Unit 3 Book 3 Environmental Protection ---Reading and Thinking
CLIMATE CHANGE REQUIRES THE WORLD'S ATTENTION
We _1____________(know) about climate change for decades. There is little doubt that Earth is getting warmer and warmer (see the graph). A warming ocean and atmosphere along with _2_________(melt) ice and rising sea levels provide evidence of a dramatic change in the global climate.
In 2013, a lot of people were shocked by _3_____ news photo of a dead polar bear that was found on Norway's Arctic island of Svalbard. According to the scientists who found its dead body, all that remained _4________ the polar bear was "skin and bones". An expert who _5_________(study) polar bears for many years said that from the position of its dead body, the bear appeared _6_____________(starve) and died. Experts claimed that low sea-ice levels caused by climate change meant the bear could not hunt seals as before, so it had to travel greater distances in order to find food. This _7_____________(alarm) case showed how the increase in temperature had an impact _8________ Earth's ecology.
Then what is causing the increase in the _9_____________(globe) average surface temperature? Climate scientists often mention a key climate process _10_____________(call) the "greenhouse effect", _11____________ has two common meanings: the "natural" greenhouse effect and the "man-made" greenhouse effect. The "natural" greenhouse effect refers to the tact that heat from the sun enters the atmosphere and warms Earth’s surface as short-wave radiation. The heat _12_____________(release) back into space at longer wave lengths. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as methane and carbon dioxide, trap some of the heat, _13_____________(keep) Earth’s climate warm and habitable. Without this process, Earth could not sustain life. _14_____________, the "man-made’ greenhouse effect has now become a big problem. When people produce huge amounts of extra greenhouse gases by burning fossil fuels, more heat energy _15_____________(trap) in the atmosphere and causes Earth's surface temperature to rise quickly.
There is strong and comprehensive evidence _16____________ the rise in temperature has led to an increase in extreme weather and natural disasters worldwide, not only causi
ng serious damage, but also costing human lives. Climate scientists have warned that _17___________ we do not take appropriate actions, this warming trend will _18_____________(probable高中英语课文) continue and there will be a higher price to pay. In fact, news reports are frequently broadcast about extreme rainstorms and heatwaves causing deaths and _19___________(economy) losses.
_20____________(continue) greenhouse gas emissions will result _21_____ further warming and long-lasting changes to the global climate. This requires the attention of people all over the world. Governments need to consider making policies and taking appropriate actions and measures _22____________(reduce) greenhouse gas emissions. We as individuals can also reduce our "carbon footprint" by restricting the amount of carbon dioxide our lifestyles produce. It is our responsibility to seize every opportunity _23____________(educate) everyone about global warming, along with its causes and impacts, because this is the most serious issue _24___________(affect) all of us on this planet. _25________ what will you do to help?
REDUCING WATER POLLUTION IN THE LI RIVER
The beautiful Li River and its _1________________(amaze) surrounding scenery is one of the most well-known tourist _2________________(destination) in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It attracts millions of domestic and foreign visitors each year. _3________________, its reputation as a top destination has had negative effects _4________ the river's water quality. This report looks at the problem of water pollution and some actions that _5________________(take) to deal with it.
_6________________(previous), water quality in the Li River had suffered greatly from an _7________________(increase) volume of tourists, many of _8____________ frequently threw garbage into the river. Many tour boats contributed _9__________ the problem too. Kitchens on board were using lots of oil, which was often thrown into the water. The growth in tourism also _10________________(mean) the local population rose rapidly, as well as the number of commercial and industrial enterprises. Water pollution levels increased, with more household and commercial waste _11________________(end) up in the river. In order to feed more people, more chemicals were used to increase crop production. These chemicals led to severe water q
uality issues, _12________________(cause) a decrease in the number of fish species. Local officials were concerned that the pollution _13________________(damage) the natural environment and felt that urgent steps should be taken to restore the river's original beauty.
A comprehensive initiative was started, with a number of measures that _14________________(address) the issues. The construction of waste water treatment facilities improved the water quality and water conservation. The collection and transport of household waste was also improved. _15________________(dozen) of polluting enterprises were closed or moved. The local government set up strict regulations _16________________(regard) further industrial development. New rules were also introduced regarding tour boat routes and garbage _17________________(dispose) methods. Furthermore, the local authorities began to use the media to spread environmental awareness and encourage _18________________(great) use of clean energy. At the same time, they started to carry out inspections regularly and fine tourist organisations _19___________ abuses. With these measures, it is believed that the beau
ty of the Li River _20________________(preserve) for generations to come.