1 . Raising livestock (牲畜) is a big part of the carbon emission from agriculture. But it is hard to change people’s habits and get them to give up their hamburgers, especially since more than one-third of Americans eat fast food every day. We previously called for carbon labels on everything from buildings to burgers. Now, a new study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that labels on fast food affected people's choices.

The study said shifting current dietary patterns to more sustainable diets with less red meat could reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions by 55% and have health benefits.

The 5,000 participants in the study were shown fake menus. One group got menus with high climate impact labels on red meat items and another had low climate impact labels on fish or plant-based burgers. Both menus were effective in reducing the orders for red meat. But interestingly, the high-impact labels were far more effective, with 23% of the participants choosing a more environmentally sustainable selection, while menus listing low-impact choices encouraged only 10% participants to change.

“We found that labeling red meat items with high-climate impact labels was more effective in increasing sustainable selections than labeling non-red meat items with low-climate impact labels,” wrote the authors of the study.

Lead author, Julia Wolfson, said, “These results suggest that menu labeling, particularly labels warning that an item has high climate impact, can be an effective strategy for encouraging more sustainable food choices in a fast food setting.”

The study points out negative labels might be unpopular: “It is unlikely that the industry would voluntarily adopt a negative label approach; such an approach needs to be carried out via law.   However, high climate impact labels may easily be adopted in settings like universities and hospitals.”

They have a point that this label is aggressively negative, more like a cigarette warning than a food label. In the study, the authors note that future research should test more label designs using qualitative and quantitative research on how people understand different climate impact labels.

1. What is paragraph 1 mainly about?

A．The impact of carbon emission.

B．The background of the new study.

C．The request of giving up carbon labels.

D．The difficulty in changing people's habits.

2. How did the groups respond to the menus?

A．They liked them very much.

B．They stuck to their preferences.

C．Some of them stopped eating fast food.

D．Some of them changed their food choices.

3. What can we learn about carrying out the approach from the text?

A．It will be banned by law.

B．It will face some resistance.

C．It will produce bad results.

D．It will be accepted by all industries.

4. What may be the best title for the text?

A．Raising livestock causes carbon emission

B．Fast food has a negative effect on climate

C．Researchers are focusing on climate impact

D．Labels on fast food help protect the environment

3 . Money Daniels spends several hours every week cleaning up cans and bottles in the rivers near his home with other teen environmentalists in Chattanooga, TN. Together, they have collected more than 1 ton of aluminum cans, nearly 1,000 cans a week for a year. In January, he co-founded a club called the Cleanup Kids with his best friend. The project’s mission: to encourage kids to pick up 1 million pounds of trash across the globe before the end of the year.

Daniels says he first developed a passion for wildlife when he was 3. “As far back as I can remember, I’ve always loved animals,” Daniels says. Marine life especially interests him. When he began discovering trash on walks along the river with his family, he immediately thought of his favorite sea creatures.

His mission now is saving the earth’s rivers, which he points out are even more polluted than the world’s oceans. “Eighty percent of the ocean’s trash comes from rivers,” he says. In 2019, he adopted the name Conservation Kid on Instagram, and started posting about things like how something as simple as a deserted face mask can entangle (缠住), choke, and kill turtles, birds, and fish. Mask waste has increased an estimated 9,000% since the pandemic(疫情) began.

Although he mostly speaks to other teens, Daniels has found that adults are often persuaded by his argument that cleaning up, recycling, and ridding plastic ought to be a selfish act for humanity: when plastics break down, they can wind up in our drinking water. He has met with the mayor of his city, and his experiences speaking with influential grownups has convinced him that adults can change their habits.

But, in truth, the burden to save the planet has landed on children like him. “Kids may be a small percent of the population, but we’re 100% of the future,” he says. “And we can save the world.”

1. What led to the birth of Daniel’s project?

A．The inspiration from his best friend.

B．The goal to make a role model for kids.

C．The concern for the ocean life.

D．The idea of other teen environmentalists.

2. Which can be inferred from paragraph 3?

A．The ocean’s trash has grown rapidly.

B．The river pollution requires less attention.

C．Many animals are infected in the pandemic.

D．River waste contributes most to the ocean’s trash.

3. Which of the following can best describe Money Daniels?

A．Optimistic and creative.

B．Caring and responsible.

C．Considerate and generous.

