Tag: Environment

Magnitude 4 Earthquakes in Alava

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A magnitude 4 earthquake struck the province of Álava, giving residents a brief but noticeable jolt. Although relatively moderate in strength, the quake was strong enough to be felt across several nearby towns, prompting many people to pause and check their surroundings.

Local authorities quickly reported that there were no immediate signs of serious damage or injuries, but monitoring continues to ensure everyone’s safety. Events like this serve as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity and the importance of staying informed and prepared.

Read this article to learn more about the earthquakes in Alava.

https://russpain.com/en/news-3/earthquake-magnitude-4-alarms-alava-and-neighboring-regions-347604

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “a tense atmosphere reigns” mean? “For several minutes, a tense atmosphere reigned in the streets until it became clear the danger had passed.” Use it in a sentence. 
  2. What does the word “rattling” mean? “At 12:10 a.m. local time, residents of Iruña de Oca and nearby areas were awakened by vibrating walls and rattling windows.” Use it in a sentence. 
  3. What does the word “aftershock” mean? “Experts emphasize that the likelihood of aftershocks is extremely low.” Use it in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. How would you feel if you were awakened in the middle of the night by shaking walls or rattling windows?
  2. Share your thoughts about the public and the authorities’ response to the earthquakes.
  3. Have you ever experienced an earthquake before? What did you do at that moment?
  4. A magnitude 4 earthquake is considered “moderate.” Why do you think it caused so much alarm in Álava?
  5. Do you think most people in Europe are prepared for earthquakes? Why or why not?
  6. How much do you know about what to do when an earthquake occurs?

Japan Emergency Plan to Stop Bear Attacks

B1 – Intermediate 

Due to a series and increasing number of bear attacks in Japan, the government had to come up with emergency measures to lower the number of humans’ encounters with bears that have led to deaths and injuries.

Read the article about Japan’s emergency measures to address increasing bear attacks in some parts of the country.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2511/251117-japanese-bear-attacks.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to address” mean in this context, “Japan’s government has created emergency measures to address record numbers of bear attacks.” Use the word in a sentence in the same context. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to devise” mean? “Wildlife management experts have devised a plan to reduce the increasing numbers of fatalities, injuries, and encounters with bears.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is a “buffer zone”? “Authorities will also set up a buffer zone in many areas.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, what are the reasons for the growth in bear populations in Japan? Discuss the three reasons.
  2. What are the measures that the Japanese government created to address the problem with bear attacks?
  3. What is your reaction to the rising bear attacks in Japan?
  4. Have you ever had a similar problem with bears in your own country? Talk about it.

Data Centres to be Expanded in the UK as Concerns Mount

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

To some extent, large data centres contribute to the drought conditions in the UK. One huge data centre consumes about the same amount of water as 50,000 households.

Amidst growing concerns, the UK is going to go ahead with building additional data centres. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said these facilities are necessary in order to continue boosting the country’s economy.

Read the article about the UK’s plans to continue building more data centres despite growing concerns over their environmental impact.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyr9nx0jrzo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “knock-on effect” mean? “But there are concerns about their impact, including the potential knock-on effect on people’s energy bills.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “appease” mean? “But he insisted “data centres are fixated with becoming as sustainable as possible”, such as through dry-cooling methods. Such promises of future solutions have failed to appease some.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “offshore” mean? “According to the National Energy System Operator, NESO, the projected growth of data centres in Great Britain could “add up to 71 TWh of electricity demand” in the next 25 years, which it says redoubles the need for clean power – such as offshore wind.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What concerns revolve around building more data centres in the UK?
  2. According to the article, what are some workarounds for this issue? Do you think they are any good? Discuss.
  3. Share your insights on this, “Data centres are central to the UK’s economic future.” 
  4. Do you think more data centres should be built in a country given the environmental and knock-on effects they bring? Share your thoughts.
  5. Do you think that companies should pay the price for extra energy to power data centres – not consumers? Share your opinion.

What Is Degrowth?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

A new school of thought is emerging. Some people think that in order to deal with climate change and other environmental issues, we need to stop the economy from growing.

