Panama Evacuates Islanders Due to Rising Sea Levels

B1 – Intermediate 

As a result of global warming, the sea levels across the world are rising at an alarming rate.

The rise in sea levels is greatly due to water from melting glaciers and ice sheets and seawater expansion caused by the warmer temperatures.

In Panama, residents of a small island called Gardi Sugdub had to be evacuated because the sea levels on the island has gone up by a lot.

Read the article about the evacuation of islanders in Panama because of rising sea levels.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2406/240603-rising-sea-levels-5.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “last minute” mean? “A government official said some people are refusing to leave their ancestral home. They will stay until the last minute.” two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use this phrase in your own sentence.
2. What does “a sign of something to come” mean? “The government said Gardi Sugdub is a sign of things to come.” two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use this idiom in your own sentence.
3. What does “engulf” mean? “Many more islands are under threat from being engulfed.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the effects of rising sea levels in Panama?
2. What is your reaction to this, “A recent environmental study estimated Panama would lose 2.01 percent of its coastal territory to rising sea levels.”?
3. Some inhabitants of the island do not want to leave their homes. How can the government convince them to evacuate?
4. Do you think the relocated inhabitants will have a better life in their new community? Explain.
5. Does news about rising sea levels affect you? Why or why not?