In a small community located at a suburb of Exeter, a disheartening issue had been troubling the neighborhood for years. The once pleasant surroundings were ruined by piles of waste that seemed to multiply with each passing day. Residents were growing tired of the worsening environment, leading many to abandon their homes in search of cleaner neighborhoods. It was in this terrible situation that two young students, Emma and Mia, decided to take matters into their own hands.
Emma and Mia were classmates and best friends from Phillips Exeter Academy, both passionate about environmental preservation and deeply concerned about the pollution crisis their community was facing. Witnessing more and more neighbors’ leaving, they knew they couldn’t stand by any longer. Determined to bring about a change, they undertook a mission that would soon catch the attention of the entire community.
Their journey began with thorough research and planning. The two girls searched carefully on the Internet for information on environmental initiatives and connected with local environmentalists. They organized meetings with residents to understand the issues at hand, collecting data on the types of waste, the sources, and the areas most affected. Armed with this knowledge, Emma and Mia worked out a comprehensive plan and announced it to ask for opinions from the residents. Surprisingly it was strongly supported.
Their strategy was twofold. First, they initiated a waste classification and recycling program. They distributed recycling bins(回收箱) to every household and educated the community about the importance of responsible waste management. Soon, the streets began to show signs of improvement as the volume of garbage inappropriately thrown away decreased gradually.
The second part of their plan was more ambitious. Emma and Mia gathered volunteers from their school and the neighborhood to take part in a massive clean-up campaign. Armed with gloves and trash(垃圾)bags, they began systematically clearing the waste from the streets, parks, and even the local bodies of water. Their firm commitment and hard work inspired others to join the cause.
注意:1. 续写词数应为150左右;
2. 请按如下格式作答。
Half a year later, the changes were significant.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Emma and Mia received recognition and honors for their work.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2 . Shop Sustainably
If you have to name one thing that contributes most to your ecological footprints, you may say the energy you use at home, or your car’s emissions.
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●Avoid unnecessary packing. Buy loose fruit and vegetables instead of pre-packaged produce, and avoid products that contain multiple single packages or double packaging, like grain in a box and a bag. Consider switching from tea bags and coffee pods to tea leaves and ground coffee.
●Go organic when you can. In addition to the benefit organic farming has to insect biodiversity, it’s also considered more sustainable and better for the environment.
●Buy seasonal and native products.
A.Take reusable grocery bags. |
B.Select single-use plastic bags. |
C.It supports local farmers and food producers. |
D.You can also refill your own containers with loose-packed food. |
E.When buying organic products, look for those officially certified. |
F.But it’s what we eat that accounts for up to 60% of our personal demand. |
G.You’ll find it convenient whenever you buy tea or coffee in the supermarket. |
3 . The oceans play a crucial role in lightening global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide emissions. However, in a study conducted by the University of Texas, researchers found that the oceans’ capacity to absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) would reach its maximum by 2100 and decrease to half of its current efficiency by 2300, based on a climate simulation (模拟) that was set for a worst-case emissions scenario (设想).
The decline happens because of a surface layer of low-alkalinity (碱度) water that can hinder the ability of the oceans to absorb CO₂. Alkalinity affects how much CO₂ can dissolve in seawater. Although the emissions scenario used in the study is unlikely because of global efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions, the findings reveal a previously unknown tipping point that if activated would release an important brake on global warming.
“We need to think about these worst-case scenarios to understand how our CO₂ emissions might affect the oceans not just this century, but next century and the following centuries. Climate simulations had previously shown that the oceans slow their absorption of CO₂ over time, but none had considered alkalinity as an explanation. We recalculated pieces of a 450-year simulation until we hit on alkalinity as a key cause of the slowing.” said Megumi Chikamoto, who led the research at the University of Texas Institute.
The effect begins with extreme climate change, which slows ocean currents. This leaves the surface of the oceans covered in a warm layer of fresh water that won’t mix easily with the cooler, more al kaline waters below it. That means more of it is left behind in the atmosphere. This in turn produces faster warming, which sustains and strengthens the low-alkalinity surface layer. Co-author, Pedro DiNezio, said that the discovery was a powerful reminder that the world needs to reduce its CO₂ emissions to avoid crossing this and other tipping points.
