E-waste, the world’s largest and fastest growing type of waste, doesn’t only come from computers but other electronics as well.  |
In 2019, the world produced 53. 6 million tons of e-waste.  |
The world’s e-waste will reach 74.7 million tons by 2030. That’s almost a doubling of e-waste in just 16 years.  Today, only 15-20 percent of all e-waste is collected and recycled. |
Why should we recycle e-waste? E-waste has many valuable things in it, such as gold, silver and copper(铜). One smart phone battery can pollute 600,000 liters(升)of water. |
What can we do? ●Try to repair your electronics instead of buying new ones. ●Check for recycling organizations and give away your broken electronics. ●Remove any batteries (电池) because they need to be recycled separately. ●Tell others to recycle e-waste. |
1. In___________, the amount of e-waste reached about 37.3 million tons.
| A．2014. | B．2019. | C．2022. | D．2030. |
| A．E-waste only comes from computers. |
| B．In 2019, 53.6 million tons of e-waste was recycled. |
| C．We need to recycle batteries with other electronics. |
| D．We should consider repairing rather than buying new electronics. |
| A．instruction | B．novel | C．newspaper | D．comic book |
| A．The sea is getting smaller. |
| B．The sea is being polluted. |
| C．The sea is getting cleaner. |
3 . Around the world, people are realizing the significant problems caused by plastic waste. In the last 65 years, we have become increasingly dependent on plastic. It’s easy to understand why: it’s cheap to produce, light — therefore easy and cheap to transport — and incredibly strong and durable.
One popular solution to the problem is to prohibit single use plastics. In the British supermarkets, shoppers are encouraged to make more environmentally-friendly choices in packing and transporting their food.
However, such plans may not be beneficial to eliminate (消除) the use of single-use plastic altogether.
Another issue is that alternative materials to plastic are often more environmentally harmful than plastic. Take paper bags, for example.
Clearly there is a need to reduce plastic waste and its impact on the environment.
| A．But it’s these advantages that also make it so harmful. |
| B．They are very fragile and rarely reusable, unlike plastic. |
| C．One of the fields where single-use plastic has a vital role is medicine. |
| D．However, simply banning their single use may not be the best option. |
| E．It also boosts the local economy and save costs in managing littering and waste. |
| F．Bans on single-use plastic items like drinking straws are also coming into place. |
| G．According to a research, they require four times more energy when produced than a plastic bag. |
4 . The Blue Planet Ⅱ's latest episode focuses on how the plastic is having a destructive effect on the ocean and slowly poisoning our sea creatures. Researchers recently also found that sea creatures living in the deepest place on Earth, the Mariana Trench, have plastics in their stomachs. Indeed, oceans are drowned in plastics.
Though it seems that the world couldn't possibly function without plastics, plastics are a remarkably recent invention. The first plastic bags were introduced in the 1950s, the same decade when plastic packaging began gaining popularity in the United States. This growth has happened so fast that science is still catching up with the change. Plastics pollution research, for instance, is still a very early science.
We put all these plastics into the environment, but we still don't really know what the outcomes are going to be. What we do know, though, is disturbing. The ocean plastic is estimated to kill millions of marine animals every year. Nearly 700 species, including endangered ones, are known to have been affected by it. One in three leatherback turtles, which often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, have been found with plastics in their bellies. Ninety percent of seabirds are now eating plastics on a regular basis. By 2050, that figure is expected to rise to 100 percent.
And it's not just wildlife that is threatened by the plastics in our seas. Humans are consuming plastics through the seafood we eat. I could understand why some people see the ocean plastic as a disaster, worth being mentioned in the same breath as climate change. But the ocean plastic is not as complicated as climate change. There are no ocean trash deniers(否认者), at least so far. To do something about it, we don't have to remake our planet energy system.
This is not a problem where we don't know what the solution is. We know how to pick up garbage. Anyone can do it. We know how to deal with it. We know how to recycle. We can all start by thinking twice before we use single-use plastic products. Things may seem ordinary, like using a reusable bottle or a reusable bag, but when taken collectively, these choices really do make a difference.
