This term we have been working on Persuasive Writing. For this each student wrote their own letter to the editor. Our theme this term is Impact and how we impact on our environment. Some of us chose to do their persuasive writing on environmental issues. Here some letters our class members wrote.
Balmacewen Intermediate School
44 Chapman St
Dunedin
Friday 17th August 2012
Dear Editor
Is New Zealand clean, green and environmentally friendly? Environmentally Sustainable Energy is the way of the future.
Wind. Natural - clean, and easy to generate. So why don’t we use more of it? 70% of New Zealand’s power comes from a renewable resource, only 6% of that being wind. We could easily push that figure up. But it’s not all about facts and figures. It’s about what we really care for. Are we really more concerned about costs and money than we are the future of our environment? I think the answer to that is yes.
The North Island relies heavily on the South Island. If we had more wind farms and hydroelectric dams in the North Island, that’s one step closer to using 90% renewable energy, plus its more efficient. The further electricity has to travel via power lines and cables, the more energy lost through friction and heat. We could even do with more renewable energy sources in the South Island.
Wind energy is a great source of energy when used in conjunction with hydroelectricity and even Photovoltaics (solar power). When the wind is blowing energy can be generated and the dams can be turned off to preserve sources. When the wind stops and the wind turbines can no longer generate power, the dams can be turned on to generate as much power that is required at that point and time. Solar power can be generated all the time and stored in battery packs until it needs to be used. The technology is being developed everyday so the way we generate our renewable energy is improving. There is no other option.
New Zealand used to have a clean, green image, but that image is quickly fading. If we want to keep that image, we need to make a change. That means everybody has to do their part to use less electricity and clean up after yourselves. If we don’t make a change no it will be too late. Think about it New Zealand.
Yours Sincerely,
Meg
Room 14 Year 8
44 Chapman St
Dunedin
17 August
Dear Editor
Who is the cause for extinction of species? Humans yes humans. We are destroying their habitat they live in for our uses. We are cutting down trees and plants and wildlife are driven away from their own habitat. We are killing the animals for our personal needs.
If we don’t preserve natural habitat how the next 50 years there won’t be as many animals living in the earth. Sad thing is that farmers take most of the land on the earth for farming and their business. In the next few decades scientist are assuming that 25% of the mammals and 12% of the birds will become extinct.
In dome countries people hunt wildlife in the jungle or rainforest for themselves or to sell the animal to get money. Others use pesticides to get rid of pests in the farms or homes. Over fishing can lead to extinction .Also dumping sewage waste and chemicals into ocean, rivers or lakes kill animals that live there.
The largest wildlife reserve is in the Hawaiian Island it is also the longest name Papahanamukuakea. It also includes the food chain if plants and trees are cut the primary consumers die slowly then the secondary followed by territory the last quaternary. If this doesn’t stop now it will be too late to stop in the future.
We should have zoos for rare animals. Reserve large areas that animal live in. Have certain Kilograms of fish for a boat. Don’t cut trees recycle instead. If you really have to cut down trees then save the animals and plant trees in a different place.
These little things will help heaps for the creatures. If we made these sorts of changes now it will be a better world for us and the animals. Come on New Zealand, let’s make a change.
You’re sincerely
Nesha
44 Chapman St
Dunedin
17th August 2012
Dear Editor,
As a proud New Zealander I have grown up to be fond of our rare and very special native birds like the Kiwi (our symbol) the Kakapo (the only flightless parrot) and the super-duper cute Fantail. But do we have ANY IDEA what we are doing to our native species and this place we call home? We are littering, contaminating and polluting our environment, and with our environment go all our native species. I want you to just seize the moment. Is this what you want?
So, I want you to get in your mind a very unpleasant little scenario. I want you to picture that you are walking through a native park. Bellbirds are singing, the sun is shining. You are drinking a can of L&P (our proud NZ drink). Oh. You’re finished every last drop. And there’s no rubbish bin? What a pity. So, without really thinking, you move your hand to toss the can up the nearest tree…
NO.
Do you realise that this small aluminium could choke a seagull, poison a Kaka or suffocate a Little Blue penguin? Several of our birds are endangered, you know. For instance, the Kakapo. They used to be sort of common, but now there are less than 200 remaining. Do we want this rare native bird to become extinct-gone forever? I don’t think so!
May I offer the NZ Fairy Tern as a further example? There are less than 100 left! However, you could be thinking right now, “So you’re suggesting I’m responsible for the tragic deaths of these native birds?” No, not your fault entirely…but you contribute to it. We all do.
I sadly am running out of ink to lecture about the importance of recycling, protecting the environment and using eco-friendly products. In fact there are several environmental issues I could point out, but I think it is obvious what we are doing to our environment, don’t you? So let’s make a change and start moulding a better country for future generations. If we all tune and help, we can not only protect our native birds but we can restore our environment too.
From,
Simone
