The world’s forests are gradually shrinking, especially in poorer countries. This
unfortunate situation is 23 . the result of a mix of bad policies, population
growth and poverty. Most of the bad news has come from South America, particularly
Brazil, but richer regions such as Australia are also affected. War zones are
particularly 24 . In South-East Asia, illegal logging flourishes, and Indonesia’s
orangutans are among the species that have suffered from it. In addition to its effect
on biodiversity, poor forestry management also plays a part in causing big fires,
although improved 25 . techniques are being developed.
In addition to good management, and cooperation between government, industry
and environmentalists, the conservation of forests can be aided by 26 . . One day,
genetically engineered trees may make plantations faster to mature and more
economically viable, and thus 27 . the pressure to hack down wilderness forest.
【題組】26
(A)civilians
(B)horticulture
(C)science
(D)veterinarians