1 . Tiny trash factories
Not all waste has to go to waste. Most of the world’s 2.22 billion tons of annual trash ends up in landfills or open dump. Veena Sahajwalla, a materials scientist and engineer at the University of New South walks, has created a solution to our massive trash problem: waste microfactories. These little trash processors house a series of machines that recycle waste and transform it into new materials with thermal technology. The new all-in-one approach could leave our current recycling processes in the dust.
Sahajwalla launched the world’s first waste microfactory targeting electronic waste in 2018. A second one began recycling plastics in 2019. Now, her lab group is working with university and industry partners to commercialize their patented Microfactoric technology. She says the small scale of the machines will make it easier for them to one day operate on renewable energy, unlike most large manufacturing plants. The approach will also allow cities to recycle waste into new products on location. With a micro-factory, gone are the days of needing separate facilities to collect and store materials, extract elements and produce new products.
Traditionally, recycling plants break down materials for re us c in similar products. It is like melting down plastic to make more plastic things. Her invention evolved this idea by taking materials from an old product and creating something different. “The kids don’t look like the parents,” she says.
For example, the microfactories can break down old smart phoned and computer monitors and extract silica and carbon, and then combine them into silicon car bide nanowires. This generates a common ceramic material with many industrial uses. Sahajwalla refers to this process as “the fourth R,” adding “
In 2019, just 17.4 percent of e-waste was recycled, so the new ability offers a crucial new development in the challenge recycling complex electronic devices. “We can do so much more with materials,” says Sahajwala.” Traditional recycling has not worked for every recycling challenge.” She and her team are already working to install the next waste microfactory in the Australian town of Cootamundra by early 2021, with the goal of expanding around the country over the next few years.
1. Which of the following is the feature of the waste microfactory?| A．It can restore the waste to their original forms. |
| B．It is cleaner than the traditional recycling plant. |
| C．Waste can be recycled where they are dump at. |
| D．There is only one machine in the waste microfactory. |
| A．Establishing the first waste microfactory. |
| B．Expanding the variety of waste it can recycle. |
| C．Trying to make a profit from microfactory technology. |
| D．Developing renewable energy to operate microfactories. |
| A．recall | B．reform | C．release | D．reverse |
| A．Traditional recycling is actually useful for only a small part of waste recycling. |
| B．Microfactories make it possible for scientists to create various things with wastes, |
| C．Microfactories can directly make waste electronic device into household utensils. |
| D．By now, Australia is the first country in the world that has realized the popularization of waste microfactofies. |
2 . People representing over 100 countries met virtually in Kunming, China, last week to discuss how to protect Earth’s biodiversity(生物多样性). This CBD Meeting（also known as COP15）ran from October 11 to 15, 2021.
There are so many different species. Sadly, species are disappearing all the time. One recent study suggested that around a million species are in danger of extinction. Like the climate crisis, the world’s loss of biodiversity is caused mainly by humans, who don’t always cooperate. Climate change is playing a part. The biggest way humans are causing biodiversity loss is by taking over the homes that all kinds of plants and animals depend on and using them for things like farming, mining, or cutting down trees for wood. Humans are also harming the oceans by fishing too much, and by severely polluting the seas with plastic, oil, and other chemicals.
In 1992, the world’s countries began signing an agreement called the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The meeting is being held in two parts. Last week's meeting discussed plans and goals for protecting biodiversity through the year 2030, which led to a plan called the “Kunming Declaration”. An in-person meeting will be held in Kunming next May to formally agree to the plan. One of its big goals announced in Kunming is to cut dangerous chemical pollution from farming. The plan also includes asking governments to cut up to $500 billion of their support for activities that hurt biodiversity, like some methods of farming, and producing fossil fuels.
CBD organizers hope the world's countries are really ready to work on biodiversity problems this time. In 2010, over 100 countries agreed to a 20-Part Plan to protect biodiversity by 2020. But none of the plan's 20 goals had been consummated by 2020. Solving the problem doesn't depend on what countries say they'll do. It depends on what they actually do.
