Tag: Environment

Northern Lights

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.

Extreme Heat Pushing Global Food Systems to the Brink

B2 – Upper Intermediate

UN agencies warn that rising global temperatures are damaging crops and food systems, putting over a billion people at risk. This can lead to malnutrition and health crises as food supply becomes unstable.

Read the article to know why extreme heat is pushing global agrifood systems to the brink.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/04/1167352

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to push something to the brink” mean? “Extreme heat is pushing global food and farming systems to the brink, threatening the livelihoods of over a billion people as rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves redefine how food is produced worldwide.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “risk multiplier” mean? “Extreme heat is “a major risk multiplier,” said FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, “exerting mounting pressure on crops, livestock, fisheries and forests, and on the communities and economies that depend upon them.”” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to put someone/something under strain” mean? “In oceans, rising temperatures are lowering oxygen levels, putting fish under strain – with 91 per cent of the global ocean experiencing at least one marine heatwave in 2024.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does extreme heat affect food production and supply?
  2. What health problems can be caused by rising temperatures?
  3. Which countries or communities do you think are most vulnerable to extreme heat? Why?
  4. How might climate change impact food prices and availability in the future?
  5. What actions can governments and individuals take to reduce the effects of extreme heat?

Free Electricity in the UK

B1 –  Intermediate 

People in the UK may get free or cheap electricity this summer.

NESO made this idea to use extra energy better and help the system work well.

Read the article about getting discounted or even free electricity in the UK this summer.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2604/260416-free-electricity.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “in excess” mean? “Power companies say that on sunny days, weather conditions result in excess supply.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What does a “zero-carbon future” mean? “National Energy System Operator (NESO) also says it will deliver what is needed to reach a zero-carbon future.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  3. What is a “solar panel”? “There is also more energy coming from  solar panels.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about discounted or free power?
  2. Have you ever experienced getting free or discounted electricity? If not, do you think it should be done too? Share your opinion.
  3. “The market has the capacity to deliver sufficient supply.” Is it the same situation in your country? Discuss.
  4. What are your thoughts on this, “There could be free summer power even with the war in the Middle East.”?
  5. Do you believe we can reach a zero-carbon future? Share your opinion.

Heatwaves Reaching “Non-Survivable” Levels

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Recent research shows some heatwaves are already too extreme for human survival, especially for older adults. Even temperatures below previous “fatal” thresholds can be deadly when humidity and sun exposure are considered.

Read the article to know why climate change is expected to make these conditions more common.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/08/extreme-weather-heatwaves-breaching-human-survival-limits-study-finds?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “wet bulb temperature” mean? “The absolute limit for humans to survive had been assumed to be a six-hour exposure to a wet bulb temperature of 35C.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “core body temperature” mean? “The study only looked for periods where deadly heatstroke was likely if a person was exposed for six hours and also assumed people were entering the heat with normal core body temperature.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to zoom in to something” mean? “My first thought was ‘Oh shit’ – I really didn’t expect to see that, especially when you zoom in to individual cities.“ Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do extreme heatwaves affect people’s daily lives in your country?
  2. Do you think your area is prepared for more intense heat in the future? Why or why not?
  3. What groups of people are most at risk during severe heatwaves?
  4. What are some simple ways individuals can protect themselves during extreme heat?
  5. Do you think governments are doing enough to address climate-related health risks like heatwaves? Why or why not?

Weather Changes Where Wine Grows

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?

Turning Spain’s Desert into Europe’s Orchard

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Spain is a major agricultural powerhouse. It is also tagged as the “market garden of Europe.” It is the leader in producing and exporting important crops such olive oil, wine, fruits, and vegetables.

Biosabor Farm is just one organic farm in Almeria, one of the driest parts of Southern Spain. Such farms allow the region to produce crops all throughout the year with its high-tech greenhouses.  

Watch this video about turning Spain’s desert into Europe’s orchard.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “blight”. “Some would say the sea of plastic is a blight on the landscape. You say it’s impressive.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is a “drip irrigation”? “Drip irrigation maximizes water use.” Use the term in a sentence.
  3. What does “patch” mean? “This patch of desert has become Europe’s orchard.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about the shrink wrapped greenhouses in Almeria?
  2. What are the good and bad things about these greenhouses?
  3. Talk about some challenges the agricultural sector of your country is currently facing.
  4. Share your insights about the crackdown on undocumented workers in the region and that despite this, it’s still possible to find a job without proper papers.
  5. More than 70% of growers transition to using natural predators as pest control. Share your thoughts.

Apple Unveils Environmental Progress

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Apple, one of the world’s leading technology companies, is taking significant steps to protect the environment. Recent reports show that the company is producing less pollution and working toward more sustainable manufacturing and energy practices. This move highlights Apple’s commitment to a cleaner and greener future.