D．Courageous and devoted.

4. What is the passage mainly about?

A．Grownups’ selfish behaviors for humanity.

B．A teenager’s contributions to saving the waters.

C．A youngster’s responsibility to protect the world.

D．Teen environmentalists’ efforts to clean the oceans.

4 . Say No to Non-electric Cars

Most modern cities have taken action to reduce traffic jams and improve air quality. But if they want to become more livable, they should think about more ambitious goals.

Amsterdam has set a good example. As from 2030, driving a gas vehicle there will not be allowed. The Dutch capital wants its citizens to become healthier and happier.    1    Amsterdam isn’t alone; it joins Hamburg, Madrid and other cities in moving toward at least partial car bans to reduce pollution.

The advantages of such plans are clear.     2    It slows economic growth. Pollution from cars not only contributes to climate change but is also a threat to well-being. Amsterdam’s government says it reduces life expectancy of its citizens by a full year.

    3     Electric cars, after all, are more expensive. And for most people, giving up driving means life will become less convenient. Perhaps cities can help make this switch easier. For example, they can think about improving public transportation. They can also design appealing public spaces for pedestrians (行人).     4     Technology can also do its part. Cities can be more open to new ways of getting around, such as bike-sharing, driverless cars and delivery drones(无人机).

Saying no to non-electric cars or even all cars is hard.     5     Making our cities more livable has to become an urgent goal.

A．But will everyone support such plans?

B．The government should advocate the use of electric cars.

C．Traffic jams waste huge amounts of fuel and time each year.

D．Electric cars not only are energy-saving but produce little noise.

E．But let’s think seriously about our well-being and that of our planet.

F．People who drive electric car maybe given discount son parking fees.

G．One way to do is to encourage them to switch to electric cars or give up driving altogether.

5 . Animal and plant species are disappearing at frightening rates. The problem has led to efforts to “rewild” places where such life existed before human development, pollution and climate change forced it out. The American city of Detroit is an example of how human actions can increase rewilding, which generally means helping natural systems in damaged locations, removing dams or building tunnels to reconnect animal pathways cut by roads.

Detroit’s population reached a high of 1. 8 million in the 1950s. Then the population began dropping. By 2000, there were fewer than one million people living in the city. Thousands of houses and other buildings were left empty over the years. Some structures were destroyed, leaving empty areas that plants and animals regained as habitats. Nonprofit groups have also planted trees and community gardens in these areas. Bald eagles found their way back as bans on DDT and some other insect poisons were put in place nationwide. Anti-pollution laws and government-supported cleanups made nearby rivers better for fish and native plants.

Now, Detroit is home to 300 bird species and is a busy visiting place for ducks and others during migration. Additionally, this city offers a special way to study plants and animals in urban settings. Unlike most big cities, its population is decreasing but its streets and buildings remain in place. And there are many kinds of habitats, including large lakes, rivers and human neighborhoods. Detroit’s parklands are so quiet that people don’t even know they’re in the city.

“It used to be that you had to go to some remote location to get exposure to nature,” said John Hartig, a professor of University of Windsor. “Now that’s not the case. Like it or not, rewilding will occur. The question is how we can prepare communities and environments to anticipate the presence of more and more wildlife. After all, many city people have lost their tolerance to live with wildlife. To really make a difference in dealing with the biodiversity crisis, you’re going to have to have people on board. ”

1. What might have happened in Detroit at the beginning of 21st century

A．The city was overpopulated.	B．More community gardens were built.
C．Many buildings were deserted.	D．The environment was badly damaged.

2. What does the example of Detroit mainly tell us?

A．It’s government-supported efforts that really matter.

B．Humans’ efforts can make a difference in rewilding.

C．Humans are to blame for the worsening environment.

D．It’s hard to humans and wildlife to live in harmony.

3. What can we infer about current Detroit from the text

A．It is a big city crowded with tourists and bird species.

B．Tourists don’t show any interest in the quiet surroundings.

C．It’s turned into a place where people can get close to nature.

D．It’s become a center for those who study animals and plants.

4. What does the underlined word “anticipate” in the last paragraph mean

A．Protect.

B．Expect.

C．Imagine.

D．Delay.