1. What may happen after the year 2300?A.More CO₂ will be absorbed by the oceans. |
B.The oceans will lose all their current efficiency. |
C.The world will face even more severe warming. |
D.The oceans will be less crucial to global warming. |
A.Improve. | B.Weaken. | C.Protect. | D.Control. |
A.Finding why they slow CO₂ intake is hard. |
B.Their ability to absorb CO₂ is at their maximum. |
C.They will decide on the future of human beings. |
D.They will slow down CO₂ absorption very quickly. |
A.A biology textbook. | B.A government report. |
C.Science fiction. | D.An environmental journal. |
(1)简要介绍保护环境的原因;
(2)提出切实可行的建议;
(3)简述这些建议的理由。
注意:(1)词数80左右;
(2)可以适当增加细节,以使行文连贯。
What can I do for our environment
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5 . “In high school, I decided to stop eating meat. I love animals. I couldn’t see them suffering.” Babulski says, who is a biologist at Monroe Community College in New York. Teenage Babulski initially lived on starches (淀粉食物) and salads. Eventually she learned to eat a more balanced vegetarian (素食者的) diet. But, Babulski remembers, her mom still wished she’d give up the madness. Mom thought she was going to straight up die.
The decision by Babulski and others to go vegetarian can be threatening to those who view eating animals as typically American. Eating meat is the norm in the United States, even though medical experts have long encouraged people to eat less processed and red meat for health reasons. What is becoming clear is that a meat-heavy diet is also terrible for the planet.
Shifting demand from meat to beans, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts could have many benefits for the climate. A more recent April report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the IPCC, suggests that the world’s wealthiest individuals could greatly decrease emissions (排放) through lifestyle changes. That’s because households with incomes in the top 10 percent produce roughly 36 to 45 percent of global emissions, while households with incomes in the bottom 50 percent contribute just 13 to 15 percent. Therefore, wealthier individuals, who adopt a low-carbon lifestyle, can help establish new, more sustainable social norms.
Babulski learned about the environmental impacts of meat production. She now shares her personal journey with students in her environmental science course. Many of her students come to realize the power of their individual choices. The little things they do actually do add up and make a difference.
1. Why did Babulski’s mother object to her becoming a vegetarian?A.She felt threatened. | B.She was a meat lover. |
C.She misunderstood her. | D.She was worried about her health. |
A.It is a personal lifestyle. | B.It can cause health problems. |
C.It is harmful to the environment. | D.It is an essential part of their life. |
A.The factories. | B.The government. |
C.The low-income families. | D.The wealthy people. |
A.Neutral. | B.Supportive. | C.Critical. | D.Uninterested. |
6 . The US military wants to build artificial reefs (礁) to protect coastal bases from rising seas and climate change. Its “Reefense” programme has awarded three contracts with the goal of using both artificial and natural defences to support the protection provided by human-built sea walls and concrete breakwaters alone.
A first line of defence envisioned by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)’s Reefense programme would consist of an artificial structure capable of removing some of the power of incoming waves. That would pave the way for corals (珊瑚) to grow on the artificial foundation and further strengthen the coastal protection capabilities.
While natural reefs usually start shaping up over five to ten years, DARPA is aiming for these artificial reef structures to inspire coral settlement within just a few years. Its vision could take advantage of new lab techniques for growing corals.
As part of the programme, one team at Rutgers University in New Jersey has received $4.5 million to develop defences based on reefs in the Gulf of Mexico near Tyndall Air Force Base. Another team, at the University of Hawaii, received more than $7.3 million to experiment with structures that encourage coral reef to grow in the Pacific Ocean. The third team, at the University of Miami, was awarded almost $7.5 million to develop an artificial reef solution with different species of coral for the Atlantic Ocean.
The research teams must first build artificial reefs, starting at 50 metres in length, before eventually extending them to 150 metres. Early testing in wave tanks is set to eventually lead to a three -year-long project offshore between 2023 and 2026.
Researchers will also selectively breed (繁殖) corals at seawater temperatures 3℃ higher than surrounding temperatures, so the animals can better survive in a warming world. “All the teams have skills in growing corals in their laboratory environments, selecting for higher temperatures or disease resistance,” says Catherine Campbell at the US DARPA.
