Since the beginning of the summer in 2022, China has been sweltering under the worst heatwave in decades. A number of people in Zhejiang, Henan, Jiangsu and Sichuan provinces were diagnosed with thermoplegia (热射病), the most severe form of heatstroke, and some even died of this disease.
In a warming world, the hazards of heatwaves are increasing. According to a study, the number of deaths caused by heatwaves in China has increased rapidly since 1979, from 3,679 persons per year in the 1980s to15, 500 persons per year in the 2010s.
High temperatures would accelerate the loss in soil moisture(水分)and hurt the growth of corn, cotton, trees and fruits. What’s more, each additional degree of warming will increase crop losses to insects by 10-25 percent, threatening food security for billions of people. China has witnessed a range of extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall, flooding, tornadoes and record heatwaves this year. Meteorological officials said the country had an average temperature of 21.3 degrees Celsius in June, 0.9 degrees Celsius higher than the same period on average, and the highest record for the same period since 1961.
Experts say that while extreme summer heat is not entirely new, these sorts of occurrences could be something that becomes a standard part of life, requiring people to start learning how to cope with heatwaves that may continue for the rest of summer and well into the future.
Remember that even healthy, young athletes can be harmed by extreme heat, so every activity, indoors or outdoors, should be evaluated when extreme heat hits. There are some ways to stay safe during extreme heat events, such as drinking plenty of water, looking for shade or remaining in shade when outside, and avoiding cooking large meals that can add heat to your indoor environment.
8. Why does the writer mention the four provinces in China?
A.To introduce the topic. | B.To show the rising growth of population. |
C.To identify the impact of the worst heat wave. | D.To offer the accurate data for the thermoplegia. |
9. What dos the underlined word “hazards” in paragraphs probably mean?
A.Panics. | B.Dangers. | C.Outcomes. | D.Expenses. |
10. What can we infer from paragraph 3?
A.Rural areas suffer more from heat waves than cities. |
B.China has witnessed the worst climate ever in 2022. |
C.Climate change results in the decline in insect species. |
D.High temperatures have negative effects on agriculture. |
11. What does the writer want to convey in the last paragraph?
A.Ways to deal with extreme heat. | B.The tendency of heat waves in the future. |
C.Effects of global warming on the environment. | D.The significance of keeping healthy in summer. |