This is idea is referred to as “degrowth”. “In essence, degrowth is a call for a fundamental transformation of our economic and social systems to create a more just and sustainable future.” 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the concept of degrowth.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250724

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the concept of “degrowth”. “Some economists believe degrowth would actually make it harder to solve the climate crisis.” Use this word in a sentence. 
  2. What is “fast fashion”? “It’s saying that we need to decrease some elements of our production that are not beneficial. An example of those elements would be fast fashion, private jets, the beef and meat industry.” Use this term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “underestimate” mean here, “Degrowth underestimates the need for investment that we need in new technology and in new solutions.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the idea of degrowth?
  2. What might be the impact/consequences of degrowth?
  3. Talk about some examples of degrowth initiatives.
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “Degrowthunderestimates the need for investment that we need in new technology and in new solutions.”
  5. Should we shrink the economy to save the planet? Share your insights.
  6. What are some things you do that you think are good for the planet? 

Things You Need to Make It Through a Power Cut

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

On April 28, 2025, a massive power outage hit Spain and Portugal which resulted to disruption across said countries.

No one thought this could happen and so, no one was prepared enough for it. When there is no electricity and nothing works, how do we overcome?

Having experienced one of the worst power interruptions in history, people realized what things do they need in case of a power cut.

Read the article about some things we need to make it through a power cut.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy6d0987r0o

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to piece something together” mean? “The complete loss of communication was the most confusing and concerning thing… we were only left to speculate as to the cause and piece together news from people in the neighbourhood.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
  2. What does “to get through something” mean in this context, “The power is out and nothing is working. How am I supposed to get through the day?” Use this expression in a sentence. Give another meaning of “get through”.
  3. What does “to go off” mean in this context, “We bought a lot of food that wasn’t going to go off, like tuna in cans, just in case.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give another meaning of “go off”.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you agree with the five things you need to make it through a blackout mentioned in the article? Which ones do you think are the most important and which one the least? What items would you add to this list and why?
  2. What helped you get on with your day during the massive blackout in your country?
  3. How did not having access to the internet make you feel?
  4. Is it necessary to have an emergency kit? Why or why not? Do you have one at home and why? 
  5. Share your thoughts on this statement, “This thing that happened was important to make us be more aware and be more conscious about our habits.”
  6. Do you agree or disagree, “Cash is king.”? Explain.

Solving the World’s Plastic Problem

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, affecting oceans, wildlife, and human health.

With global plastic production continuing to rise, finding effective solutions has become urgent. This topic explores practical strategies—from reducing single-use plastics to advancing recycling technologies—that can help tackle the world’s plastic problem and build a more sustainable future.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions below.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “outweigh“? “In fact, the amount of plastic on our planet outweighs all the land and sea creatures currently alive.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does the idiom “to grow at scale” mean? “Plastic became very popular with the military during the Second World War, but it only grew at scale commercially in the 1960s.” Make one sentence using the phrase. Give a similar expression.
  3. What is “circular approach“? “One way to address these problems is to take a circular approach to plastic, designing it to stay in use for as long as possible..” Use the term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe banning single-use plastics is an effective solution to the plastic problem? Why or why not?
  2. Should governments and individuals be more responsible for reducing plastic waste? Share your insight.
  3. What are the biggest challenges in reducing global plastic consumption, and how can they be overcome?
  4. How can businesses and industries be encouraged to use less plastic in packaging and production?
  5. What role should education and public awareness play in solving the world’s plastic problem?

How China Deals with Trash

B1 – Intermediate 

In the industrial city of Zhangjiagang in China, they do not use landfills anymore. Instead, they have an automated process of burning wastes in a fully enclosed facility.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the advanced technology used in China to treat household waste. Be ready to answer the questions that follow. 

