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Week 3Words in the News Ozone layer recovering 12 September 2014 The Earths protective ozone layer is starting to repair itself, according to a panel of United Nations scientists. The main reason behind its recovery, they say, is the fact that certain chemicals, such as those used in aerosol cans, were gradually banned in the 1980s. The BBCs Roger Harrabin reports. It was in the 1980s that many of us became aware that small individual actions could harm the planet itself. Hairsprays were cited as one of the causes of the hole in the Antarctic ozone layer. People were told to wear sunscreen to avoid skin cancer as the layer thinned and more UV light got through. By 1987 world governments had agreed to ban most of the ozone-eating chemicals. The World Meteorological Organisation say at last the ozone layer is showing signs of thickening, although it will be a while before they know if the hole is actually healing. The same organisation warned earlier this week that climate change was heading in the opposite direction with greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at a record level. Words in the News British Broadcasting Corporation 2014 Page 2 of 2 Walk or cycle for a happier commute 15 September 2014 Walking or cycling to work instead of driving a car can improve peoples feelings of health and happiness. Thats what a study at the University of East Anglia in the UK suggests. The BBCs Adam Brimelow reports. For many people commuting is a necessary evil. Most see going by car or van as the least worst option. This study by the researchers at the University of East Anglia challenges that assumption. It suggests walking, cycling or travelling by public transport can lift the mood. Crucially, it suggests those who switch from the car to an active commute feel better across a range of psychological measures, including concentration, decision making and the ability to face up to problems. The researchers say policies encouraging people to leave their cars at home could have a dramatic impact on public wellbeing. Vocabulary and definitions a necessary evil something you dont like or enjoy but have to accept assumption something considered to be true, though there is no proof lift the mood make happier to face up to to accept or deal with dramatic sudden and easy to notice wellbeing the state of feeling healthy, happy and having enough money
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