1. What mainly leads to the world's biodiversity loss?| A．The disappearance of wild areas. | B．Worldwide climate change. |
| C．The serious ocean pollution. | D．Lack of international cooperation. |
| A．It belongs to the 1992 CBD agreement. | B．It’ll raise $500 billion to protect nature. |
| C．It advises stopping using chemicals. | D．It’ll be approved officially in 2022. |
| A．Explained | B．Ignored. | C．Reached. | D．Assessed. |
| A．The new trend of biodiversity. | B．The Kunming CBD Meeting. |
| C．The challenges living things face. | D．The different species on the Earth. |
3 . China published its official document on biodiversity conservation on Oct 8,2021. It said that China has achieved great results in biodiversity conservation.
In 2010, the China National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2011-2030) was published. Since then, China has been working for a better ecological environment through establishing and improving policies and laws, carrying out nationwide biodiversity surveys, and putting into place various programs and action plans for biodiversity conservation.
Protected areas
There are about 10,000 protected natural areas, covering 18 percent of total land area. The well-planned protected areas system has brought 90 percent of terrestrial (陆地的) ecosystem types and 71 percent of key state-protected wildlife species under effective protection.
Plants
China has contributed up to 10 percent of the new plant varieties identified worldwide in the past decade. In this period, the country identified about 200 new varieties of plants per year.
Wild animals
The habitats for wild animals in China have been expanding and their populations are growing. The population of giant pandas in the wild has grown from 1,114 to 1,864 over the past four decades. The crested ibis (朱鹮) population has increased from only seven to over 5,000.
Greenness
China was the largest contributor to the world’s gain in greenness between 2000 and 2017. The country contributed about 25 percent of global vegetation growth in the period and China’s forest coverage and forest reserve areas have both continued to expand for the last 30 years. The country has realized the largest growth in forest resources among all countries in the world.
1. In China’s efforts to protect biodiversity, the following elements are mentioned EXCEPT ________?| A．the habitats for wild animals |
| B．the accessible water resources |
| C．forest reserve areas and coverage |
| D．the well-planned protected areas system |
| A．China’s contribution to the world |
| B．Increasing protection for animals |
| C．China’s contribution to greenness |
| D．China’s efforts on biodiversity conservation |
| A．an academic paper | B．a student diary |
| C．China Daily | D．fashion magazine |
4 . The only known white giraffe in the world has been fitted with a GPS tracking device in an effort to protect him from poachers (偷猎者) in Kenya. The unique male giraffe now stands alone after a female and her calf were killed by poachers in March, 2020.
The GPS tracking device, secured to one of the animal’s horns, will give hourly updates of his location, said the Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy. Rangers will be able to monitor the giraffe’s movements in the conservancy located in Garissa County, eastern Kenya.
“The giraffe’s living range has been blessed with good rains in the recent past and the abundant vegetation is a good sign for the future of the white male,” said Ahmed Noor, manager of the Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy.
Noor thanked the Kenya Wildlife Service, Save Giraffes Now and the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) for their help in safeguarding wildlife species.
“Our mission is to work with communities, secure their livelihoods as well as protect the unique wildlife like the only known white giraffe,” said Antony Wandera, the senior wildlife monitoring officer at the NRT.
The male giraffe has a rare genetic trait called leucism (变白), which results in the partial loss of pigmentation (肤色) in an animal and makes it easy to spot for poachers. Unlike albinism (白化), animals with leucism continue to produce a dark pigment in their soft tissue, meaning the giraffe’s eyes are dark.
In March, 2020, the remains of two of the stunning white giraffes that lived at the Kenyan wildlife reserve were found dead, killed by poachers.
The world’s tallest land animal has lost 40％ of its population in just 30 years, the African Wildlife Foundation estimates.
1. Why do people fit the white giraffe with a GPS tracking device?| A．To entertain the white giraffe. |
| B．To find a better way to feed him. |
| C．To prevent him from being killed. |
| D．To learn more about the white giraffe. |
| A．Every day. | B．Every hour. |
| C．Every week. | D．Every two hours. |
| A．Job. | B．Dream. | C．Interest. | D．Suggestion. |
| A．The population of white giraffes is increasing. |
| B．The white giraffe has become extinct in the world. |
| C．Few organizations show interest in protecting wild animals. |
| D．The population of giraffes in the world has been decreasing. |
5 . Have you always wanted to make your lifestyle more sustainable? Here are a few tips that community activists, zero-waste experts and eco-friendly shop owners recommend specifically for the pandemic (疫情) .
Start with your own mask
Still using disposable (一次性的) masks or N95s? Hoiyin Ip, an environmental activist in Orange County, suggests you transition to a cloth mask that you can wash along with the rest of your laundry. They are reusable, sustainable and generally more comfortable too.
