Unit 3: Vocabulary from Readings 2

The measles had turned into a terrible thing called measles encephalitis and there was nothing the doctors could do to save her.

In America, where measles immunisation is compulsory, measles like smallpox, has been virtually wiped out.

But here are two salient facts...

You might think it’s the actual measles outbreak that is responsible for the current political hysteria.

After the initial surge, it is now moving slowly. It is not spreading like wildfire in an exponential explosion of unprecedented proportion.

After the initial surge, it is now moving slowly. It is not spreading like wildfire in an exponential explosion of unprecedented proportion.

Last year's 640 cases were an anomaly because over 400 occurred in one Amish community in New York and over 100 cases hit an unvaccinated church community in Texas.

Let’s stop panicking over what measles might do and calmly examine what it is doing. It has a small and intermittent presence in our country. It makes people sick, then they get over it.

Plastic bags can block waterways and exacerbate natural disasters. By clogging sewers and providing breeding grounds for mosquitoes and pests, plastic bags can increase the transmission of vector-borne diseases like malaria.

Styrofoam products, which contain carcinogenic chemicals like styrene and
benzene, are highly toxic if ingested, damaging the nervous systems, lungs and reproductive organs.

To meet the rising tide of plastics, we urgently need strong government leadership and intervention.

More than 60 countries have introduced bans and levies to curb single-use plastic waste.

The promotion and adoption of reusable bags is an example of a reduction strategy where the choice lies with the consumer. This strategy has changed consumer behaviour and reduced the use of conventional plastic bags in many regions.

What impact will the preferred course of action have on different sectors and industries?

Raise public awareness about the harm caused by single-used plastics. Clearly explain the decision and any punitive measures that will follow.

By working together with industry, governments can support the development and promotion of sustainable alternatives in order to phase out single-use plastics progressively.

A longstanding change in cultural attitudes towards environmental matters is often not attainable through brief or stand-alone awareness campaigns. It is instead best achieved through embedding messaging in regular didactic practices and school curriculums from a very young age.

Public awareness strategies can include a wide range of activities designed to persuade and educate. These strategies may focus not only on the reuse and recycling of resources, but also on encouraging responsible use and minimization of waste generation and litter.

Public pressure is also widely recognized as precipitating private sector choices, given that demand drives supply.

The promotion and adoption of reusable bags as alternatives to plastic bags is an example of a reduction strategy where the choice rests with the consumer. This strategy has been effective in many local and national contexts to change consumer behaviour and reduce the use of conventional plastic carrier bags.