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/how-china-deals-with-trash-level-3

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “landfill”. “Instead of putting waste in landfills, the city uses incineration, a process where waste is burned in a smart and fully enclosed facility.“ Use this word in a sentence.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “household waste” mean? “Thanks to this method, the city has entered a zero landfill era, where no household waste is buried in the ground.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “residue” mean? “After incineration, the remaining residue is not thrown away.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear “landfill”?
  2. Share your reaction to and opinion about this method of treating wastes?
  3. Talk about the waste treatment system in your country.
  4. What are the good and bad things about this system?

Water Sustainability and the Future

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As the world faces challenges like climate change, pollution, and population growth, protecting our water resources is essential for healthy communities, ecosystems, and economies. Sustainable water practices help ensure a secure and balanced future for everyone.

Check out the full article on why water sustainability matters for our future.

The Importance of Water Sustainability and Our Future

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the term “bioremediation? “Surface water can be polluted by heavy metals, fluoride, dyes and more, but there are ways to remove them. One sustainable approach is bioremediation.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the word “aquifer” mean? “Similarly, pollution, growing demand and depletion of our much-needed aquifers are threatening the welfare of all living things” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “pushing force” mean? “From rainwater to drinking water and the oxygen we breathe; the ocean is the pushing force for all of these needs.” Provide a synonym and use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever experienced water shortages? How did it affect your daily life?
  2. Would you be willing to change your habits to save water? Which habits would be hardest to change?
  3. What role do schools and media play in educating the public about water sustainability?
  4. What can individuals do to help conserve water in daily life?

Global Warming Will Delay the Next Ice Age

B1- Intermediate 

Scientists predict that the next ice age or “the long period of reduction in the temperature of Earth’s surface and atmosphere” will come in about 10,000 years.

However, due to human activities that contribute to global warming, the possibility of the next ice age might be delayed.

Read the article about how global warming will delay the occurrence of the next ice age. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2503/250306-ice-age.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to push something back” mean? “The scientists said melting glaciers in the North and South Poles will push back the next ice age.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “at regular intervals” mean? “When the amount of ice on the continental ice sheets was stable, ice ages happened at regular intervals.” Use this expression in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “gap” mean? “However, Professor Barker said less ice means a longer gap between ice ages.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think this is good news? Why or why not?
  2. What comes to your mind when you hear “ice age”? Talk about it.
  3. Is studying about past ice ages important? Why or why not?
  4. Share your insights on this statement, “Earth’s climate is an interconnected system of complex processes, all acting together to produce the changes we observe.”.
  5. Have you joined a glacier tour before? Share your experience. If not yet, would you be interested? Why or why not?

Saving Water in the Driest Place on Earth

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Living in the driest place on Earth can be a real challenge for people who reside there. It is especially a serious problem in agriculture. Farmers rely on steady irrigation to water their crops.

Yuma, an area on the border of California and Mexico and famous for date farming, is one of the hottest places on the planet. It has been suffering the worst drought in more than five centuries.

Ole Sivertsen and his company Desert Control have come up with a solution. They have invented a liquid that converts sandy desert soil into a sponge that retains water and nutrients.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about liquid clay that helps farmers grow fruit and vegetables in the desert.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2024/ep-240919

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “kick-start” mean? “Ole makes a liquid by mixing clay and water which changes the soil composition and kick-starts the growth of his trees – the liquid makes the trees start growing more quickly.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘kick-start’ in your own sentence. 
  2. What does the idiom “down the line” mean? “Ole’s liquid clay involves manipulating soil – using and controlling it skillfully to achieve some result. Myra worries that when people do this, they could create problems down the line.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘down the line’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “cling” mean? “But clay soil is made up of much smaller particles that cling together and naturally stop water from escaping.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘cling’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about the liquid clay? Cite its advantages and disadvantages.
  2. What could be some problems associated with liquid clay down the line? 
  3. Is drought also a problem in your country? What are some initiatives to fight against water shortage? Talk about it.
  4. Share your thoughts/reaction to this, “But globally, over two billion people, around a quarter of the world’s population, live in water stressed countries, where access to water for drinking, cooking, and washing is not guaranteed.”.
  5. What might be some other problems farmers need to deal with in your country? How are they being addressed?
  6. What are the potential impacts of drought in agriculture?