Eat smart
You may be tired of your own cooking and eating at home. When ordering takeout, Ip suggests asking the restaurant to keep its plastic cutlery (餐具).“Before you walk away with your to-go bag, check, look into your bag to see if you have this stuff, and give it back to the restaurant,”Ip said.
Electronic waste
Once your electronic device has worn out, recycle it. Battery collections in California are down a third compared to last year, he said, because many collection spots have closed or reduced hours. He advises collecting old batteries in a bag and recycling them at a drop-off location near you.
Buy in bulk
Environmental advocate Monica Campagna is creatively adapting by purchasing large quantities of her essentials — like rice, pasta and cereal — and refilling a reusable container at home. While she doesn’t get rid of disposables altogether, buying in bulk avoids lots of small plastic bags, and the bigger bags can be reused.
1. Why does Hoiyin Ip suggest using cloth masks?| A．Generally, there is no need to wash. |
| B．You can spend little money on them. |
| C．They are sustainable and more comfortable. |
| D．They’re strong enough to reuse for a long time. |
| A．Walk away with your to-go bag. |
| B．Don’t take away the restaurant’s cutlery. |
| C．Do your best to cook and eat at home. |
| D．Order takeout to avoid waste. |
| A．still use disposable masks or N95s |
| B．usually go to the restaurant to eat |
| C．throw old batteries into dustbins |
| D．purchase large quantities of your essentials |
1.低碳生活方式的必要性;
2.“低碳减排、绿色生活”的几点建议;
3.希望大家一起行动。
注意:
1.词数100左右;
2.可以适当增加细节,以使行文连贯;
3.开头语和结束语已给出,不计入总词数。
Dear Jack,
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Yours,
Li Hua
7 . Feeding bread to the ducks is a fond pastime for many of us, reminding us of happy childhood trips to the local park.
“Angel Wing can be cured if we reach birds before it has developed too severely,” says Caroline Simpson, a trustee of UK charity Swan Lifeline. “
| A．So we must stop feeding the ducks. |
| B．But did you know that bread actually puts birds in danger? |
| C．This doesn’t mean we have to stop fun trips to feed the ducks. |
| D．Bread can also cause harmful changes to the natural ecosystem (生态系统). |
| E．What a scene it is to watch ducks eating bread loating on the river. |
| F．Otherwise the results can be serious — such as the loss of the wing. |
| G．So next time take a healthier alternative and do your bit to protect our precious wildlife. |
8 . Rather than continue living a comfortable urban life, this British family has sold their London home in favor of launching the world's smallest nature reserve to save a nation's coral reef system. Karolina and Barry Seath— along with their two young daughters—are preparing to move to an island in the Seychelles（非洲塞舌尔群岛） measuring just 1,300 feet long by 980 feet wide（400 by 300 meters）.
They've launched a charity and teamed up with（与.....合作）local biologists in an effort to bring the coral reefs back to life in the smallest African country, which have been almost wiped out by rising sea temperatures. Their land-based coral farm will be only the second of its kind in the world, the other being on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, to specialize in regrowing coral to restore the reefs.
47-year-old Barry, who is a former policeman, said, “We are just a normal husband, wife and two kids, living the sort of life that most others do, but we felt the need to make a positive change for ourselves, our children, and the world we had largely taken for granted.”
Over the course of several vacations to the Seychelles, the Seaths witnessed the gradual deterioration（恶化） of the reefs. "Every time we visited, we noticed the coral was getting worse and worse," said Barry. "All the tourists say the same thing. They love the beaches but are really disappointed with the coral. "
Barry felt it was time to make a change and show his daughters an alternative way of eco-friendly living. He then teamed up with experts at the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles in order to develop the facility. Once it is complete, it will be the first large-scale, land-based coral farm in the Indian Ocean. The eco-warriors hope to use the facility to grow around 10,000 corals per year. Barry said, "Our long-term goal is to show everyone that—with just a relatively small investment—you can have a big positive influence on the marine （海的） environment."
