1 . 400 million tons of plastic are generated annually, most of which comes from single-use plastic While countries are making progress in reducing this waste through paper bags and straws, there are still applications where the properties of plastic are necessary.
Transparent (透明的) wood is an alternative for such applications and is highly preferred since it prevents the harm of petroleum-derived (石油衍生的) plastic products. German scientist Siegfried Fink first created transparent wood in the year 1992, and over the past three decades it has been significantly improved by other researchers as well.
In its natural form, wood is not transparent. However, researchers have found that removing lignin, a naturally occurring biopolymer that provides structural support for the plant tissue, can make it transparent. To do so, the wood is soaked in a warm solution consisting of multiple chemicals, followed by boiling it in another solution. This removes the lignin completely and turns the wood white. However, the space that was occupied by lignin needs to be filled up to maintain structural integrity. This process is done by using a resin (树脂) at a temperature of 185 Fahrenheit (85℃).
The final product can have as much as 90 transparency, and it doesn’t break easily. More importantly, it is more biodegradable than glass or plastic.
While transparent wood isn’t commercial yet, it has been employed in a wide variety of applications ranging from construction to energy storage, making flexible electronics and packaging.
The researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology ( IIT) conducted a life-cycle analysis (LCA) of transparent wood to determine the environmental impact of its production and end-of-life (EOL) cycle. The study found that using hydrogen peroxide for delignification, followed by using epoxy for infiltration, was the most eco-friendly. When scaled up for industrial production, the former method would lower electricity consumption by as much as 98. 8 percent.
EOL analysis showed that transparent wood had a reduced ecological impact compared to polyethylene (聚乙烯), paving the way for it to be commercially adapted to replace the petroleum-based material.
1. Why is transparent wood preferred compared to plastic?| A．It is easier to make. | B．It is environmentally friendly. |
| C．It can be used longer. | D．It can be used repeatedly. |
| A．The natural form of wood. | B．The importance of chemicals. |
| C．How transparent wood is made. | D．How lignin keeps wood strong. |
| A．It can be recycled. |
| B．It will replace plastic soon. |
| C．The most eco-friendly way to produce it. |
| D．Potential damage caused by it to the environment. |
| A．Promising. | B．Difficult. | C．Profitable. | D．Uncertain. |
With more and more scientists saying we no longer have a climate problem but a climate emergency, the call for all hands to be part
In 2014, after attending one of Al Gore’s Climate Reality training workshops, Paul Severance, a member of Elders Action Network(EAN), started ECA, which
ECA’s mission is to reach out to older individuals and let them join, so they can use their expertise, experience and knowledge
3 . Researchers and environmentalists have been pushing for clean energy, as well, contending with the rising threat of climate change. An increasingly researched renewable resource is called Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), in which the sea’s temperature variations are used to produce power. On the surface of the ocean, the temperatures are much warmer compared to the seafloor. It gets considerably colder the deeper you go because the sunlight cannot reach the bottom. These temperature differences are most noticeable in the summer when the sun is present for a majority of the hours of the day. To put it simply, OTEC uses a series of pipes that take the cooler water out in the depths of the ocean. The warm water on the ocean’s surface helps heat the cool water, which then vaporizes (蒸发) a fluid, and as a result, turns a turbine (涡轮机) to produce electricity.
Three types of ocean heat renewable energy systems are being developed and researched. An OTEC closed-cycle is perhaps the most common and well-researched, consisting of a condenser (冷凝器), evaporator, pumps, turbine and generator. There are also open systems and hybrid systems.
Systems work by pumping the warmer surface water through an evaporator containing a working fluid with a low boiling point, such as ammonia. Once the fluid vaporizes, it is used to drive a turbine and generator. From there, the vaporized fluid turns back into a liquid through a condenser, cooled by the cold, deep ocean water that pumps up from the depths. The OTEC systems that use seawater can use condensation to make water without salt.
OTEC systems need to place technology about 1 kilometer below the surface of the water. The cold water intake pipe is in the deepest area, and the piping where warm water enters is above sea level. The pumps are needed to move warm water into the system, and a heat exchanger is required to evaporate the fluid. Condensers condense the steam produced in the system, and a marker keeps the entire system afloat.
Energy is essential for almost all human activities. If the world wants to avoid an energy crisis, people need to begin relying on renewable energy. Fortunately, the three types of OTEC can provide energy for large populations.