1. Why is plastic pollution research still a very early science?| A．The plastics pollution research is too difficult. |
| B．Plastics have produced less pollution than coal. |
| C．The world couldn't possibly function without plastics. |
| D．Plastics have gained popularity too fast for science to catch up with. |
| A．By citing quotes from leading experts. |
| B．By making a comparison and contrast. |
| C．By presenting solid statistics. |
| D．By listing examples from his own experience. |
| A．We reap（收获） what we sow. |
| B．The shortest answer is doing. |
| C．All things are difficult before they are easy. |
| D．Actions speak louder than words. |
| A．The oceans become choked with plastics. |
| B．The ocean plastic is a global issue. |
| C．The Blue Planet Ⅱ Has left viewers heartbroken. |
| D．Plastics gain popularity all over the world. |
5 . On a break from his studies in the MIT Media Lab, Anirudh Sharma traveled home to Mumbai, India. While there, he noticed that throughout the day his T-shirts were gradually gathering something that looked like dirt. “I realized this was air pollution, or sooty (像煤一样) particulate matter (PM), made of black particles released from exhaust (尾气) of vehicles,” Sharma says. “This is a major health issue.” Soot consists of tiny black particles, about 2.5 micrometers or smaller, made carbon produced by incomplete burning of fossil fuels.
Back at MIT, Sharma set out to help solve this air-pollution issue. After years of research and development, Sharma’s startup Graviky Labs has developed technology that attaches to exhaust systems of diesel generators (柴油发电机) to collect particulate matter. Scientists at Graviky then turn it into ink, called Air- Ink, for artists around the world. So far, the startup has collected I.6 billion micrograms of particulate matter. More than 200 gallons of Air-Ink have been harvested for a growing community of more than 1,000 artists, from Bangalore to Boston, Shanghai, and London.
Posted all over Graviky Lab’s Facebook page today are photos of art made from the Air-Ink and pant, including street wall paintings, body art and clothing prints. At first, there was still no specific application for the ink. Then the startup decided to find new ways to further spread its mission. It chose to do so through art. “Art helps us raise awareness about where the ink and paint comes from. Air pollution knows no borders. Our ink sends a message that pollution is one of the resources in our world that's the hardest to collect and use. But it can be done.” Sharma says.
1. What struck Sharma most during his break in India?| A．Something looking like dirt on his T-shirts. | B．Health issue of the locals. |
| C．Coal industry in Mumbai. | D．Incomplete burning of fossil fuels. |
| A．It improves artistic effect. | B．It makes pollution acceptable. |
| C．It helps Sharma make a profit. | D．It raises environmental awareness. |
| A．Arts know no borders | B．Waste has no price |
| C．Less pollution, more art | D．Creative thinking, effective painting |
1. How did the speaker get the information?
| A．From the newspaper. | B．From car makers. | C．Over the radio. |
| A．140 million. | B．516 million. | C．560 million. |
| A．The air pollution. | B．The road accidents. | C．The increasing cost. |
| A．Major road accidents in the country. |
| B．Problems cars have brought to the country. |
| C．The balance between car buyers and car makers. |
7 . There was great excitement on the planet of Venus this week. For the first time Venusian scientists managed to land a satellite on the planet Earth, and it has been sending back signals as well as photographs. The satellite was directed into an area known as Manhattan. Because of excellent weather conditions and extremely strong signals, Venusian scientists were able to get valuable information about the feasibility of a manned flying saucer landing on Earth. A press conference was held at the Venus Institute of Technology. "We have come to the conclusion, based on last weeks satellite landing, "Prof. Zog said, that there is no life on Earth.”
“How do you know this? "the science reporter of the Venus Evening News asked "For one thing, Earth s surface in the area of Manhattan is composed of solid concrete and nothing can grow there. For another, the atmosphere is filled with carbon monoxide and other deadly gases and nobody could possibly breathe this air and survive. “Are there any other sources of danger that you have discovered in your studies?
“Take a look at this photo. You see this dark black cloud staying over the surface of Earth? We don' t know what it is made of, but it could give us a lot of trouble and we shall have to make further tests before we send a Venus Being there.”