1. Why have Karolina and Barry Seath sold their house?| A．They need to collect enough money to set up a charity. |
| B．They will move to an island in the Seychelles to save coral. |
| C．They think suburban life near the sea will be more comfortable. |
| D．They want to have a sea farm to grow coral for their daughters. |
| A．They often take other people's deeds for granted. |
| B．They have visited the Seychelles only once. |
| C．There are altogether six family members. |
| D．Barry Seath used to be a policeman. |
| A．It will be 1,300 meters long and 980 meters wide. |
| B．It will be the first of its kind in the Indian Ocean. |
| C．It will focus on fighting with rising sea temperatures. |
| D．It will be larger than the one on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. |
| A．To show everyone they can make a difference to the sea environment. |
| B．To make sure no one is disappointed with the coral in the Seychelles. |
| C．To try to grow around 10,000 corals per year on their coral farm. |
| D．To show his daughters a better life of eco-friendly living. |
9 . For some people, walking or running outdoors is a great way to work out. What may not be so pleasant is seeing trash all over the ground. Well, some people are doing something about it. They are plogging!
“Plogging” began in Sweden. The name combines the Swedish word “plocka,” which means to pick up, and the word Jogging, which means to run slowly. A Swedish man named Erik, started the movement in 2016. On the World Environment
Day website, Erik says that he moved to Stockholm from a small community in northern Sweden each day he would ride his bike to work. Concerned about the amount of trash and litter he saw each day on his way to work, he took matters into his own hands.
Plogging, by that term, may have officially begun in Sweden. But many people who exercise outdoors have been doing this for years. Take Jeff Horowitz for example. He is a personal trainer in Washington, D.C. He often picks up trash while running outside. He even has turned it into a game; he will try to pick up the trash without stopping. “I didn’t know it was a thing really. This is just my personal ethics (道德标准), where I go for a run and if I happen to see a piece of garbage lying around and it’s within reach — it is a kind of a little test for me to see if I can grab it and throw it in a near trash can without stopping. And that way, I think, it gives me a little exercise and a little focus for my run. And it helps clean up the neighborhood,” he announced.
Today, plogging is an official activity, one that is becoming increasingly popular. Cities around the world now hold logging events, “I would just hope people would think twice before dropping a garbage on the ground. We have containers seems on every block. So, it’s easy to put your garbage in the trash cans. I just think people should think about it a little bit more. I do hope one day there will not be a need for plogging.” said an interviewee.
1. Which of the following can replace the underlined phrase “took matters into his own hands”?| A．called on people to join him. | B．appealed to people to go green. |
| C．began to pick up the trash. | D．had the collected trash recycled. |
| A．Plogging comes naturally to joggers who care about the environment. |
| B．Plogging is an easy way to clean the environment. |
| C．It doesn’t make any sense to joy without picking up trash. |
| D．It is better to clean up the neighborhood by plogging. |
| A．Jogging is truly beneficial. | B．Trash cans should be within reach. |
| C．Littering is not acceptable. | D．Communities should be kept clean. |
| A．New Exercise Enjoys unbelievable popularity |
| B．New Exercise Trend Also Helps Environment |
| C．Plogging — a Fashionable Way to clear waste |
| D．Plogging — an Exercise Originating in Sweden |
10 . More than one million single-use straws (吸管), most of them plastic, are used in the United States each day. They end up in waterways, harm sea animals, and break down into micro-plastics. Quantities of places have passed plastic-straw bans as a way to start handling the global plastic waste problem.
Straw materials: advantages and disadvantages
1. Metal
Made of stainless steel, aluminum, or even titanium, metal straws have become popular. They draw some criticism for having a metallic taste and conducting heat from a hot drink, but they’re strong and can be reused.
2. Paper
Paper drinking straws, which date from the late 1800s, often absorb liquid over time and can leave a taste or fibers in drinks. They’re the most popular throwaway choice in places with plastic-straw bans.
3. Glass
Though glass straws may be more breakable and thus less portable than reusable straws of other materials, they hold up well to washing and reuse. Some straws are made to look artistic, with colors and blown-glass designs.
4. Bamboo
This natural material can be sustainably produced and is a plant-based replacement of plastic straws. Bamboo straws are easily disposed of and turned into fertilizer. They are reusable but can be hard to clean completely and may absorb flavors.
1. What is the major problem with plastic straws?| A．Function. | B．Flavor. |
| C．Weight. | D．Pollution. |
| A．Metal straw. | B．Paper straw. |
| C．Glass straw. | D．Bamboo straw. |
| A．It can become fertilizer. | B．It is easy to clean. |
| C．It is portable and bendable. | D．It has different designs. |
