The garden really needs some water.
She wishes he'd work less. They never spend any time together.
Wish +
somebody Wish + somebody + something: This is used mostly in set phrases.
something
I wished him a happy birthday.

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 LAW OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES II

They wished us Merry Christmas.

Test de autoevaluare 10.2 – Scrieţi răspunsul în spaţiul liber din chenar.

Ex 1 Use the correct tense after wish.

1. I wish I _____________ (study) more for the test yesterday.

2. She wishes she _____________ (be) taller.

3. They wish they _____________ (travel) to Europe this summer.

4. I wish I _________________ (not eat) so much junk food.

5. He wishes he ____________ (learn) to play the piano as a child.

6. She wishes she _________ (have) more time to spend with her family.

7. They wish they ______________ (not book) their flight so late.

8. I wish you __________________ (stop) interrupting me.

9. She wishes he _______________ (ask) her out on a date.

10. They wish the company _______________ (offer) better benefits.

Răspunsul la test se găseşte la pagina

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 LAW OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES II

10.3 Vocabulary: Water Law

The significance of water cannot be overstated; it is one of the world's

most vital natural resources. Water law refers to the collection of legal
systems that regulate the use, management, and distribution of water
resources. For millennia, the development of water law has been
intrinsically tied to the expansion of human civilisation. This course will
cover the essential ideas and principles of water law.

According to one of the guiding principles of water law, water is a public

resource that should be shared by all citizens. This method assumes that
water is a public good that cannot be privately owned. Water resources
are managed and distributed on behalf of the people by the government.

Riparian rights are the second essential principle of water law. The
riparian rights of river or lakefront property owners are their legal rights.
Under riparian rights, landowners have the right to utilise water for
beneficial and reasonable purposes, such as irrigation, domestic use, and
industrial use. Nonetheless, riparian rights are subject to the principle of
reasonable usage, which bans landowners from consuming more water
resources than their fair share. This methodology is essential for
equitable and sustainable water resource distribution.

In addition to riparian rights, the law of water recognises earlier

appropriation. Prior appropriation is the legal idea that the first person or
entity to utilise a water supply for a beneficial purpose has the right to
continue using that water source, even if succeeding users must go
without. This approach is commonly applied in arid regions with limited
water supplies and significant water competition.

In addition to limiting the amount of water, water regulation ensures that

water resources are not contaminated by harmful substances. This
regulation is important to protect public health and the environment.
Disease, death, and environmental catastrophe are water contamination's
effects. The legislation sets allowable levels of pollutants in water
sources and mandates the issuance of permits prior to the disposal of
pollutants.

Moreover, water law recognises the necessity for conservation and

sustainability. Water is a scarce resource that needs management to
ensure its continuing availability. Many water rules require individuals
and businesses to use water resources properly and to waste as little
water as possible. Frequently, water policy promotes or mandates water
conservation practises including water recycling, rainwater collection,
and water-efficient equipment.

A key aspect of water law is the allocation of water among jurisdictions.

Rivers and other water sources frequently cross state lines, providing
unique legal issues. The allocation of water resources among the states is
managed by water legislation, which assures that each state receives a
proportional share of the available water. Generally, the allocation of

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 LAW OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES II

interstate water is a complex and contentious issue that requires the

cooperation of several parties.

Water law recognises the significance of international cooperation in the

management and conservation of water resources. Many of the world's
largest water sources cross international boundaries, necessitating
international collaboration for their management. International water law
establishes guidelines and principles for the sustainable administration of
transboundary water resources.

Finally, water law is crucial for regulating and protecting the world's
water supplies. The principles and ideas of water law are essential for
ensuring the equitable, sustainable, and effective distribution of water
resources. The water legislation recognises the public nature of water
resources and the need of their preservation and sustainability. It
promotes international cooperation in the management of transboundary
water resources, protects water quality, and allocates water resources to a
number of parties. As the world population continues to grow and
climate change exacerbates water constraints, water law will play an
increasingly crucial role in the management and protection of this vital
resource.

Test de autoevaluare 10.3 – Scrieţi răspunsul în spaţiul liber din chenar.