7 . The impact of the man-made climate crisis on Antarctica is scientifically undeniable: stable ice shelves are retreating, air temperature increased by 3 degrees Celsius. krill(磷虾)numbers are declining, melting ice is contributing to sea level rise, and polar bears and seals are getting displaced. “Antarctic biodiversity could decline substantially by the end of the century if we continue with business as usual.” Jasmine Rachael Lee, lead author of the University of Queensland study says.

Published in the journal PLOS Biology, the study finds population declines are likely for 65% of the continent’s plants and wildlife by the year 2100. The most vulnerable(脆弱的)species is the Emperor penguins. In October 2022, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed Emperor penguins as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act(ESA), as experts predict the flightless seabird will see a 26% to 47% dip in its population by 2050. “This listing reflects the growing extinction crisis and highlights the importance of the ESA and efforts to conserve species before population declines become irreversible(不可逆转).” said Service Director Martha Williams at the time.

Aside from Emperor penguins, other Antarctic specialists, like the Adélie penguin and dry soil nematodes, were also highly vulnerable. We urgently need a combination of global and local conservation action to best conserve Antarctic species. Global action and global voices to help relieve climate change—because the biggest threat to Antarctica is coming from outside of it. And then we need local actions to help protect biodiversity against local threats and give them the best chance of adapting to climate changes. This will help to save our iconic(代表性的)species like the Emperor penguins and all of Antarctica’s unique and highly adapted inhabitants. It will also help humankind, as we rely heavily on the priceless services the Antarctic provides in regulating our climate and capturing sea level in its ice sheets.

1. What can we learn from Paragraph 1?

A．The impact of climate crisis is usually denied.

B．Conservation efforts are badly needed.

C．Air temperature on Antarctic increases 3℃ annually.

D．Sea level rise results in seabirds losing their habitats.

2. Why is the Emperor penguin mentioned in Paragraph 2?

A．To serve as a call to protect wildlife on Antarctic

B．To reflect the growing population of wild species.

C．To prove the effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act.

D．To highlight the severe impact of rising temperature.

3. What is probably the best conservation policy?

A．Reducing the chances of making a trip to Antarctic.

B．Making joint efforts to relieve climate change.

C．Attempting to provide essential nutrients to the ecosystem.

D．Continuing to carry forward the Endangered Species Act.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Plants and Wildlife on Antarctica Will Decline Quickly

B．Antarctic Species Are Vulnerable to Human Threats

C．More Action Should Be Taken to Protect Wildlife on Antarctica

D．The Best Conservation Strategy Will Be Carried Out Soon

8 . As environmental concerns continue to increase, many people are left wondering how they can balance the need to travel with the need to protect the planet. One particular dilemma that has received significant attention is air travel.

Air travel is known to be one of the most carbon-intensive forms of travel. According to a report by the European Environment Agency, aviation is responsible for around 3% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, and that number is expected to grow in the coming years. In addition, aircraft contribute to other types of air pollution, such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.

For environmentalists who advocate for reducing our carbon footprint, this brings up a difficult question: should we avoid flying altogether?

On one hand, it’s easy to see why environmentalists would want to keep away from air travel. By doing so, they could dramatically reduce their carbon footprint and set an example for others. Additionally, some argue that air travel perpetuates(使永久)a culture of overconsumption, which is contradictory to environmental values.

However, there are also arguments in favor of air travel: For one, air travel enables people to experience different cultures, build relationships, and expand their knowledge in ways that might not be possible otherwise. It can also facilitate business trades and contribute to economic growth. Moreover, some experts believe that technological advancements could make air travel more sustainable in the future. For example, some airlines are experimenting with biofuels and electric planes, which could dramatically reduce the emissions associated with air travel.

So what’s the answer? Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to decide whether the benefits of air travel outweigh the environmental costs. However, there are steps that everyone can take to reduce their impact. For example, travellers can choose to fly less frequently, opt for direct flights, and offset(抵消)their emissions through programs like carbon offsetting. In the end, the key is to remain aware of the environmental impact of our choices and to make informed decisions based on our own values and priorities.

1. What’s the function of paragraph 2?

A．To make a comparison.

B．To present an argument.

C．To clarify the effect of air travel.

D．To describe various greenhouse gases.

2. What may supporters of air travel agree to?

A．It helps avoid economic problems.

B．It promotes globalization in some sense.

C．It will make biofuels popular in the near future.

D．It will accelerate the development of electric planes.

3. What is probably the author’s attitude to air travel?

A．Approving.

