1 . “The era of global warming has ended and the era of global boiling has arrived,” the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, said after scientists confirmed July 2023 was the world’s hottest month on record.
“Humanity is in the hot seat,” Guterres told a press conference on Thursday. “For vast parts of North America, Asia, Africa and Europe, it is a cruel summer. For the entire planet, it is a disaster. And for scientists, it is clear that humans are to blame. Climate change is here, it is terrifying, and it is just the beginning. The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived.”
Guterres urged politicians to take swift action. “The air is unbreathable, the heat is unbearable, and the level of fossil fuel profits and climate inaction is unacceptable. Leaders must lead. No more hesitancy, no more excuses, and no more waiting for others to move first. There is simply no more time for that.”
“It is still possible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5℃and avoid the very worst of climate change but only with dramatic, immediate climate action. We have seen some progress, but none of this is going far enough or fast enough. Accelerating temperatures demand accelerated action.”
The WMO secretary general, Petteri Taalas, said, “The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is more urgent than ever before. Climate action is not a luxury but a must.”
Other climate scientists confirmed the findings. Karsten Haustein at Leipzig University found the world was 1.5℃ hotter in July 2023 than in the average July before industrialisation.
Marina Romanello, a climate and health researcher at University College London, said, “We have data showing how the very foundations of health are being undermined by climate change. But we still have time today to turn the tide and to ensure a liveable future for us and our children.”
1. What made Guterres feel worried?A.Global economy. | B.Natural disasters. |
C.Serious pollution. | D.Rising temperatures. |
A.To appeal to quick action. | B.To change people’s concept. |
C.To frighten the general public. | D.To make his report vivid. |
A.By analyzing some facts. | B.By quoting some experts. |
C.By offering statistics. | D.By giving explanations. |
A.Global Bailing: It Is Time to Act. |
B.Global Boiling: Who Is to Blame? |
C.Global Boiling: It Isn’t That Serious |
D.Global Boling: What Measure Should Be Taken? |
2 . A brown and dry lawn is not something many gardeners would boast about. But that is exactly the kind of yard competition organizers in Sweden were looking for when they launched the prize for the “World’s Ugliest Lawn”. People from around the world were invited to post pictures of their dehydrated(脱水的)grass to social media in a bid to win the uncertain honor.
The intention, according to those behind the project, was to raise awareness of “saving water on a global scale by changing the norm for green lawns”. Lawns, which can require large amounts of water to maintain, are coming under increasing examination as climate change makes periods of drought more frequent and intense.
The global initiative was launched on the official website for Gotland in Sweden. “Huge amounts of water are used to water lawns for aesthetics(美学). As the world gets warmer, lack of water in urban areas is projected to affect up to 2.4 billion people by 2050. By not watering lawns for aesthetic reasons, we can protect the availability of groundwater,” the competition organizers said.
The unlikely title has been awarded to Kathleen Murray who lives in Sandford in Tasmania, Australia. According to the organizers, Murray’s lawn “boasts deep and dry divots created by three wild bandicoots(袋狸)and not one dust-covered decimeter is wasted on watering”. Murray said in the press release about her triumph, “I am terribly proud! I knew I would have my 5 minutes of fame, even if it was for having the ugliest lawn on the planet! I am now free of ever taking care of my lawn again.”
A press release by the Gotland, office added, “For the planet and its declining stockpiles of life-giving liquid, thank you, Kathleen, as well as those naughty bandicoots damaging your lawn for the greater good.” Organizers added, “Gotland aims to show to Sweden and the world that sustainable behavior doesn’t have to be dull.”
1. What can we say about the yard competition organized in Sweden?A.People had even doubted its authenticity. |
B.People worldwide were unwilling to join. |
C.Its participants must be professional gardeners. |
D.Its entries must agree with the existing aesthetics. |
A.To call on people to protect lawns. | B.To encourage people to be creative. |
C.To challenge the norm of aesthetics. | D.To remind people of water shortage. |
A.Ambition. | B.Success. | C.Sorrow. | D.Barrier. |
A.People’s Whelming Reaction To A Yard Contest In Sweden |
B.Lawns And Rare Bandicoots Calling For Urgent Protection |
C.A Lawn Named The Ugliest Globally All For A Good Cause |
D.The World’s Ugliest Lawn Unaccepted By The Whole World |
3 . In a groundbreaking achievement, a rhino has successfully undergone embryo (胚胎) transfer, marking the first successful use of a method that holds promise for saving the nearly extinct northern white rhino subspecies.
The experiment, conducted with the less endangered southern white rhino subspecies, involved creating an embryo in a lab using eggs and sperm (精子) collected from other rhinos. This embryo was then transferred into a southern white rhino alternative mother in Kenya. Despite the unfortunate death of the alternative mother due to an infection in November 2023, researchers praised the successful embryo transfer and pregnancy (怀孕) as a proof of concept. They are now ready to proceed to the next stage of the project: transferring northern white rhinoembryos.
Professor Thomas Hildebrandt expressed optimism about the findings, highlighting the significance of the successful embryo transfer in demonstrating that frozen and defrosted embryos produced in a lab can survive. This development offers hope for the revival of the northern white rhino population.