Read the article to learn more about Apple hitting its new milestones in emissions reductions, clean energy, and recycled materials.

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/04/apple-surpasses-60-percent-reduction-in-global-greenhouse-gas-emissions/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “ripple” mean? “Many of these facilities also serve additional customers, helping this progress ripple beyond Apple.” Make a sentence with this. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “abate” mean? “In 2024, display and semiconductor suppliers abated 8.4 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and the new commitments will accelerate that progress in the coming years.” Create a sentence with this. Give a synonym.
  3. Define “footprint“in this context. “Apple today announced that the company has surpassed a 60 percent reduction in its global greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2015 levels, as part of its Apple 2030 goal to become carbon neutral across its entire footprint in the next five years.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might Apple’s efforts to reduce pollution affect its reputation and sales globally?
  2. How can large technology companies balance innovation, profit, and environmental responsibility?
  3. How does corporate environmental responsibility impact global climate change, and can individual actions make a difference?
  4. Can a company truly be environmentally responsible if it continues to produce millions of electronic devices every year? Discuss.

Too Much Electronic Waste

B1 – Intermediate 

According to a report from the recycling advocacy group Metal Focus, we are producing more and more electronic waste. 

Electronic waste means devices or gadgets that are thrown away, broken, or obsolete. Examples of e-waste are batteries, plugs, computers, phones, appliances, and many more.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about problem with the increasing amount of electronic waste.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/too-much-electronic-waste-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “spring cleaning”? “Spring cleaning offers a chance to responsibly declutter; however, electronic waste is increasing much faster than recycling efforts.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What does “to declutter” mean? “Spring cleaning offers a chance to responsibly declutter; however, electronic waste is increasing much faster than recycling efforts.” Use the verb in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  3. What does “to outpace” mean? “The UN warns that global electronic waste is outpacing recycling, and emphasizes the need to save valuable resources.” Use the verb in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear “electronic waste”?
  2. Share your opinion about this news that people accumulate more unused electronics and broken devices.
  3. Do you think the same problem exist in your country? Why or why not?
  4. What is your opinion about this, “Global electronic waste is outpacing recycling.”?
  5. How can we reduce electronic waste?
  6. How do you dispose of your own e-waste?

Rise in Household Waste over Holiday Period

B1 – Intermediate

The holiday season is a time when people celebrate with family and friends. Many people buy gifts, prepare special food, and decorate their homes. Because of this, there are more trash during the holidays. A lot of waste comes from food packaging, gift wrapping, and unused items. This situation can have a negative effect on the environment if people are not careful. Learning how to reduce, reuse, and recycle can help protect the planet amidst holiday celebrations.

Read the full article to learn more about how holiday waste affects the environment and what simple actions people can take to reduce it.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2601/260101-holiday-waste.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “get-together” mean? “There are many holidays around the end of the year. These involve parties, family get-togethers, and the giving of gifts.”
    Use it in a sentence and give a synonym or a similar expression. 
  2. What does “household waste” mean? “The USA’s Environmental Protection Agency estimates that household waste increases by 25 per cent over the holiday period.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym or a similar expression. 
  3. What does “experience over stuff” mean? “She said one idea was to buy ‘experiences over stuff’.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym or a similar expression. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you noticed the same problem with garbage in your country during the holidays?
  2. Did you and your family create a lot of waste last holiday season?
  3. How do you avoid producing waste during celebrations?
  4. What are the recycling rules like in your city? Are they easy to follow?

Cows Prevent Wildfires

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Spain has been suffering from wildfires, ones that are more intense and more destructive by the year. In 2025 alone, more than 400,000 hectares have burned from the beginning of the year up to August.

Pablo Schapira along with his organization Rewilding Spain, a group fighting against wildfires in central Spain, have reintroduced herds of special species of cows called tauros into the forests in Central Spain with hopes it could help in preventing wildfires. 

Listen to the audio and read the transcript on how tauros can help prevent wildfires.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250501

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “unchecked” mean? “One of the reasons for this is that the forests have been left to grow unchecked as there simply aren’t enough animals to feed on all the trees, bushes and grass.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to have a picture in one’s head” mean? “Well, now I have a picture in my head of a cow wearing a fireman’s helmet, but I guess that’s not what you mean, Neil.” Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “to spread out of control” mean? “Wildfires are unplanned fires, in areas like forests or grasslands, which spread out of control.” Use the phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain how the tauros can help with solving the problem with wildfires in Spain. 
  2. What do you think about this way of preventing wildfires?
  3. Share your insight on this, “According to the Natural History Museum of Utah, four out of every five wildfires are man-made.”
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “Thanks to increasing temperatures caused by climate change, the wildfires happening today are more intense and more destructive than ever before.”
  5. What do you think about your government or country’s capability in managing the problem with wildfires?