Tag: Environment

Disney Animal Kingdom

B1 – Intermediate

Disney is passionate about animal conservation and has created various programs to support wildlife. They have a large team of experts who care for animals and develop strategies to protect endangered species.

Their commitment to the environment extends to innovative solutions, ensuring the safety and well-being of animals globally.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/disney-animal-kingdom-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “threatened” mean in this sentence, “Disney’s Animal Kingdom worked for 25 years to increase the population of threatened animals such as lions, giraffes, and rhinos.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to keep something away” mean, “They partnered with researchers to use bees to keep elephants away from African farms.“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is a “pollinator garden”? “On Earth Day, conservation experts asked people to grow their own pollinator gardens which help their local animal kingdom.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some other ways Disney might help animals besides the ones mentioned in the article?
  2. Do you think it’s important for big companies like Disney to be involved in animal conservation? Why or why not?
  3. What can individuals do to help protect threatened animals?
  4. What challenges might Disney face in their efforts to protect threatened animals?
  5. What role do you think education plays in Disney’s animal conservation efforts?

Dubai Floods

B1 – Intermediate

Dubai suffered from heavy rainfall. This resulted to big problems with flooding in many areas. The unexpected heavy rains caused many issues in the city’s infrastructure. It caused for the roads to be impassable and the buildings to be damaged.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the heavy rains and flooding in Dubai.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/dubai-floods-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “torrential rain” mean, “Last week, a big storm brought torrential rain to the United Arab Emirates and flooded the airport.“? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “flood” mean, “Last week, a big storm brought torrential rain to the United Arab Emirates and flooded the airport.“? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use the verb ‘flood’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to get stuck” mean? “Lots of people got stuck at the airport because the airport canceled flights.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use the idiom ‘to get stuck’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. What effects did the rain and flooding have in Dubai?
  3. What can be done to prevent similar problems in the future?
  4. How might the flooding at Dubai International Airport impact the tourism industry in Dubai?
  5. Does your city/any parts of your country suffer the same problem with flooding? How does the people/city manage such situation?

Environmental E-waste Catastrophe

B1 –  Intermediate 

The technological revolution also means people need more devices that are needed in using technology. More and more gadgets like computers, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets are manufactured and then, thrown away. Therefore, producing tons of electronic wastes or e-wastes.

The amount of e-waste we produce has become bigger and bigger. The United Nations (UN) warns about its impact on the environment.

Read the article about electronic wastes and the catastrophe we might face if we don’t try to reduce them.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2403/240325-electronic-waste-catastrophe-4.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “e-waste” mean? “The UN reported that in 2022, we created 62 million tons of e-waste.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “at a record level” mean? “The UN issued a warning about the amount of electronics we are throwing away. It is at record levels.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘at a record level’ in your own sentence.
  3. Define “food chain”. “Worryingly, 58 tons of mercury entered the environment and food chain last year.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What effects does e-waste have on the environment?
  2. What is your reaction to this news about our huge amount of e-waste?
  3. Should electronic devices manufacturers be responsible for the disposal of their products? Explain your opinion.
  4. How can we reduce our e-waste? How do you reduce your e-waste?
  5. Share your opinion on this, “A lot of e-waste is sent to poor countries for recycling.”.

Japanese Cherry Blossoms May Disappear

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the peaceful scenery of Japan, every year, the blossoming of cherry trees marks the start of spring, enchanting many with their short-lived beauty. Yet, there is a serious danger lurking beneath their fragile petals: the possibility that these famous trees may vanish by the end of the century. With climate change on the rise, causing changes in ecosystems and upsetting delicate harmony, the future of Japanese cherry blossoms, also called “sakura,” is uncertain.