However, challenges facing rhino conservation remain significant. While the southern white rhino subspecies and the black rhino species have shown signs of recovery from population declines due to illegal hunting for their horns (牛角), the northern white rhino subspecies is on the edge of extinction. With only two known members left in the world, Najin and her daughter Fatu, both unable to reproduce naturally, and the recent death of the last male white rhino, Sudan, in 2018, urgent action is needed to prevent the extinction of this subspecies. Dr. Jo Shaw, CEO of Save the Rhino International, emphasized the importance of addressing the primary threats facing rhinos worldwide: illegal hunting for their horns and habitat loss due to development. She stressed the need to provide rhinos with the space and security they need to succeed in their natural environment.
While the successful embryo transfer representsa significant advancement in rhino conservation efforts, organized action is required to address the main challenges facing rhino populations worldwide.
1. What is the purpose of the experiment mentioned in the text?A.To evaluate the efficiency of a new rhino birth program. |
B.To observe the behavior of rhinos in a controlled environment. |
C.To assess the effects of climate change on the southem rhino habitats. |
D.To develop a way of rescuing the endangered northern white rhinos subspecies. |
A.Rebirth. | B.Decline. | C.Stability. | D.Decrease. |
A.Facing extinction. | B.Showing signs of recovery. |
C.Developing in their natural habitat. | D.Recovering from population declines |
A.Dr. Jo Shaw’s Call to Action: Addressing Threats to Rhino Survival |
B.Challenges Facing Rhino Conservation Efforts: Urgent Action Needed |
C.The Successful Embryo Transfer: A Breakthrough in Rhino Conservation |
D.Professor Thomas Hildebrandt’s Optimism: Hope for Rhino Population Revival |
4 . In a small, rough shipyard on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, a small team is building what they say will be the world’s largest ocean-going clean cargo ship.
Ceiba is the first ship built by Sailcargo, a company trying to prove that zero-carbon shipping is possible, and commercially available. Made largely of wood, Ceiba combines both very old and very new technology: sailing masts stand alongside solar panels, a uniquely designed electric engine and batteries. Once on the water, she will be capable of crossing oceans entirely without the use of fossil fuels, which sets her apart.
“The thing that is striking is the fact that she’ll have one of the largest marine electric engines of her kind in the world,” Danielle Doggett said. The system also has the means to capture energy from underwater propellers (螺旋桨) as well as solar power, so electricity will be available for the engine when needed. “Really, the only limit on how long she can stay at sea is water and food on board for the crew.”
Despite some hold-ups due to the global disaster, the team hopes to get her on the water by the end of 2024 and operating by 2025, when she will begin transporting cargo between Costa Rica and Canada.
“There are actually loads of innovations happening that could transform shipping emissions, but few companies are willing to apply them to building ships like Ceiba.” says Lucy Gilliam. “So it’s not that we don’t have great ideas. The problem that we have is that fossil fuels are still too cheap. And we don’t have the rules to force people to take up the new technology.”
When it comes to promoting this kind of boat, it has to be said that Ceiba is small for a cargo ship — tiny in fact. She will carry around nine standard shipping containers. She is also relatively slow. Being a world-first, there are some aspects of Ceiba’s design that have yet to be proven at sea.
1. What is unique about Ceiba as a cargo ship?A.It is the world’s largest. | B.It is environment-friendly. |
C.It is wooden with old technology. | D.It is modern with unique equipment. |
A.The size of the sail. | B.The weather of the ocean. |
C.The power of the electric engine. | D.The quantity of the living supplies. |
A.The rules are disobeyed. | B.The fuels are affordable. |
C.The bigger ships are preferable. | D.The innovations are distrusted. |
A.Objective. | B.Doubtful. | C.Critical. | D.Favorable. |
5 . When Tom Blake was a young boy, watching a jet (喷气式飞机) streak across the sky, he knew flying was what he wanted to do when he grew up.
After five years’ training, he finally
By this time Mr Blake had become increasingly
Yet with the COVID-19 pandemic grounding aircraft, Mr Blake decided to quit his flying
Giving up his dream job was a
Mr Blake is now a climate activist.