Ex 1 Choose the right word:

1. Water is a ____________ resource that should be shared by all

residents.
a. Private
b. Public
c. Personal

2. Under riparian rights, landowners are permitted to utilize water for

_________________ and reasonable uses.
a. Harmful
b. Unreasonable
c. Beneficial

3. The _______________ principle prohibits landowners from utilizing

more water resources than their fair share.
a. Reasonable usage
b. Unreasonable usage
c. Beneficial usage

4. The legal concept that the first person or entity to utilize a water
supply for a beneficial purpose has the right to continue utilizing that
water source is known as _______________.
a. Riparian rights
b. Prior appropriation
c. Public resource management

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 LAW OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES II

5. Water regulation aims to prevent the contamination of water resources

with _______________ chemicals.
a. Useful
b. Dangerous
c. Beneficial

6. Water is a _______________ resource that must be managed to

guarantee its continued availability.
a. Unlimited
b. Limited
c. Infinite

7. Water policy frequently supports or enforces water conservation

practices, such as water _______.
a. Pollution
b. Recycling
c. Overuse

8. The distribution of water resources among states is governed by

______________________.
a. International water law
b. Water legislation
c. Public policy

9. International collaboration in the management and conservation of

water resources is acknowledged under _______________.
a. Riparian rights
b. Prior appropriation
c. Water legislation

10. Water law is vital for controlling and safeguarding the world's
______________ supply.
a. Air
b. Water
c. Land

Răspunsul la test se găseşte la pagina

Am ajuns la sfârşitul Unităţii de învăţare Nr. 10.

În loc de
Vă recomand să faceţi o recapitulare a principalelor subiecte prezentate
rezumat
în această unitate şi să revizuiţi obiectivele precizate la început.

Este timpul pentru întocmirea Lucrării de verificare Unitate de învăţare

Nr. 10 pe care urmează să o transmiteţi cadrului didactic.

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 LAW OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES II

Lucrare de verificare Unitate de învăţare Nr. 10

Write a short essay on the following topics:

1.Water Law and Environmental Protection: Preventing Water

Contamination and Promoting Conservation.

2.Climate Change Law and Policy: An Overview of the Global Response

to Climate Change

Răspunsurile şi comentariile la testele de autoevaluare

Răspuns 10.1.

1. Climate change is a global problem caused by the accumulation of

greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere, which
absorbs heat from the sun and produces various effects such as rising sea
levels, alterations in ecosystems, and more frequent and severe weather
events.

2. Climate change law refers to a number of legislative instruments

aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to the effects of
climate change, and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy.
These instruments include national and international treaties, regulations,
and policies that establish emission reduction targets, establish carbon
markets and pricing systems, and encourage the development of
renewable energy and other low-carbon technologies.

3. The Paris Agreement is an international climate change law adopted

by 195 countries in 2015. It aspires to limit the global temperature
increase to less than 2 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels and to
pursue measures to minimise the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees
Celsius. To achieve this purpose, the agreement requires governments to
submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) that detail their
intentions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to
providing a framework for monitoring and reporting progress towards
these goals, the agreement offers poor nations with financial and
technical support to aid in their efforts to mitigate climate change.

4. Ensuring that climate change legislation is both effective and equitable

in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is one of its greatest challenges.
This indicates that policy must take into account the interests and
perspectives of several countries and groups, particularly those most
vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. Poor nations may
require financial and technical assistance to implement climate change
legislation, and the transition to a low-carbon economy may
disproportionately affect low-income regions. Additionally, unintended
negative consequences, such as creating new environmental problems or

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 LAW OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES II

infringing human rights, may arise.

Răspuns 10.2.

Ex 1.

1.had studied
2. were
3. could travel
4. hadn't eaten
5. had learned
6. had
7. hadn't booked
8. would stop
9. would ask
10.offered

Răspuns 10.3

Ex 1

1.b
2.c
3.a
4.b
5.b
6.b
7.b
8.b
9.c
10.b

Bibliografie Unitate de învăţare Nr. 10

1. https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/b1-b2-
grammar/wish-and-if-only