B．Skeptical.

C．Objective.

D．Ambiguous.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．Whether we should travel by air or not.

B．Environmental concerns about air travel.

C．How to reduce the pollution air travel causes.

D．The advantages and disadvantages of air travel.

9 . Hardscaping refers to non-organic features of a landscape such as pathways, driveways, walls, steps, and other human-made structures. The three Rs, which are common to many sustainability efforts, apply to hardscaping: reduce, reuse, and recycle.     1    

Reduce Runoff

You can reduce rainwater runoff by using permeable (可渗透的) materials that allow rainwater to get into the soil below.     2     Because, to use permeable materials, you need to dig deeper to set into multiple layers (层) of sand,tiny stones,and other materials that allow rainwater to permeate well, using them under a tree can disturb or even destroy roots that keep trees healthy and upright. It’s also a good idea to slope (倾斜) any impermeable surface to direct rainwater to your garden to save from watering it.

Use Recycled Materials

Consider using materials that are recycled from reclaimed (再生的) concrete, glass, or other construction materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill.     3     Your local landfill might sell other usable materials as well. Recycled wood can be used to make borders between different areas. Just make sure it hasn’t been treated with chemicals, especially if you grow food nearby.

Support Local Wildlife

    4     Using permeable hardscape makes the soil below beneficial to them, whether they are earthworms, ground-nesting bees and other beneficial insects, important microorganisms, or plant roots. Between hardscaped areas, plant native trees and flowers to create wildlife habitats.     5    

With careful planning and action, you can enjoy the convenience brought by hardscaping and at the same time be considerate to the environment and local wildlife.

A．Those materials are seemingly useless.

B．All these are essential to a healthy ecosystem.

C．They aren’t suitable for all landscapes, however.

D．Don’t forget there are creatures living under the top soil.

E．You can get such things from many landscaping suppliers.

F．Rainwater is an important source of our underground water.

G．Add “support local wildlife”, and you’re ready for sustainable hardscaping.

10 . Slowness has been a sweeping trend in sustainability. Slow food celebrates local produce and traditional cooking methods; slow fashion is made with a focus on people and the planet. You may have even heard of the slow city, a campaign to restore local cultures and turn cities back to their natural environments.

Slow design developed from the larger slow movement. Although the term was only recently introduced, the idea of thoughtful design looks back to a time when buildings and furniture were made with great craftsmanship (手艺) and by hand-before the mass-produced throwaway furniture took over. You can think of the term “slow” as a celebration of timelessness: both the timelessness of a piece and the timelessness of the relationship between that piece and its owner.

One example of slow design today is what’s been dubbed the brown furniture revival (复兴). Brown furniture refers to the heavy wooden furnishings that were popular in your grandparents’ day but suddenly fell out of style at the turn of the century. Brown furniture is often associated with dark woods, such as trees like mahogany, walnut, and teak, that take decades to reach maturity and true craftsmanship to transform into functional pieces.

Today’s furniture industry is dominated by the $13.1 billion-and-growing global ready-to-assemble(RTA) furniture market. RTA furniture is usually constructed from low-quality fiberboard, which lasts a small part of traditional furniture’s lifespan (寿命).The weight of furniture landfilled in 2018 was 9. 7 million tons, 4. 5 times what was landfilled in 1960.

In a less direct way, the idea of timelessness also lends itself to a lower environmental impact. Besides their demonstrated physical durability, slow materials and design are meant to outlive trends and never be thrown out simply because they’re out of style.

As second-hand shopping becomes more appealing to today’s young generation-because of its low environmental impact and affordability-the brown furniture of yesteryear is making a comeback.

1. Why is the first paragraph written?

A．To explain a new term.

B．To present the topic of the text.

C．To provide background information.

D．To highlight the importance of slowness.

2. What does the underlined word “dubbed” mean in paragraph 3?

A．Known as.

B．Mistaken for.

C．Compared to.

D．Connected with.

3. What can be inferred about RTA furniture?

A．It is out of date.

B．It has a long lifespan.

C．It is heavy and expensive.

D．It has bad effects on the environment.

4. What is good news for the brown furniture revival?

A．Grandparents are buying new furniture.

B．The brown furniture will soon be mass-produced.

C．The young generation favors second-hand shopping.

D．Materials for slow design furniture are more available.