In the 1950s and 1960s, people were widely using chemicals in agriculture, which polluted the food web and broke the eggs of Bald Eagles. Concern for the birds helped to pass the Endangered Species (物种) Act (ESA) on December 28,1973.
The ESA is now 50 years old. It is a vital part of protection efforts in America, but it comes into play only when a species is nearly gone. There is much we can do to prevent our weak creatures from needing the act in the first place.
Recent studies have shown that the best way to protect species is to protect their habitats (栖息地), because it follows a sound, nature-based logic. People and progress depend on nature for large benefits. Compared to recovering a species, protecting habitats won’t need to decide which species is the most serious case that should be treated first.
In January 2023, a bill named Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA)was passed, which would provide significant funding for protection of wildlife habitat that supports species at risk. It basically modernized the Pittman-Robertson Act in 1937, one of the first species-protection acts in America. RAWA was one of the most important acts in wildlife conservation in decades providing $1.397 billion to fund local and state efforts not only to help recover endangered species but also prevent at-risk wildlife from becoming endangered. While this funding has worked for decades, the accelerating (加速) loss of biodiversity requires a new way and more investment.
Protecting habitat doesn’t just protect wildlife; it protects humanity. If the desire to care for our world is not enough, it’s wise to remember that if you destroy your home, you des troy your life.
1. What is the disadvantage of ESA?2. Why protecting habitats is better than recovering a species?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
▶RAWA, a modern version of the Pittman-Robertson Act, mainly helps to save the species that are endangered.
4. Apart from protecting habitats, what else can we do to protect animals? (In about 40 words)
A study shows 176 bird species have been found to build nests with human litter, such as plastic bags and fishing nets.
According to a new study, the leading cause of death of birds near power lines is not electrocution (触电), but unlawful shooting. “We need to know how birds are dying so that we can come up
World Animal Day is an annual event on 4th October,
Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees by donating majority of
In a tiny school on the southern-most tip of New Zealand, children as young as five
In the southern part of France, away from the charm of Paris and the scenic Riviera, lies Toulouse, often referred to as “La Ville Rose” or “The Pink City.” Its nickname comes from the unique terra-cotta bricks used in many of its, buildings, giving the city a distinctive style.
Historically, Toulouse traces its roots back to the ancient times. It was originally established by the Celts in the 4th century BC and later became a significant Roman settlement. The city’s strategic position near the Germane River made it a well-known trading center in ancient Europe. By the Middle Ages, Toulouse had become a major center of trade due to its dye industry. This trade brought immense wealth to the region, and the city’s grand houses and public buildings from this era reflect is opulence (繁华).
However, Toulouse was not just a center for trade. Its history is marked with intellectual pursuits. By the 13th century, Université de Toulouse was established, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. The institution attracted scholars from various parts of Europe.
In modern times, Toulouse is famous for its aerospace industry. Home to Airbus, one of the world’s largest commercial aircraft manufacturers, the city is a center point in global aviation. This modern achievement connects with Toulouse’s rich history, showcasing a combination of the old and the new.
One of the most significant landmarks in Toulouse is the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, an architectural marvel from the Romanesque period. The church stands as a testament to the city’s religious significance during the medieval (中世纪的) times. Another notable part is the Capitole de Toulouse, which houses the city hall and a grand opera building. Its facade, made with the characteristic pink bricks, showcases the essence (本质) of Toulouse.
Despite its historical significance and achievements, Toulouse often remains overshadowed by other French cities. Yet, those who went to this southern gem find themselves fond of its rich history, vibrant culture, and the warmth of its inhabitants.
Visiting Toulouse offers an opportunity to step back in time while remaining firmly grounded in the present. It’s a city that embraces is past, cherishes its traditions, yet looks forward with optimism. In the European cities, Toulouse shines as a wonderful, yet irreplaceable one.
1. Why is Toulouse called “La Ville Rose” or “The Pink City?”2. What are the reasons for Toulouse to become a center of trade in the history?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
Basilica of Saint-Sernin stands as a testament to the city’s intellectual significance during medieval time.
4. In your opinion, which city in China is like Toulouse, which cherishes its traditions, yet looks forward with optimism? Why?
8 . Guide to “Clean & Green” Home Recycling
Welcome to the “Clean & Green” home recycling initiative (倡议)! Our goal is to assist households in reducing their environmental footprint by providing step-by-step instructions on effective recycling practices.
Understanding Recycling Types
Every city has its own recycling standards, but the followings are generally universal:
Plastics: These include bottles, containers, and other packaging materials. Always clean plastics before recycling to avoid pollution.
Paper: Newspapers, magazines, and cardboard are recyclable. However, soiled or wet paper should be discarded as regular waste.
Glass: Bottles and jars of all colors can be recycled. Ensure they are free of food waste.
Metals: Common recyclables are aluminum cans and tin foil (锡纸). Remove any food waste before disposal (处理).
Steps for Effective Home Recycling
Collection: Use separate bins for each type. Mark containers to avoid confusion (迷惑).
Preparation: As mentioned above, clean the items. This prevents waste and increases the recyclability of the materials.
