Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives (马尔代夫) are among the most beautiful islands in the world, with sandy white beaches, clear water, and amazing coral reefs (珊瑚礁). The country depends on tourism, fishing, and shipping. But the rising sea level and the carbon pollution causing warming oceans are threatening (威胁) their existence.
The Maldives have asked for international help. They are a tiny country. The World Bank, the United States, the European Union, and many other groups have offered money to develop safeguards against climate change.
To protect the islands, the Maldives have built sea walls and increased the elevation (海拔) of important buildings and services such as the two interactional airports, which lie just 165 feet from the coastline.
They're also building up islands such as the Hulhumale, The new island is surrounded by nine-foot sea walls. More than 40,000 people live there. The plan is to house 240, 000, providing new opportunities for jobs. The goal is an excellent planned community with sustainable housing and buildings sensitive to the environment and needs of the people.
The government will move people living on smaller, lower-lying islands to the new built-up islands. The new islands offer free houses, new schools, health hospitals, fresh water, and waste treatment. Depending on tourism, the country hopes to build 50 more tourist islands.
"Climate change is happening, but we are not leaving the Maldives to the sea," said Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim. The Maldives will protect their islands, people and tourism with new islands and ongoing island development against rising sea level.
12. What makes it difficult for the Maldives to exist?
A.Their tourism, fishing and shipping, |
B.Their rising sea level and carbon pollution. |
C.Their sandy white beaches and coral reefs. |
D.Their distant islands and warning oceans, |
13. Which of the following statements is NOT true?
A.The Maldives are a small country. |
B.Many groups have helped the Maldives. |
C.240,000 people live on the Hulhumale now. |
D.The Hulhumale is surrounded by 9-foot sea walls. |
14. Which of the following will Thoriq Ibrahim agree with?
A.The Maldives will be protected |
B.The Maldivians will leave all the islands. |
C.The Maldives should give up tourism, |
D.The Maldives will sink to the sea. |
15. Which of the following is the best title for this passage?
A.The Maldives and their tourism. |
B.The Maldives and their rising sea level |
C.The Maldives and their climate change. |
D.The Maldives and their fight against rising sea level. |