1. What can we know about the US military’s plan to build artificial reefs?A.It has been put into practice. | B.It aims to protect sea animals. |
C.It hasn’t been well received. | D.It focuses on natural defences. |
A.They are stronger than natural ones. | B.Their expense is less than natural ones. |
C.They need less time to grow perfectly. | D.They can be built anywhere we want to. |
A.Different species of coral should be protected. |
B.Different teams will develop artificial reefs soon. |
C.Universities are facing intense competition. |
D.Many companies are willing to provide finance. |
A.Corals live better in colder surroundings. | B.The research teams need more experience. |
C.Campbell is positive about the programme. | D.“Reefense” programme is on its first stage. |
7 . Within the beautiful scenery of Wisconsin’s Lake Chippewa lies a natural wonder that is a unique challenge for the local community. This hidden wonder is exactly a giant floating island. The island, made up of plants and trees, sometimes floats around the lake, causing a major inconvenience by blocking (阻塞) an important bridge. Later, the local people came up with a solution to this problem. Every year, local boat owners work together and push the island away from the bridge.
Lake Chippewa was born in 1923 when a vast bog (沼泽) was changed through flooding. Soon after that, many of the dark bogs started rising to the surface and became perfect growing places for plants, with seeds carried by wind and wild birds to this floating place. Over the years, these bogs have grown plants and trees and turned into full islands. As time goes by, plants take root, and the oldest islands even have trees that act as sails (船帆) when the wind blows, moving the entire floating island around the lake.
Although the years-old floating island does not relocate (重新迁移) so often, when it does, it causes trouble for the community by blocking the important bridge that serves as the only passage between the lake’s East and West sides. The only solution is to gather a group of boats, and not just one or two, but dozens of boats working together to push the island away. “It takes a community’s effort, and you must have the winds at your back to push them in,” said a resident. Moving the island also requires precision (精确), as just relocating it a short distance may result in its return within days.
Some people have suggested destroying the floating islands to get rid of the problem. However, the big bog in Lake Chippewa has been around for many years, and during that time a variety of animal and plant species have made it their home. Therefore, local government advises they be dealt with in a way that won’t do harm to wildlife, paying more attention to the fine-drawn balance between human convenience and environmental protection. The annual tradition of relocating Lake Chippewa’s floating island is evidence to the coexistence of man and nature, a heartwarming display of community unity, and a reminder of the importance of preserving the unique areas that enrich our world.
1. What does the underlined word “solution” in paragraph 1 refer to?A.Building a new bridge. | B.Moving the floating island away. |
C.Transforming the vast bog. | D.Rebuilding the local community. |
A.The formation of the floating island. | B.The history of flooding in Lake Chippewa. |
C.The varieties of species in Lake Chippewa. | D.The impact of the wind on the floating island. |
A.It is usually finished within days. |
B.It is a must in cooperation and precision. |
C.It can only be carried out during windless days. |
D.It greatly disturbs the community residents’ lives. |
A.To save costs for local people. | B.To ensure the safety of residents. |
C.To improve the bond between communities. | D.To protect the wildlife species on the island. |
8 . New research from the University of Portsmouth has shown a marked increase in shipping in the North East Atlantic. Scientists now warn that more monitoring is required to help protect sea life.
Researchers at the University of Ponsmouth have discovered that rates (率) of shipping in the North East Atlantic area rose by 34 per cent in a five-year period. The research is the first detailed survey of shipping activity in the North East Atlantic. Researchers used data from over 530 million vessel (船) positions recorded by Automatic Identification System(AIS). They looked at the change in shipping between 2013 and 2017 across ten different vessel types. In total the study area covered 1.1 million km², including waters off Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany,Iceland, Ireland, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal. Spain, and the UK.
Lead author, James Robbins said: “This change is likely to put more pressure on the marine (海洋的) environment, and may influence the protection of at-risk species. Renewed monitoring effort is needed to make sure that protective measures are enough to save species under threat in a changing environment.”
Some of the greatest shipping increases were found in areas close to the Spanish coast. The Espacio Marino de la Costa da Morte saw a rise of 413 percent in vessel activity. It is an area used to protect seabirds.
