2 . One out of every six deaths in 2019 were the result of pollution, according to a new estimate published in The Lancet Planetary Health.

The analysis, led by an international team of scientists, indicates that pollution played a role in 9 million deaths globally in 2019. This impact on health is higher than malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, drugs or alcohol.

Despite improvements made in water pollution in recent years, a rise in air and chemical pollution means the death rate has been relatively unchanged since 2015. Air pollution alone contributed to an estimated 75% of the reported deaths.

“Air pollution is similar to smoking cigarettes. It damages the lungs, preventing us from absorbing oxygen we need for life,” said Dr. Keith Martin, co-author of the paper.

Another primary concern is the growing numbers in chemical and heavy metal pollution, particularly lead poisoning. High concentrations of lead in the blood can cause problems with the heart, kidneys and cognition. This type of pollution arises from batteries and electronic waste, such as computers. According to the World Health Organization, The Lancet report’s estimates of deaths from lead and chemical pollution are in line with 2019 WHO estimates.

The U.S. and other high-income countries have made some steps to fight pollution. Many low- and middle-income countries are facing the brunt of the effects, accounting for most of the deaths reported. But experts say pollution doesn’t know borders—and pollution in one country can lead to health consequences on a global scale.

The scientists who led the recent analysis hope the report will encourage political action. Proposed avenues(途径) for change include standardizing monitoring of pollution levels, investing in research, strengthening pollution control partnerships and highlighting this issue in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Changing the use of fossil fuels—from coal, oil and gas—to clean, renewable energy sources are ways the researchers propose society could level improvements. Individually, researchers call for people to limit their carbon footprint, such as limiting meat consumption, avoiding waste, or walking or biking as a means of transport when possible.

1. What do we know about the new estimate?

A．One in six deaths were due to pollution in the U.S. in 2019.

B．Pollution played a part in millions of deaths globally in 2019.

C．Illness has a higher impact on health than pollution.

D．The water pollution has been improved in recent years.

2. According to the passage, how many factors mainly contributed to the reported death?

A．1

B．2

C．3

D．4

3. What should you do to avoid lead poisoning?

A．Deal with batteries and electronic waste appropriately.

B．Treat the heart, kidneys and cognition properly.

C．Concentrate on lead highly in blood.

D．Play with computers frequently.

4. The scientists proposed the following ways for change except ________.

A．standardizing monitoring of pollution levels and devoting money in research

B．strengthening pollution control partnerships and limiting meat consumption

C．emphasizing this issue in the United States and running or riding for travel

D．using clean, renewable energy sources and limiting carbon footprint

3 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

The population of the earth is increasing very fast. Humans must make the earth support the increasing population. This has made it necessary for agriculture and industry     1     (develop) rapidly.

Such a rapid development produces more and more waste,     2     goes into water, soil or air. When there     3     (be) too much waste, it will do great harm to the environment and people.

When farmers add fertilizer (肥料)     4     the soil to make plants grow better, or use pesticide (杀虫剂) to kill pests, they will go into the soil or the surrounding air. Even     5     (bad), they may go into the grain (谷物). When     6     (bird), fish or people eat the grain, drink the water or breath the air, harm will be done to their health.

The air in some cities     7     (pollute) because of the pollution from the cars and factories. Millions of tons of poisonous gases are sent into the air with smoke. In some places, little is done to make the smoke clean     8     it goes into the air.

    9     (fortunate), people are beginning to realize just how serious the whole situation is. In many countries, laws have been made to prevent factories     10     (send) out poisonous gases. More and more people are taking action to protect the environment.