Watch the video to learn more and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “boon“, mean? “While it may be a boon for snap-happy tourists, the early spring foreshadows a darker reality.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘boon’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the word “snap-happy” mean? “While it may be a boon for snap-happy tourists, the early spring foreshadows a darker reality.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does the word “foreshadow” mean? “While it may be a boon for snap-happy tourists, the early spring foreshadows a darker reality.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘foreshadow’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the potential disappearance of Japanese cherry blossoms by 2100? What impact do you think it would have on Japanese culture and identity?
  2. What do you believe are the main factors contributing to the decline of Japanese cherry blossoms, and how do you think this issue should be addressed?
  3. In your opinion, what role should governments, communities, and individuals play in preserving iconic natural landmarks like Japanese cherry blossoms?
  4. How might the loss of cherry blossoms impact tourism and the economy in Japan and other regions where they are cherished?

The Environmental Impact of Online Shopping

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Online shopping offers unparalleled convenience, but hides significant environmental impact, from packaging waste to increased carbon emissions. While it may seem more environmentally-friendly than traditional in-store shopping, this perception isn’t always accurate.

Read this article to learn more about the environmental impact of online shopping.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/environmental-impact-online-shopping-carrybagslimited/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a way of life” mean? “We are living in a world where online shopping is becoming a way of life, resulting in a global supply chain that is unable to recover, and our planet is being negatively affected by this practice.” Give a similar expression and use “a way of life” in a sentence.
  2. Define “projected growth” in this sentence. “There is a projected growth of 36% in the number of delivery vehicles by 2030, resulting in approximately 7.2 million vehicles.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  3. What does “e-commerce revolution” mean? “Although the e-commerce revolution has greatly benefited society, it is important not to ignore the impact it has on the environment.” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, how does online shopping impact the environment?
  2. How often do you purchase online, and have you ever considered its environmental impact?
  3. In your opinion, what can individuals do to decrease the environmental effect of their online shopping habits?
  4. Do you think there are more pros or cons to purchasing online in terms of environmental impact? Explain.
  5. How do you think the projected growth in the number of delivery vehicles will affect your local area and commute times?

China Fog

B1 – Intermediate

Fog, a fascinating weather phenomenon, occurs when the air close to the ground becomes saturated with moisture, causing water droplets to form a thick mist. This natural occurrence often envelops surroundings in an enchanting veil, lending an air of mystery to landscapes.

While fog enhances the aesthetics of nature, it can also impact visibility, making it essential for travelers and communities to adapt to its ever-changing presence.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the thick fog in China over the holidays.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/china-fog-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “landmark“? “Famous landmarks like the Shanghai Center Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower became almost invisible, which surprised residents.“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the term “cold wind” mean, “Experts expect that the bad weather will improve with a coming cold wave.“? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “endure” in the sentence “China endured extreme weather throughout the year, from periods of very cold weather to heatwaves and big storms.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How might the thick fog affect the daily lives of people in Shanghai?
  2. What are other ways in which weather conditions, like dense fog, could impact a city’s normal activities?
  3. How can authorities better prepare and communicate with the public in situations like this?
  4. How can individuals and communities manage climate change issues?

Largest Iceberg Breaks Free

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A23a is biggest and oldest iceberg on the planet. It is twice the size of Great London. The last time it broke off the ice shelf was in 1986. Then, in 2020, scientists started seeing the iceberg moving a little bit.

Recently, it’s been observed to be drifting away from Antarctica and making its way toward Southern Ocean. 

Read the article and also watch the short video of British Antarctic Survey glaciologist Oliver Marsh as he talks about A23a and its current state and course.

https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/worlds-largest-iceberg-breaks-free-heads-toward-southern-ocean-2023-11-24/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase ”calf off” mean? “Since calving off West Antarctica’s Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf in 1986, the iceberg — which once hosted a Soviet research station — has largely been stranded after its base became stuck on the floor of the Weddell Sea.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “to gain steam” mean? “As it gains steam, the colossal berg will likely be launched into the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. This will funnel it toward the Southern Ocean on a path known as “iceberg alley” where others of its kind can be found bobbing in dark waters.” Make a sentence using this phrase.
  3. What does “to make a run for it” mean, “Why the berg is making a run for it now remains to be seen.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘iceberg’?
  2. What are your thoughts on the biggest iceberg being on the move?
  3. What caused this move?
  4. What impact can this have on the surrounding environment?
  5. How do icebergs affect the Earth?
  6. What will happen if icebergs melt?