Storage: Avoid overfilling recycling bins. Overpacked bins might lead to improper sorting at recycling facilities.
Drop-Off: If your city doesn’t offer roadside pickup, locate your nearest recycling drop-off point.
Stay Informed: Recycling guidelines can change. Regularly check city websites for “Clean & Green” updates.
Recycling DOs and DON’Ts
DO encourage neighbors and friends to adopt recycling habits.
DON’T mix different types in one bin.
DO invest in composting if possible; it’s another great way to reduce waste.
DON’T recycle dangerous or electronic waste with regular recyclables. Ask your city for proper disposal methods.
Benefits of Recycling:
Reduces landfill (垃圾填埋) waste.
Conserves natural resources and energy.
Prevents pollution by reducing the need for raw materials (原材料).
Supports public health by minimizing exposure to harmful things.
Join the “Clean & Green” initiative today and play your part in creating a bright future for the next generations!
1. Which of the following materials needs to be cleaned before recycling?| A．Paper | B．Plastics | C．Metals | D．Glass |
| A．To sell recycling bins. | B．To encourage composting (堆肥). |
| C．To reduce households’ environmental footprints. | D．To update recycling guidelines frequently. |
| A．Electronic waste can be recycled with regular recyclables. |
| B．You should mix different types in one bin to save space |
| C．It’s important to stay updated on recycling guidelines. |
| D．Wet paper is preferred for recycling as it’s easier to process |
If you’ve recently taken a flight from a major UK airport, then you may have noticed that more people are protesting air travel expansion and encouraging people to fly less. This is part of a larger environmental movement sweeping across Europe. Known as Flygskam or “flight-shaming”, the movement is encouraging people to stop taking flights as a means of transport and use more environmentally friendly transportation where they can.
The aviation (航空) currently accounts for about 2% of global emissions (排放) and is one of the fastest-growing polluters. Even worse, unlike most other sources of pollution, air travel results in pollutants released high up in the atmosphere.
Earlier this year, the UK government promised to reduce the UK’s emissions to “net zero” by 2050. However, according to projections from some researchers, emissions from the aviation could more than double by then even if planes become substantially more fuel-efficient. So, it’s unclear whether flying will be included in the UK’s target.
It’s hard to say exactly how big the movement is becoming, but Flygskam has become popular in social media. The number of Swedes taking the train for domestic journeys has risen by 8% this year as plane journeys inside the country have fallen. Clearly, Flygskam is having a measurable impact on people’s transport choices. Some people, however, have been critical of the movement because they say that it places blame or feelings of embarrassment onto the passengers when it is really the airlines and industries associated with it who should feel guilty for the impact that they are having on the planet.
1. What is Flygskam?2. How does flying influence the environment?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
Flygskam has attracted social attention and some people have already participated in this campaign, so it is widely accepted.
4. Besides what is mentioned in the passage, what do you think of the movement of Flygskam? (In about 40 words)
10 . As you leave the Bandhavgarh National Park in India, there is a notice which shows a huge tiger. The notice says, “You may not have seen me, but I have seen you.” There are more than a billion people in India and Indian tigers probably see humans every single day. Tigers can and do kill almost anything they meet in the jungle. However, it is a little strange that attacks on humans are not that frequent.
Some people might argue that these attacks were in fact common in the past. But there were far more tigers around in those days. So, to some extent, attacks appear to have been as rare then as they are today.
People think it is because of fears, but what exactly are tigers afraid of? Can they really know that we may be even better armed than they are? Surely not. Has the species programmed the experiences of all tigers with humans into its genes to be inherited as instinct? Perhaps. But I think the explanation may be simpler and, in a way, more interesting.
I suspect that a tiger’s fear of humans lies in the way he actually observes us visually. Imagine a tiger sees a man who is 1.8 meters tall. A tiger is less than 1 meter tall but he may be up to 3 meters long from head to tail. So when a tiger sees the man face on, it might not be unreasonable for him to assume that the man is 6 meters long. If he met a deer of this size, he might attack the animal by leaping on its back, but when he looks behind the man, he can’t see a back. From the front the man is huge, but looked at from the side he all but disappears. This must be very disturbing. A hunter has to be confident that it can kill its prey, and no one is confident when they are disconcerted.
The opposite is true of a squatting human. A squatting human is half the size and presents twice the spread of back, and appears like a medium-sized deer. Many incidents of attacks on people involve villagers bending over to cut grass. The fact that humans stand upright may not just distinguish them from other species, but also help them to survive in an unpredictable environment.
1. As for some people’s opinion on tiger attacks, the author is ________.| A．objective | B．unconcerned | C．supportive | D．disapproving |
| A．To present assumptions. | B．To evaluate arguments. |
| C．To question findings. | D．To confirm opinions. |
| A．Confused. | B．Annoyed. | C．Depressed. | D．Surprised. |
| A．It is the genes that cause the tiger’s fear of humans. |
| B．It is hard for a tiger to make out the shape of humans. |
| C．Tigers sense the danger the moment they spot humans. |
| D．Tigers are less confident when facing squatting humans. |