1. What does OTEC technology depend mainly on to generate renewable power?| A．The depths of the ocean. | B．The vast surface of the ocean. |
| C．Seawater’s temperature differences. | D．The hot temperature in the summer. |
| A．The principle of OTEC technology. |
| B．The progress of OTEC technology. |
| C．The importance of the renewable energy systems. |
| D．The differences among the renewable energy systems. |
| A．The heat exchanger can produce power. |
| B．The cold water pipe is in the depths of the sea. |
| C．The deeper in the ocean, the better the technology is. |
| D．The warm water needs evaporating in a condenser. |
| A．The energy crisis in the future. |
| B．The bad influence of human activities. |
| C．The benefits of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion. |
| D．The popularity of other renewable energy sources. |
4 . The following are some unsung heroes bringing a unique viewpoint and approach to the global challenge of environmental conservation.
Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg, a young environmental voice from Sweden, has not only caught global attention but transformed it into a powerful movement. Through her “Fridays for Future” initiative, Greta encourages students worldwide to advocate for climate action, calling for the urgency of addressing climate change. Her touching speeches at international forums, coupled with a refusal to accept inaction have made her a symbol of youth-driven environmental advocacy.
Wangari Maathai
The late Nobel Peace Prize winner from Kenya left a permanent mark through her pioneering Green Belt Movement. This grassroots initiative empowered communities, particularly women, to fight against deforestation through tree planting. Maathai’s legacy lives on in the millions of trees planted across Africa, reflecting her belief that sustainable development starts at the grassroots level, with communities actively engaged in preserving their environment
Isaton Ceesay
Isatou Ceesay, an environmentalist from The Gambia, has emerged as a pioneer in the fight against plastic pollution. Recognizing the detrimental impact of plastic waste on local communities and ecosystems, Ceesay founded the “Women’s Initiative Gambia”. Through creative recycling initiatives, she empowers women to repurpose plastic waste, promoting economic independence within communities.
Ma Jun
Ma Jun began his career as an investigative journalist, but has quickly risen to become an outstanding Chinese environmentalist, known for his pioneering work in water pollution control. As the founder of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs(IPE), Ma Jun developed the China Water Pollution Map, an interactive online tool that tracks water quality data and exposes pollution sources across the country.
1. What group of peoples “Friday’s for Future” for?| A．Women. | B．The grassroots. | C．Young students. | D．Poor farmers. |
| A．Preserving trees. | B．Community cooperation. |
| C．Plastic pollution. | D．Addressing climate change. |
| A．Greta Thunberg. | B．Wangari Maathai. | C．Isatou Ceesay. | D．Ma Jun. |
One of my favourite things about spring is the arrival of different species of birds. My grandfather was a bird lover, and I picked up the birdwatching hobby at a young age, thanks to his influence. My husband John and I found it a relaxing way to enjoy nature; we like birdwatching when we go camping or hiking. Plus, I have a great love of nature photography, so when we sit out in the backyard of our home, I always have my digital camera with me. John is an artist, and he often paints the birds I photograph.
Usually when the yellow warblers (莺) come back from the south in springtime, they pass us by; we don’t typically see them hanging around our home. But not on this particular sunny day in spring. As soon as I finished my workday, I put on a light jacket and went out to the backyard to relax in my favourite way: by watching the birds.
While taking some pictures of cardinals (红衣凤头鸟) and chickadees (北美山雀) at one of our feeders, I looked up and noticed this yellow warbler in our maple tree. The tree had recently begun to bud, and the bird’s yellow feathers looked striking against the yellow blooms, so I took this photo. Our backyard has a variety of trees and between my husband and me, we’ve documented almost 40 different species of birds. I’ve photographed most of them, but some can be a bit camera shy so I also keep a written list of what we see. Our more common visitors are cardinals, chickadees, hummingbirds and various sparrows.
注意：1.续写词数应为150左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
One day, I was watching the yellow warbler jumping among trees when a snake crawled towards it.
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At this time, I saw many small stones in the backyard.
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6 . California has been using recycled wastewater for many years. A team has used it to make ice surfaces for the game of hockey(冰球运动). It has been used to make snow for the sport of skiing. And farmers use it to water their crops. But it has not been used directly for drinking water.
Recently, California officials approved new rules to let water agencies recycle wastewater and put it right back into the pipes that carry drinking water to homes, schools, and businesses. It is a big step for California.
California’s new rules would let—but not require—water agencies to take wastewater, treat it, and then put it right back into the drinking water system. That means proving to people that recycled water is not only safe to drink but also not dirty. California would be just the second US state to permit this, following Colorado. It has taken officials more than 10 years to develop these rules, a process that included several studies by independent groups of scientists.
