Tag: Environment

B1 — Intermediate 

UNESCO sites such as Machu Picchu in Peru and the Rio Plátano Biosphere Reserve in Honduras are in danger.

Too many tourists damage them. Rain and trash also cause problems.

Honduras is losing forests because of illegal cattle farming and tree cutting. Animals and local people are also at risk.

Experts say everyone must work together to protect these places.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the threats to Latin America’s UNESCO sites.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/latin-americas-unesco-sites-are-in-danger-level-2

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “threaten“ mean? ”This dangerous activity harms wild animals and threatens local communities.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
2. What does “armed group” mean? “Indigenous leaders try to protect their forest homes, but armed groups hurt them.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
3. What does “cattle farming” mean? “In Honduras, large parts of the rainforest are being destroyed by illegal cattle farming, tree cutting, and drug crime.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can tourists help protect these sites?
2. How can the government save these sites?
3. Why is it important to protect these places for the future?
4. Do you think there should be fewer tourists? Why?
5. Have you ever had the same problem in your country? Talk about it.

B1 — Intermediate 

Europe is facing very hot and dry weather. The Danube River is very low. A nuclear plant in Romania had to stop. Hungary also had problems with its nuclear plant. Solar power helped prevent blackouts. But power is still hard to supply at night. Experts say Europe needs better energy systems.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about water shortage at some nuclear power plants.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/nuclear-power-plants-do-not-have-enough-water-level-2

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is a “nuclear power plant“? ”The water level in the Danube River is very low, so Romania had to stop its nuclear power plant because there was not enough cold water.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
2. What does “solar power” mean? “Luckily, Hungary uses much more solar power now, which helped supply energy during hot daytime hours, but getting enough power during the night is still difficult.”Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
3. What does “drought” mean? “Severe drought and hot summer weather have caused big problems in Europe.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why did the nuclear plant in Romania stop?
2. How can solar power help?
3. Should people use less electricity? Why?
4. What can governments do to prevent power shortages? 
5. What other problems do you know are caused by extreme heat? Discuss them.
6. Share your point of view about this: “Experts say Europe needs better energy systems.”

B1 — Intermediate 

Lego has ended its ambitious plan to replace the oil-based plastic in its bricks after finding out that recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) would only result to higher carbon emissions than the current material.

Even though they have not found a suitable alternative, Lego says it is still committed to sustainability and plans to make its toys from eco-friendly materials by 2032.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Lego ending its project to use RPET in replacing oil-based plastics in their bricks.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/oil-free-lego-bricks-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “high-profile” mean? ”Danish toymaker Lego has abandoned a high-profile project to replace oil-based plastics in its bricks.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
2. What does “retain” mean? ”The main challenge was finding a material that was both environmentally friendly and retained the same color, shine, and sound as the oil-based plastic bricks.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
3. What does “embark” mean? ”The company embarked on this journey in 2020 to replace its plastic bricks with sustainable options.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think it was the right decision to stop the project? Why or why not? 
2. Which is more important: product quality or protecting the environment? Why?
3. Do you think companies like Lego should keep trying to make their products more environmentally friendly? Why or why not?
4. Why is it sometimes difficult for companies to become more environmentally friendly?
5. Would people still buy Lego if the bricks looked or felt a little different, but were better for the environment? Why?

B1 –  Intermediate 

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are a natural phenomenon producing colorful, dancing lights in the night sky, primarily in high-latitude regions.

These natural light shows are caused by geomagnetic storms.

A very strong geomagnetic storm is hitting Earth. It may affect power and communication systems.

It is also causing bright auroras seen far from the poles. These come from strong solar flares and sunspots.

Scientists say it is a concern because modern technology can be affected.

Read the article about geomagnetic storms and the Northern Lights.

https://newsinlevels.com/products/northern-lights-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “disrupt” mean? “Our planet is experiencing a powerful geomagnetic storm, the most potent in over two decades, which might disrupt power and communication systems worldwide.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
2. Define “geomagnetic storm”. “Our planet is experiencing a powerful geomagnetic storm, the most potent in over two decades, which might disrupt power and communication systems worldwide.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “solar flare” mean? “This phenomenon is caused by a large convergence of sunspots, which has produced several moderate to strong solar flares since Wednesday last week.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think about the Northern Lights?
2. What are the consequences of geomagnetic storms?
3. Why can strong solar activity affect Earth’s technology?
4. How can society prepare for future strong geomagnetic storms?
5. Have you ever seen the Northern Lights? Talk about it.

B1 –  Intermediate 

Stable weather is very important in the production of wine. However, climate change makes it more difficult for wine producers to have the conditions necessary for their vineyards.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about how the weather is changing the global wine map.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/weather-changes-where-wine-grows-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is a “vineyard”? “In Chile, long droughts, higher temperatures, and unpredictable weather create serious problems for vineyards.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
2. What does “to ripen” mean? “Wine quality has improved because grapes now ripen more easily.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
3. What is a “pest”? “Rising soil temperatures, new pests, and extreme weather events could create future risks for these regions as well.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

1. In your own words, explain how the weather is affecting wine production.
2. What do you think will happen if this problem continues to exist?
3. Is there a similar problem in your country? What are the solutions to this issue?
4. Share your opinion, “Across the world, climate change is slowly changing the global wine map. Some regions gain new opportunities, while others face problems.” 
5. Talk about other industries being affected by climate change in your country. How is it being affected?