文章大意:本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了气候变化使野火更加严重,造成更大的破坏。政府应该在规划、预防和恢复方面加大投入,以减少野火的危险。恢复生态系统也有助于减少野火的风险。
Due to climate change and changes in land use, wildfires are predicted to rise by up to 14 percent by 2030, 30 percent by 2050 and 50 percent by the end of the 21st century, and even areas previously unaffected by wildfires such as the Arctic face increased risk, according to a report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and GRID-Arendal.
The report, “Spreading like Wildfire: The Rising Threat of Extraordinary Landscape Fires”, says that wildfires and climate change are “mutually worsening”. Wildfires are made more serious by climate change through increased drought, high air temperatures, low humidity, lightning and strong winds. Meanwhile, climate change is made worse by wildfires, mostly by damaging sensitive and carbon-rich ecosystems like rainforests.
Wildfires can threaten people’s health and lives, pollute water, destroy crops and reduce land available to grow food. Wildlife, as well as natural habitats, is also rarely spared (幸免). Costs of rebuilding the areas after they are struck by wildfires can be beyond the means of low-income countries. In developing countries, an increase in damaging wildfires may delay progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The publication calls on governments to adopt a new “Fire Ready Formula”, with two-thirds of spending devoted to planning, prevention, preparedness and recovery and with one-third left for response. Currently, direct response to wildfires typically receives over half of related expenditures (花费), while planning receives less than one percent. “We have to minimize the risk of extreme wildfires by being better prepared: invest more in fire risk reduction, work with local communities, and strengthen global commitment to fighting climate change,” said Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director.
The restoration of ecosystems is an important means to reduce the risk of wildfires before they occur. Wetland restoration and the reintroduction of species, building at a distance from plants, and preserving open space buffers (缓冲物) are some examples of the essential investments in prevention, preparedness and recovery.
1. Why does the author speak of the Arctic?
A.To introduce the climate change of it. | B.To warn people of the wildfire damage. |
C.To stress the importance of protecting it. | D.To show the rising tendency of wildfires. |
2. What can we learn from the report by the UNEP and GRID-Arendal?
A.Wildfires and climate change have bad effects on each other. |
B.The researchers are pessimistic about wildfire control. |
C.Prevention receives half of related spending currently. |
D.Many governments have adopted the new “Fire Ready Formula”. |
3. What does paragraph 3 mainly talk about?
A.Wildfire control | B.Reconstruction costs |
C.The wildfire damage. | D.The slowing progress. |
4. Which might be an example of investments in prevention and preparedness?
A.Calling on more people to donate money. |
B.Surrounding busy towns with thick forests. |
C.Investing more money in putting out wildfires. |
D.Restoring wetlands as well as wildlife species. |