“Over here you will notice what seems to be a river, but the satellite findings indicate it is polluted and the water is unfit to drink.”
“Sir, what are all those tiny black spots on the photographs?
We’re not certain. They seem to be metal particles that move along certain paths. They give gases, make noise and keep crashing into each other.
“Prof. Zog, why are we spending billions and billions of Zilches to land a flying saucer on Earth when there is no life there ?"
“Because if we Venusians can learn to breathe in the Earth atmosphere, then we can live anywhere.”
1. What does the underlined word feasibility in paragraph 2 mean?| A．Possibility. | B．Flexibility. | C．Simplicity. | D．Responsibility |
| A．Serious | B．Aggressive | C．Humorous | D．Frustrating |
| A．Over population. | B．Global warming. | C．Damaged forests. | D．Heavy traffic |
| A．To tell us a dream of Venusian scientists | B．To disclose the secret of life on other planets. |
| C．To persuade people to try living on the earth | D．To remind people on the earth of some crises. |
8 . Located in northern Manitoba on the west side of Hudson Bay, Churchill is out in the middle of nowhere. But polar bears like it that way. They spend summers on the tundra (苔原) around Churchill. In the fall, they wait anxiously along the shore of Hudson Bay for the ice to form. Then they go out onto the frozen sea to hunt ringed seals their favorite food. October and November are the best polar-bear viewing times. From tundra vehicles, visitors to Churchill observe the bears. Some enjoy day trips or stay overnight on large tundra vehicles that have private cabins and eating facilities. Others stay at a wilderness lodge on the bears’ migration route to view the vigorous creatures. These lodges can be reached only by air and feature luxury food and living arrangements.
Despite the large number of polar bears that visit Churchill each year, there is growing concern about the animals’ future. Because the earth is getting warmer, the ice forms later in the year now and disappears sooner in the spring. As a result, polar bears have less time to hunt for seals. Polar bears can also find smaller animals, bird eggs and berries on land, but this kind of food is not sufficient to support the animals.
Polar bears are also affected by plastic and chemicals that get into the ocean. A research project carried out in northern Europe has found high concentrations of both plastic and chemicals in the tissue of polar bears. These materials and substances can damage the animals’ internal organs, especially when the animals are not yet mature. Many people are researching polar bear health. Their goal is to gather the information that is needed to help save these animals.
1. What does this article imply about Churchill?| A．It’s located in a very remote area. |
| B．It’s attracting fewer tourists now. |
| C．It’s surrounded by smaller towns. |
| D．It’s dependent on the oil industry. |
| A．The ways in which they threaten people |
| B．The most important elements of their diets |
| C．The mating behavior that they exhibit |
| D．The time of year when they give birth |
| A．It’s starting earlier. |
| B．It’s becoming colder. |
| C．It’s finishing later. |
| D．It’s getting shorter. |
| A．How they avoid traffic accidents |
| B．How they learn good habits from one another |
| C．How they’re endangered by pollution |
| D．How they find a hiding place during bad weather |
9 . Oil is essential for modern life. About 64 percent of the world’s oil is located in the Middle East, but the heaviest consumers of oil are Europe, America, and Japan. The problem lies in getting the oil from the countries that produce it to the countries that consume it. This is mainly done using oil tankers. Usually the oil is shipped safely and with no problems, but occasionally there is a disaster.
Every year millions of tons of oil are spilled into the ocean. Although this is only a small percentage of the total amount shipped around the world each year, this spilled oil can have terrible effects on ocean life, including the coastlines where the oil washes up onto shore.
One of the worst oil spills in history occurred along the Alaskan coastline in 1989, when the Exxon Valdez tanker got stuck off the coast of Alaska, spilling 42 million liters of oil. Although it wasn’t the largest oil spill, the disaster was terrible because it occurred in such a sensitive natural area. In this spill, the tanker’s captain, who was tired from overwork and drinking alcohol, had gone to take a rest. He gave control of the ship to another sailor, who was unfamiliar with the route. The ship ran onto Bligh Reef. Damaged by the reef, the ship leaked oil out into the ocean. More than 1,600 kilometers of coastline were affected by the oil spill. Many birds and otters died as a result of the oil covering their skin, and many other sea creatures and the animals that fed on them were also severely affected.
