A recent research shows that 86% of the world’s rivers have been damaged by human activities. The research
Unsurprisingly, the worst-hit rivers are in western Europe and North America. This is because these regions have large and rich
2 . New Zealand plans to put a price on sheep and cow burps (打嗝) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (排放). If the plan is passed, New Zealand will become the first country to tax (征税) farmers on each burp of their cattle, since the burps give out methane (甲烷) into the atmosphere.
“There is no question that we need to cut the amount of methane we are putting into the atmosphere, and an effective emissions pricing system for agriculture will play a key part in how we achieve that,” Climate Change Minister James Shaw said.
Animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of global warming. It is reportedly responsible for at least 14.5% of the world’s emissions. Moreover, cows are by far the biggest contributors. This is so because they produce 40% of global methane when they burp, fart (放屁) and produce waste. Also, methane is 80 times more warming than CO2 although it’s shorter-lived in the atmosphere.
New Zealand, which has a population of five million people, has around 10 million cattle and 26 million sheep. “Almost half the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture, mainly methane,” the draft plan explained.
The “burp tax” is expected to take effect in 2025. Mr. Shaw wants farming to be more environmentally friendly. He also wants farmers to change the way they farm. He wants them to feed their animals on seaweed instead of grass. This will produce fewer emissions. Mr. Shaw also said farmers can reduce the tax they pay by planting more trees. Another suggestion is for cows to wear special masks.
New Zealand’s farmers support the government. They want to do their bit to help the environment.
1. Why will cattle’s burps be taxed?A.To raise more money. | B.To feed more cattle. |
C.To limit cattle’s price. | D.To better the environment. |
A.Its cows produce 40% of global methane. |
B.Its agriculture affects greenhouse gas emissions. |
C.It is responsible for at least 14.5% of the world’s emissions. |
D.There is 80 times more methane than CO2. |
A.Plant more trees. | B.Correct their way to farm. |
C.Feed their animals on grass. | D.Wear special masks when farming. |
A.New Zealand reducing greenhouse gas emissions |
B.New Zealand’s greenhouse emissions and animal farming |
C.New Zealand introducing a new tax to help the environment |
D.New Zealand’s farmers joining in the fight against climate change |
Huangshan, which lies in Anhui province, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the top scenic
Huangshan has 36 separate peaks, all
The main thing to do in Huangshan is walk pround and take photographs of the scenery, which is spectacular (壮观的),
When there is good weather and clear skies, watching the stars at night is