Transcript

Author: Climate change has been in the news for years. But what is it? And how will it affect us? To understand climate change, you first need to know about the greenhouse effect.

The Earth gets heat from the sun in the atmosphere; greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide trap this heat and keep it from escaping back to outer space. Trapping some heat in the atmosphere is a good thing, because it keeps the planet warm enough for us to live. But there`s a problem. People all over the world are adding extra carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. That`s because today we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas to do many of our everyday activities, like driving our cars, using our computers, and heating our homes. All this extra carbon dioxide is trapping more heat in the atmosphere, making the Earth warmer and causing other climate changes, too.

The signs of climate change are all around us. Temperatures are getting warmer, giant ice sheets are melting, and the oceans are rising. In many places, flowers are blooming earlier, snow is melting sooner, and birds aren`t flying as far south for the winter. So why does this matter? Well, if the planet keeps getting warmer, we can expect more powerful storms and more flooding, droughts and heat waves. And these changes can cause additional problems, like the spread of certain diseases, more wildfires, and food and water shortages. Climate change could put entire ecosystems, like coral reefs, in danger, and many plants and animals could become extinct.

The good news is that we can take action! We can put less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere if we generate electricity from clean sources like solar and wind power instead of burning coal, oil or gas. We can also drive less, use public transportation, and choose cars that go further using less gas. And you can do your part! Reduce your energy use by turning off the lights, the computer, and TV when you`re not using them, and walk or ride your bike to work or school. By making smart choices and working together, we can make a difference.



Listening –Reading



Task 1. Listen and circle the best answer A, B, C or D.

CD2. Tapescript 2.

1. According to the speaker, more and more greenhouse gases are produced by

A) a heat from the sun

B) atmosphere change

C) actions of people

D) no answer in the recording



2. Which of these things is a greenhouse gas?

A) carbon monoxide

B) carbon dioxide

C) oxygen

D) no answer



3. Which of these things can help reduce levels of carbon dioxide?

A) Driving to work

B) Heating with coal

C) Using public transport

D) Leaving your TV on



4. Which of these predictions about climate change does the speaker make?

A) If planet gets warmer, then polar bears will become extinct

B) If planet gets warmer, then we can expect more floods

C) If planet gets warmer, then fuel will become less expensive

D) If planet gets warmer, then sea levels will rise



5. If the planet continues to heat up, __ __ __ expect to experience more extreme weather.

A) then will we

B) then can we

C) then we can

D) then should we



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