1. Which country is NOT among the largest consumers of oil?| A．Japan | B．Iraq |
| C．America | D．Germany |
| A．The birds. | B．The otters. |
| C．The sea creatures. | D．The birds and the otters. |
| A．The oil leak of Alaska is because the captain was unfamiliar with the route. |
| B．Many birds and otters died from eating the spilled oil. |
| C．Alaska spill was the most serious spill of all time. |
| D．Although some oil leak is not serious, it will affect ocean life. |
How big? According to a new analysis published in the Lancet, more than 3.2 million people suffered deaths from air pollution in 2010, the largest number on record. That’s up from 800,000 in 2000. And it’s a regional problem: 65% of those deaths occurred in Asia, where the air is choked by diesel soot (内燃发动机烟雾) from cars and trucks, as well as the song from power plants and the dust from endless urban construction. In East Asia and China, 1.2 million people died, as well as another 712,000 in South Asia, including India. For the first time ever, air pollution is on the world’s top – 10 list of killers, and it’s moving up the ranks faster than any other factor.
So how can air pollution be so damaging? It is the very finest soot – so small that it roots deep within the lungs and then enters the bloodstream – that contributes to most of the public – health toll of air pollution including death. Diesel soot, which can also cause cancer, is a major problem because it is concentrated in cities along transportation zones affecting overpopulated areas. It is thought to contribute to half the deaths from air pollution in urban centers. Fro example, 1 in 6 people in the U.S. live near a diesel – pollution hot spot like a rail yard, port terminal or freeway.
We also know that air pollution may be linked to other non – deadly diseases. Fortunately in the U.S. and other developed nations, urban air is for the most part cleaner than it was 30 or 40 years ago, thanks to regulations and new technologies like the catalytic converters (催化式排气净化器) that reduce automobile emissions. Governments are also pushing to make air cleaner – see the White House’s move last week to further tighten soot standards. It’s not perfect, but we’ve had much more success dealing with air pollution than climate change.
Will developing nations like India eventually catch up? Hopefully – though the problem may get worse before it gets better. The good news is that it doesn’t take a major technological advance to improve urban air. Switching from diesel fuel to unleaded (无铅燃油) helps, as do newer and cleaner cars which are less likely to send out pollutants. Power plants – even ones that burn mineral fuels like coal – can be fitted with pollution – control equipment that, at a price, will greatly reduce smog and other pollutants.
But the best solutions may involve urban design. In the Guardian, John Vidal notes that Delhi now has 200 cars per 1,000 people, far more than much richer Asian cities like Hong Kong and Singapore. Developing cities will almost certainly see an increase in car ownership as residents become wealthier – and that doesn’t have to mean deadly air pollution. Higher incomes should also lead to tougher environmental regulations, which is exactly what happened in the West. We can only hope it happens before the death toll from bad air gets even higher.
1. What tends to give rise to the highest death toll according to the passage?
| A．The lack of tight environmental protection standards. |
| B．The increasing numbers of the diesel cars and trucks. |
| C．The frighteningly high death rate from deadly cancer. |
| D．The world’s serious air pollution such as soot and dust. |
| A．consequence | B．solution | C．reform | D．design |
| A．the diesel soot is too small to be seen |
| B．the diesel soot is much too poisonous to breathe |
| C．the diesel soot roots in lungs and gets into blood |
| D．the diesel soot can also contribute to deadly cancer |
| A．the global economic growth is mainly to blame for air pollution and climate change |
| B．the developing countries are repeating the same mistakes as the developed ones made |
| C．the ecological situation and air pollution in India are becoming worse and worse |
| D．the unbeatable air is increasingly becoming a major killer throughout the world |
| A．the making of tougher environmental regulations alone is of little use |
| B．more sever regulations should be made to handle air pollution |
| C．the urban construction in western developed countries is the best choice |
| D．the pace of development has to be slowed down to reduce air pollution |