Autumn Heat in Europe

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As the calendar flips to autumn, Europe has been wrapped by a surprising and unthinkable phenomenon. Temperatures remain unusually warm, breaking records across the continent. From the sun-soaked vineyards of France to the packed streets of Germany the persistent heatwaves challenge the normal image of a European September. This unwavering autumn heatwave serves as an urgent warning that our world’s climate continues to evolve in unpredictable ways, necessitating a vigilant eye on the changes that shape our planet.

Click on the link to learn more about the extraordinary weather patterns that has caused this unforeseen extension of summer and the possible effects it may have on both the environment and the population.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/01/autumn-heat-continues-in-europe-after-record-breaking-september

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a great many” mean, “”A great many” monthly records had been broken across the country during an “exceptional” month, Météo-France said, with the temperature average higher than in July and August, and heatwave alerts issued in September for the first time.”? Give 2 synonyms and use ‘a great many’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “pre-industrial levels” mean in the sentence, “Scientists say climate change driven by human activity is pushing global temperatures higher, with the world at around 1.2C of warming above pre-industrial levels.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to be modelled by something” mean in the sentence, “We’re seeing them in spring and September, even October, as modelled by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC).”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What role does climate change play in the occurrence of this record-breaking September heatwave? Give me more insights.
  2. How has this long autumn heatwave affected you and/or your country?
  3. What possible effects could this extended heatwave have on the agriculture and natural ecosystems in the affected areas?
  4. How are European authorities and organizations addressing the potential impacts of this extended heatwave on public health and safety?
  5. Share your thoughts on this statement, “Scientists say climate change driven by human activity is pushing global temperatures higher.“.

Can You Stop a Disaster?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In a world where both natural and human-caused catastrophes seem to be becoming more prevalent, the issue of whether we are able to prevent or decrease these disastrous events becomes critical. “Can you stop a disaster?” reflects our common search for answers, resilience, and readiness in the face of impending disasters.

Watch the video or read the transcript to learn whether it’s possible to prevent a disaster.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-230803

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “within one’s grasp” mean? “Fortunately, ways to limit the damage are within our grasp.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. Define “act of God”. “But Roy isn’t the only victim of an unpredictable natural event, sometimes called an act of God.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
  3. What does “hundredfold” mean? “Bangladesh has seen a hundred fold decrease in cyclone deaths since the introduction of its new monitoring and alert system.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever faced a natural disaster, and what impact did it have on you and your community?
  2. Do you believe we can prevent or reduce the effects of natural disasters, or do some events remain beyond human control, like Roy Sullivan’s lightning strikes?
  3. How do you see technology’s role in disaster management? Do you think advanced or simpler solutions are more effective?.
  4. Can you share how your community prepared for or responded to natural disasters, and how well did these efforts work?

Southern Europe on Fire

B1 – Intermediate

Wildfires are affecting many countries in South Europe. There had been deaths and damages on properties.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about wildfires in southern Europe.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/southern-europe-on-fire-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”sweep through” mean? “Wildfires swept through nine countries in the Mediterranean, which led to the loss of 40 lives, mostly in Algeria.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “blaze” mean? “Firefighters fought against blazes in Turkey, Croatia, Syria, Gran Canaria, and a natural park near Lisbon, Portugal.” Give 2 synonyms and use ‘blaze’ in a sentence.
  3. What does “wildfire” mean, “Algeria’s authorities reported 34 deaths in the mountainous northern region, while Tunisia also faced wildfires.”? Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is reaction to this news?
  2. What causes these fires?
  3. How can these wildfires be prevented?
  4. How prepared is your country from preventing such fires?
  5. Do you agree or disagree that the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires is due to the climate crisis caused by humans? Explain your thought.