1.A.quitted | B.changed | C.completed | D.landed |
A.waiting | B.preparing | C.working | D.looking |
A.concerned about | B.puzzled at | C.engaged in | D.experienced in |
A.goal | B.conflict | C.solution | D.approach |
A.political | B.economical | C.environmental | D.technical |
A.regrets | B.debts | C.pressures | D.troubles |
A.schedule | B.dream | C.ambition | D.career |
A.discovering | B.selecting | C.searching | D.visiting |
A.salary | B.honor | C.award | D.fame |
A.accustomed to | B.faced with | C.addicted to | D.trapped in |
A.remove | B.ignore | C.meet | D.create |
A.issue | B.introduce | C.imagine | D.handle |
A.tough | B.wise | C.reasonable | D.positive |
A.saving | B.struggling | C.investing | D.contributing |
A.covered | B.stimulated | C.eased | D.driven |
1. How do students celebrate Earth Day?
A.By holding a celebration. | B.By doing some clean-up. |
C.By promoting a volunteer job. |
A.Two hours. | B.Three and half hours. | C.Four hours. |
A.Go there with parents. | B.Complete an online form. | C.Bring their own gloves. |
China has set a new record for creating sustained high temperatures after the “artificial sun” ran five times
The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST),
The extreme heat
Scientists around the world have been trying for decades to develop nuclear fusion. They say it is the best way
“The recent operation lays
8 . If you look at the dynamic “Global Temperatures” map on NASA’s website, you can see the historic temperature change over time across the planet as the timeline goes from 1880 to the modern day. By 2019, the entire planet is in red, orange, and yellow colors, indicating temperatures much higher than the historical average in every country and human inhabitance.
If the timeline went to 2023, the map would look even worse. That’s because the summer of 2023 was the hottest ever, according to ocean monitors. July was the hottest month in recorded history. Next July could be worse. Unless we do something quickly, we face dealing with more and more dangerous and expensive natural disasters in the future.
Forest fires sent smoke from Canada across the North American continent, causing New York City to have the worst air quality in its recorded history. Heavy rainstorms fell on Vermont and the Northeastern United States in just a couple of days in the middle of July, which exceeded the amount that area would usually receive in two months and caused extreme damage to homes and businesses. Around the same time, flash flooding in Bucks County, Pennsylvania — north of Philadelphia — killed nearly a dozen people.
Erich Fischer, a researcher specializing in climate studies at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, is concerned that natural disasters could get much worse in the future—and in ways we cannot predict. He called for a “strike for climate justice,” which actually took place on Sept. 15, 2023. “The strategy needs to be twofold (双重的) . We need to decrease carbon emissions as much as realistically possible. That is already happening with people using electric cars and other green technologies. At the same time, we also need to find ways to predict the risk of natural disasters ahead of time,” said Erich Fischer.
1. Why does the writer mention the data on NASA’s website in paragraph 1?A.To explain a concept. | B.To introduce a topic. |
C.To provide a solution. | D.To make a prediction. |
A.The severity of natural disasters. | B.The worst air quality in New York City. |
C.The extreme damage by flash flooding. | D.The cause of the forests fires in Canada. |
A.He advocated a twofold strategy. |
B.He suggested forbidding carbon emissions. |
C.He required people to use more electric cars. |
D.He emphasized the awareness of climate changes. |
A.The Hottest Month in History | B.Natural Disasters in the World |
C.Extreme Weather Could Get Worse | D.Green Technology Would be Needed |
9 . Nanako Hama gets a lot of mail, mostly from strangers who live in her home city of Tokyo. In light envelopes, they send locks of their hair, hoping to recycle it.
People generate a huge amount of hair waste. Nearly all of that waste ends up in landfill, where it can release harmful greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
But hair possesses useful qualities and it’s a shame to simply throw it away. That’s why people all around the world, like Hama, have been collecting hair and finding innovative ways to recycle it, including making mats (垫子) out of it for removing oil leaks,
Hama is part of the nonprofit Matter of Trust (MoT) members working at more than 60 centers dotted across 17 countries, using machines to make hair donated from local salons and individuals into square mats, which are then used to clean up the floating oil.
“Hair is particularly well-suited for this,” says MoT co-founder Lisa Gautier, “That’s because its rough sort of outer layer lets oil stick to it.” MoT’s mats have been used in major oil leaks, including the 2010 Deepwater Horizon and 2007 Cosco Busan incidents.
In a 2018 study, Murray, an environmental scientist at the University of Technology Sydney, in Australia found that mats made of recycled human hair could absorb 0.84 grams of oil onto its surface for every gram of hair — significantly more than polypropylene (聚丙烯), a type of plastic that’s typically used to clean up floating oil.
Besides, hair is also useful as fertilizer (化肥). Hair contains a relatively high nitrogen (氪), a chemical element crucial for plant growth, and each lock of hair is made of roughly 16 percent of this essential nutrient. Last year, more than 560 gallons of liquid fertilizer made from human hair was sold to farmers in northern Tanzania and the feedback from the farmers has been very encouraging.
“It’s just a great way to use hair in a productive way. Hair is an answer literally hanging in front of our eyes-for oil and soil, ” Hama says.
1. What can the mat made of human hair do?A.Clear the sea of oil. | B.Improve soil. |
C.Take in harmful gas. | D.Prevent oil leaks. |
A.Its color and strength. | B.Its length and amount |
C.Its structure and component. | D.Its weight and flexibility. |
A.To state a fact. | B.To support a point. |
C.To make a comparison. | D.To clarify a concept. |
A.Unclear. | B.Optimistic. | C.Doubtful. | D.Negative. |
Chinese achievements in pollution control, ecological recovery and protection, and green development China
According to the press briefing, China has been the fastest in improving air quality and the PM2. 5 level in cities at the prefecture level and above dropped by 34. 8 percent from that of 2015. Days with good air quality reached 87. 5 percent. Pollution of water bodies and the soil is also
The country has taken