A project in San Diego is aiming to produce nearly half of the city’s water through recycling wastewater by 2035. And the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California aims to produce up to nearly 570 million liters(升)a day for its 19 million people. Adel Hagekhalil is with Metropolitan Water. He said the new rules will permit new projects that have not yet been considered.
California’s new rules require the wastewater be treated for all bacteria and viruses, even if they are not present in the wastewater. In fact, the treatment is so intense that it removes all of the minerals that make fresh drinking water taste good. That means the minerals need to be added back at the end of the process. Polhemus is a director of the drinking water group for the California Water Resources Control Board. “It’s at the same drinking water quality, and probably better in many instances,” he said, adding that it takes time and money to build these treatment centers. So, they will only be available for bigger cities at first.
1. What does paragraph 1 mainly tell us about the recycled wastewater?| A．Its qualities. | B．Its functions. |
| C．Its target users. | D．Its disadvantages. |
| A．They made some new rules on pollution. |
| B．They spent ten years recycling wastewater. |
| C．They tried to make wastewater safe to drink. |
| D．They requested water agencies to speed up treating water. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Favorable. | C．Pessimistic. | D．Indifferent. |
| A．The Process of Recycling Wastewater Is Complicated |
| B．California Tries to Reduce the Wastewater Generation |
| C．California Permits Turning Wastewater to Drinking Water |
| D．New Wastewater Treatment Projects Have Been Approved |
7 . You may not be able to change your school’s environmental policy, but you can be the change you want to see in the world. Going eco-friendly can raise awareness of environmental issues. Here are some ways that can help you go green.
Take notes electronically
Embrace (拥抱) recycling
How many soft drink cans, papers from lecture notes, plastic water bottles, and snack food packaging does every high-school student throw away? More than we could count!
The emission of air pollutants from transport is one of the biggest enemies of a healthy environment. To reduce the environmental impact of transport and improve public health, use sustainable (可持续的) transport. Switch from car rides to riding a bike. Also, if you are hanging out with your friends nearby, take a walk. In addition to reducing air pollution, you’ll also keep your body healthy.
Eat some greens
You don’t have to turn into a vegetarian, but you might want to consider increasing your greens. Vegetarian meals are good for your health, and they have a lower carbon footprint. Start off by introducing a meat-free day once a week. If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, think about growing your own fruits and vegetables.
| A．But you can do something about it |
| B．Start an eco-friendly student club |
| C．Choose sustainable transport |
| D．You don’t need something super fancy |
| E．What about recycling your study books and old clothes |
| F．Why not take advantage of living in an era of technology |
| G．You can even join your community gardeners to learn some tricks |
8 . As an ordinary man, I have a special habit to confess. Whenever I walk down the street, I offer to pour a bottle of water from the nearby river into the dirt of a street tree. It’s just my personal habit, and I think it doesn’t make a difference, but I’d like to do it. I mention this in light of a campaign launched by the Arboricultural Association to call on the public to water new street trees.
The UK government has committed to planting millions of trees to help meet climate targets and aims to increase tree cover from 14.5% to 16.5% by 2050. However, as John Parker, chief executive of the Arboricultural Association, says, “Planting a tree is just the start of the story. The health and survival of new urban trees is threatened by increasingly dry weather. It is recommended that the newly planted trees be given about 50 litres of water per week for the first three years.” While in rural settings, the newly planted trees and woods can take care of themselves and adapt, the challenging conditions mean trees in the urban areas need a bit more care.
Long ago, I assumed that the good of street trees was to soften the hard edges of urban environments. But, what an underestimation of tree power that was! A study from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities illustrates they can provide inspiration or a calming atmosphere in an otherwise crowded city. Trees are responsible for easing urban heat island effects and air and pollutant filtration. And I think they provide the habitat for wildlife, especially birds.
Trees can’t run away. Unfortunately for them and fortunately for urban residents, city trees are stuck with us. If we want to continue enjoying all the good they do, we should try to understand their needs and do all that we can to support them. A bottle of water won’t do much, but next time you all together have a bucket of water to pour, you know what big effect will happen.
1. What does the author think of his personal habit?| A．It is of little effect. | B．It is enforced. |
| C．It is of much significance. | D．It is common. |
| A．They have started to be watered regularly. |
| B．More work needs to be done for their living. |
| C．They are threatened by the increasing flood. |
| D．The newly planted ones can’t look after themselves. |
| A．Their usage is overrated. |
| B．Their value is thought highly of by the public. |
| C．They benefit residents physically and mentally. |
| D．They can thoroughly solve environmental problems. |
| A．When in need, ask for it. | B．Tall trees catch much wind. |
| C．Many hands make light work. | D．Misfortunes seldom come alone. |
9 . Bringing species like beavers (河狸) back to England is no longer a priority, the government said on Friday to criticism from wildlife groups.
