文章大意:本文是一篇说明文。联合国的一份报告警告说,各国目前的承诺到2030年只能减少约7.5%的碳排放,远低于科学家所说的将全球气温上升限制在1.5℃(COP26峰会的目标)所需的45%的碳减排目标。文章介绍全球减排的重要性和所采取的措施。
A report from the UN warns that countries’ current commitments would reduce carbon by only about 7.5% by 2030, far less than the 45% cut, which scientists say is needed to limit global temperature rises to 1.5℃, the aim of the COP26 summit (峰会).
Antonio Guterres, the UN secretary-general, described the findings as a “thundering wake-up call” to world leaders, while experts called for action against fossil fuel companies.
Although more than 100 countries have promised to reach net zero emissions (净零排放) around mid-century, this would not be enough to avoid climate disasters, according to the UN emissions report, which examines the shortfall (差额) between countries’ intentions and actions needed on the climate. Many of the net zero commitments were found to be unclear, and unless accompanied by strict cuts in emissions this decade would allow global heating of a potentially disastrous extent.
Gutierrez said: “The heat is on, and as the contents of the report show, the leadership we need is off. Far off. Countries are wasting a massive opportunity to invest Covid-19 finance and recovery resources in sustainable, cost-saving, planet-saving ways. As world leaders prepare for COP26, that is another thundering wake-up call. How many do we need?”
Inger Andersen, the director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said: “Climate change is no longer a future problem. It is a now problem. To stand a chance of limiting global warming to 1.5℃, we have 8 years to almost halve greenhouse gas emissions: 8 years to make the plans, put in place the policies, carry them out and deliver the cuts. The clock is ticking loudly.”
Emissions fell by about 5.4% last year during Covid lockdowns, the report found, but only about one-fifth of the economic recovery spending goes towards reducing carbon emissions. This failure to “build back better”, despite promises by governments around the world, cast doubt on the world’s willingness to make the economic shift necessary to settle the climate crisis, the UN said.
In the run-up (前期) to COP26, countries were supposed to submit (递交) national plans to cut emissions—called nationally determined contributions (NDCs) —for the next decade, a requirement under the 2015 Paris climate agreement. But the UNEP report found only half of countries had submitted new NDCs, and some governments had presented weak plans.
12. Why were the findings described as a “thundering wake-up call” in Para. 2?
A.Because the world has failed to live up to its current commitments. |
B.Because the opportunities presented by covid-19 have been wasted. |
C.Because the world is falling behind in slowing down temperature rises. |
D.Because the serious problems were brought about by global fossil fuels. |
13. The potential disastrous harm of global warming in the coming ten years can be reduced if ________.
A.strict measures are taken to reduce emissions |
B.current commitments of many countries remain unchanged |
C.huge gaps are bridged between previous and present proposals |
D.global sustainable environmental resources develops significantly |
14. What is the writer’s purpose of quoting “How many do we need?” in Para.4?
A.To show the number of alarm clocks required. |
B.To explain the reason for the world’s wasting chances. |
C.To ask for the number of the countries attending the meeting. |
D.To stress the need to make the most of resources and reduce emissions. |
15. What can be inferred from the last paragraph?
A.Few countries have submitted plans to reduce the emissions. |
B.Many countries’ plans to cut emissions are far from satisfactory. |
C.Most of the countries work under the Paris Climate Agreement. |
D.Much progress in reducing emissions his been made these years. |