Tag: Environment

Airlines Miss Climate Change Targets

B1 – Intermediate

Since the year 2000, UK airlines have set their climate change targets. However, according to the climate group Possible, airlines have not had any success in reducing their carbon footprints.

Read the article about how airlines fail to reach their climate change targets.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2205/220512-climate-change-targets-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. The climate record of airlines was very “poor”. What is your reaction to this?
  2. Do you think that the airlines set impossible targets that’s why they failed? Share your opinion.
  3. To meet the goal to be net zero, frequent fliers should pay more. What is your opinion on this?

The Wind-Farm Controversy

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Wind turbines are one of the sources of clean, renewable energy. Because of their large sizes, they take up a lot of land area. One location in England refuses to upgrade to new larger ones for aesthetic reasons. Residents also worry about the risks it might pose to their wildlife. Arguments have been raised with regards to the benefits and drawbacks of wind-farms.

Take a look at the full lesson below to learn more about this controversy.

https://linguapress.com/intermediate/wind-farm-controversy.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does your government preserve the natural landscape and wildlife of your country?
  2. Does your government consider wind farms a good source of renewable energy? Why or why not?
  3. What are some sources of renewable energy that your country currently utilizes?
  4. What are some climate change effects that you have felt or noticed in recent years?
  5. What does your government do to tackle climate change? How do you, as an individual, contribute to your part in solving problems related to climate change?
  6. What are some pros and cons of wind farms?
  7. How do we use less energy?
  8. What are your thoughts on nuclear energy?

Problems with Bottled Water

B1 – Intermediate

Water isn’t a luxury. It is a basic need. Unfortunately, many people do not have access to safe drinking water. This is why bottled water is very important. All over the world, people drink bottled water.

However, there are many problems with producing this drink.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the problem with water bottles.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/problems-with-bottled-water-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the problems with bottled water?
  2. What should be done to lessen these problems?
  3. Is drinking bottled water also very common in your country? Why is that? 
  4. How often do you buy bottled water? 
  5. Now that you know the problems bottled water bring, would you change your habits in consuming them? Why or why not?

Ways Company’s Data Can Jump-Start Climate Action

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There is no denying that the effects of climate change are starting to be felt. Countries are coming together to think of solutions for our future, but private entities can also do something about our planet’s dire situation. One way is the harnessing of digital technology through data sharing.

Data sharing can be tricky; companies and individuals are hesitant to share data. But if innovations could be put in place to make this doable and sustainable, it would yield results that are beneficial for the future of our planet.

Check out this video on how companies can use data-sharing to help with climate change.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some brilliant applications of digital technology?
  2. Where else can digital technology and data sharing be applied?
  3. What are the other benefits and some risks of data sharing?
  4. What are your country’s government and private entities doing to combat climate change?
  5. How does your company maximize the use of digital technology?
  6. Does your company have sustainability programs in place to help with climate change? If yes, what are they?
  7. How has digital technology and data sharing helped you as an individual? Have you utilized it to support a cause or advocacy?

Germany and Electricity

B1 – Intermediate

By the end of 2022, Germany wants to close all its nuclear and coal power plants. Their goal is that by 2040, they will only use energy that comes from renewable resources like wind and sunlight.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Germany’s plans to stop using all its nuclear and coal power plants and transition to using renewable energy resources.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/germany-and-electricity-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about this plan?
  2. Do you think Germany will succeed in getting all the energy from renewable resources? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think your country should do the same? Why or why not?
  4. What is your opinion about using renewable resources?
  5. What do you think would happen if more countries stopped importing oil from Russia?

Should We Have Let Pandas Go Extinct?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Pandas are no longer endangered now but that begs the question, should we really have focused on saving them?

Pandas are not very crucial to the environment and it takes a lot of money to save them but we still did because of how cute they look.

Instead of helping pandas, we could have helped other species that are more crucial to the environment and cost less to save.

Watch the video and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, was it necessary to save pandas? Explain your stand.
  2. Do you think that because pandas are no longer endangered now, we won’t make the same mistake again, and help other species that are more cost effective to save and vital to the environment?
  3. If you were able to decide where money goes in saving endangered animals, would you have chosen pandas? Why or why not?
  4. Imagine a world without pandas.
  5. What are some endangered species in your country and what has the government done in order to save them?

Fast Fashion Harms the Environment

B1 – Intermediate

Fast fashion is the rapid production of inexpensive clothing because of high demand of the latest trends. Nowadays, fashion is getting cheaper and cheaper and we buy, use, and dispose of it faster than ever. Most people shop for clothes online since it is low-priced and convenient. Thus, making it easier for them to throw them away when they do not like it anymore. This is bad for the safety of the environment since most of these clothes end up in dumping grounds and only a very small percentage of it is upcycled or recycled.

Let’s read the article below to learn more about how fast fashion is bad for the environment.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2202/220210-fast-fashion.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you know about fast fashion?
  2. Why do you think fast fashion exist nowadays?
  3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of fast fashion?
  4. What would be the impact of fast fashion in the future if it continues to grow?
  5. What are some solutions to the problem with fast fashion and the problems it brings to the environment?

Birds Clean Streets

B1 – Intermediate

Sweden has a problem with litter. Smokers produce a huge amount of litter per year. The government has a plan to help solve this problem and to lessen the costs of cleaning the streets.

Swedish officials have decided to work with crows, partnered with a machine, to throw away these cigarette butts. They believe that they are easy to teach because they are smart.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript below to learn more about how these clever birds help with Sweden’s litter problem.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/birds-clean-streets-level-2/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some government mandates for smokers in your city?
  2. How is the general trash situation in your city/neighborhood?
  3. What are other birds/animals that can be used for a similar purpose?
  4. Does your government also have inventions or initiatives that help clean the city? What are they?
  5. What are some other special or unusual abilities that animals are capable of doing to help humans? Can some abilities be taught?

Big Insect Problem

B1 – Intermediate

Insects are very important part of the ecosystem. However, a new study reveals their number is dramatically decreasing. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the problem with insects extinction and its effects on us.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/big-insect-problem-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are insects important?
  2. What is your reaction to this news about insects becoming extinct?
  3. How will this affect us/our planet?
  4. How interested are you in insects? Share interesting facts you know about them.
  5. Imagine the planet without insects. How would that be like?

Tonga Cleans Up After Tsunami and Volcanic Eruption

B1 – Intermediate

Tonga is known as the “Friendly Island” because of the welcoming attitude and hospitality locals show their tourists. Most of the islands are classified as high islands because they have been raised above sea level by repeated volcanic activity. Other islands were formed by more explosive volcanoes.

Let’s read the article below to know more about Tonga’s efforts in cleaning up after the undersea volcano eruption.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2201/220120-tonga-tsunami-1.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. How long do you think it will take Tonga to recover?
  2. What can you do to help the people of Tonga?
  3. What would life be like with no Internet in a country?
  4. Have you ever experienced a natural disaster? How would you cope if a natural disaster hit your town?
  5. Talk about helping in cleaning up a city or a place after a disaster.