A recent report shows that one in six UK species are at risk of extinction. In September more than 60 conservation organisations reported a significant decline in species due to expansions in farming and the effects of climate change. In recent years, animals and plants have been reintroduced by charities as part of efforts to restore the country’s reduced biodiversity.
Despite the government allowing this, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee concluded in July that there was an absence of long-term plans on how to manage this. In response, the government has now said that the “reintroduction of species is not a priority”.
The government said it was focused on increasing biodiversity through habitat restoration. The government’s environment department has come under scrutiny (详细审查) for not doing more to prevent sewage dumping and other forms of pollution in England’s waterways.
Sir Robert Goodwill, chair of the Committee, said he was disappointed with the government response. Bringing back extinct species is a controversial issue — although farmers and landowners appear broadly supportive, there are risks of reintroducing new species, and without clear guidance, problems could arise.
A recent study showed that river barriers similar to those built by beavers can protect communities at risk of flooding. But there have also been cases documented in Europe where beavers have built their dams in places that have damaged crops and changed rivers.
Joan Edwards, director of Policy & Public Affairs at The Wildlife Trusts said, “Reintroducing wildlife must be part of the UK government’s arsenal (武器) for tackling nature loss and climate change — it is astonishing there is no strategy for doing so.”
“The return of wild beavers can help to recreate lost wetlands, with a knock-on effect that benefits other wildlife including insects, invertebrates and birds. Beavers also slow the flow of water, which can reduce flood risks to towns and villages,” she said.
1. What does paragraph 2 want to convey?| A．The situation of species in the UK is severe. |
| B．Reintroduction of species in the UK is not a priority. |
| C．Expansions in farming have a great effect on climate change. |
| D．The UK government’s response to reduced biodiversity is disappointing. |
| A．By developing strategy. |
| B．By offering guidance. |
| C．By expanding farming. |
| D．By restoring habitat. |
| A．It was messy. | B．It was limited. |
| C．It was beneficial. | D．It was costly. |
| A．The advantages of reintroducing wildlife. |
| B．The responses to a government statement. |
| C．The effects of climate change on farming. |
| D．The approaches to increasing biodiversity. |
10 . It could be said that trees naturally call for attention as they climb toward the sky with their arms outstretched (伸展的). Yet, it’s still easy for us to ignore them. As we live busy lives, trees seem to play the role of a background.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Trees are important to the quality and health of our lives, our homes and our planet. Rooted to a single spot, they appear still. But that stillness is not equal to laziness. In fact, they are workhorses of the environment as the impact of their hard work carries miles farther than the ground in which they stand.
Globally, trees are the most cost-effective tool in the fight against climate change. Trees clean the air and absorb carbon. They promote biodiversity and support important habitats. For example, ring-tailed lemurs (环尾狐猴) are considered one of the most endangered creatures on the planet. A big reason is that half of the forests they depend on in Madagascar off the east coast of Africa were cut down.
Lemurs aren’t alone when it comes to a dependency on trees. Trees are home to 80% of all animals, plants and insects that live on land. Though humans aren’t always dependent on treetops for shelter, trees can save our lives, too.
Reports indicate in 2022 alone, heat waves across Europe caused an estimated 20,000deaths. Scientists point to trees as a way to fight against these urban heat islands, saying that increasing Europe’s tree canopy (树冠) by 30% could prevent thousands of deaths. Being around trees can also improve a person’s blood pressure, mental health and boost creativity. In fact, doctors in Canada are so convinced of nature’s benefits for the mind and body that they started suggesting patients free passes to national parks.
It’s time to put trees in the spotlight and inspire people to plant trees. This isn’t a one-sided relationship. What we give to nature we will receive in return.
1. What does the author want to tell us by mentioning ring-tailed lemurs?| A．The importance of trees to animals. | B．The function of trees in purifying the air. |
| C．How animals fight against climate change. | D．Why trees are always overlooked by people. |
| A．Insects’ lives are not affected by trees | B．Trees can contribute to human survival. |
| C．Carbon can hardly be absorbed by trees. | D．Planting trees is high-cost and low-return. |
| A．Encourage people to make more friends. | B．Advertise a spotlight. |
| C．Introduce a new topic for discussion. | D．Call on people to plant trees. |
| A．Entertainment | B．Health. | C．Environment. | D．Education. |