Dr. Sarah Marley, Visiting Researcher at the University of Portsmouth, said: “Shipping is the most widespread human activity in our oceans, carrying a set of threats-from unnoticeable effects like underwater noise pollution to serious results when ships hit whales.”
Professor Alex Ford. from the University’s Institute of Marine Sciences, said: “Given the well-documented effects that shipping can have on the marine environment, it is necessary that this situation continues to be monitored-particularly in areas used to protect vulnerable (脆弱的) species which may already be under pressure.”
1. What can we say about the new research?A.It started in 2013. | B.It is the first of its kind. |
C.It was carried out by AIS. | D.It covers the whole Atlantic. |
A.Rapid population growth. |
B.Rising global temperatures. |
C.The huge increase in shipping. |
D.The disappearance of marine life. |
A.Shipping plays an important role in the local economy. |
B.Shipping can be a danger to the marine environment. |
C.Noise pollution is closely related to human activity. |
D.Marine areas should be monitored more carefully. |
A.New waterways across the Atlantic |
B.The shipping industry in the North East Atlantic |
C.New research opens windows into life under the water |
D.Sea life needs better protection from an increase in shipping |
9 .
The day starts early for Tang Shengli, a bird protection volunteer in Lanshan county, Yongzhou, Hunan province. At about 5 am, the 60-year-old is in uniform and ready to start his day’s work protecting and recording migratory (迁徙的) birds. Located on the northern side of the Nanling Mountains, Lanshan is an important passageway for migratory birds. From September to December every year, more than 240 species of migratory birds fly from Siberia to Australia via Hunan. In the past 10 years, Tang has recorded more than 120 species of such birds with his camera. “The flight calls of the migratory birds at night attract me so much that I cannot sleep. All I want to do is get up and record them,” Tang says.
When Tang joined the Hunan provincial bird protection organization in 2013, he knew he faced a tough task. Numerous migratory birds were lost each year as a result of killing and illegal trade. At that time, poachers (偷猎者) lit up the hillside to attract the birds there and hunt them. Some nights hundreds of birds would be killed or caught, remembers Liao Changgui, an official with the local forestry bureau.
By day, Tang distributes brochures to villagers in Lanshan to raise public awareness of bird protection, while at night, he goes deep into the wilderness to tackle illegal hunting. “Many villagers didn’t think bird hunting was illegal, and some made a living from it. Our work has affected their business,” Tang explains, adding his wife was threatened at their home in order to stop him doing his work.
To stop poaching, in October 2012, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration issued a notice to prevent the illegal hunting of migratory birds. In December that year, the Hunan provincial government promised to fight against poaching and establish a bird monitoring and protection system. So far, 43 migratory bird protection stations have been built across the province, covering almost all key points on the passageway. In 2020, a “lights out” program started in Lanshan county to prevent the birds from being distracted (使分心).
On Nov 1, the Hunan provincial government issued a ban on hunting migratory birds and other wildlife listed under national and provincial protection. Nationwide, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration is carrying out a two-month special action plan to strengthen patrols and remove illegal hunting equipment in national parks, nature reserves and bird migration routes across the country.
1. Why did poachers light up the hillside according to paragraph 2?A.To find their way around the hill. |
B.To search for birds’ nests and catch them. |
C.To draw the birds’ attention to catch them. |
D.To lead the birds to fly safely and in the correct direction. |
A.Give up. | B.Put off. | C.Call for. | D.Deal with. |
A.Ways to punish bird poachers. |
B.Routes migratory birds fly along. |
C.Measures to protect migratory birds. |
D.Reasons why poachers try to capture birds. |
A.Ensuring birds have a safe passage |
B.Important passageway for migratory birds |
C.Flight calls of migratory birds at night attract Tang |
D.Tang records more than 120 species of migratory birds |
Earthquake in northwestern China kills at least 118 people
An overnight earthquake killed at least 118 people in a cold and mountainous region in northwestern China,
The magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck in Gansu at a relatively shallow
By mid-morning, 105 people had been confirmed dead in Gansu and another 397 injured, including sixteen people
The earthquake
The rescue work was proceeding in