EnglishClub

Pre-listening vocabulary

• excess: too much of something
• greenhouse gas: a gas that traps heat from the sun
• atmosphere: the layer of gas that surrounds the Earth
• drought: a long period of time without rain
• ecosystem: an area where certain plants and animals live and interact

Listening activity

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Gapfill exercise

The Causes and Effects of Climate Change

Climate change is a major problem in the world today. Scientists believe that climate change is mainly by an excess of greenhouse gases, like methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide. Humans put these into the atmosphere with our activities. The excess of atmospheric carbon dioxide is caused by burning fossil fuels, which we use to our cars. Climate change is expected to cause many in the future, such as droughts, strong storms, and the loss of ecosystems. Scientists predict that the Arctic ice will be completely melted by 2050. However, there are lots of ways to help prevent this. Using less energy, taking public transportation often and eating meat less are all easy ways to climate change.

Comprehension questions

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Discussion/essay questions

1. As mentioned above, some of the best ways to help prevent climate change are using less energy, taking public transportation and eating meat less. Have you made any of these changes in your life? What else do you do to help prevent climate change?

Transcript

Climate change is a major problem in the world today. Scientists believe that climate change is mainly caused by an excess of greenhouse gases, like methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide. Humans put these into the atmosphere with our everyday activities. The excess of atmospheric carbon dioxide is caused by burning fossil fuels, which we use to power our cars. Climate change is expected to cause many issues in the future, such as droughts, strong storms, and the loss of ecosystems. Scientists predict that the Arctic ice will be completely melted by 2050. However, there are lots of simple ways to help prevent this. Using less energy, taking public transportation often and eating meat less are all easy ways to fight climate change.

Pre-Listening Vocabulary

• activist: a person who protests for political change
• campaign: a course of action that aims to make a difference
• emission: the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, especially when caused by human activity
• conference: a meeting where people gather to discuss a common issue
• announce: to officially declare something to the public

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Time Magazine Names Climate Activist Greta Thunberg Person of the Year

16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg has been named Time Magazine’s 2019 Person of the Year. Thunberg was first recognized for her activism in 2018 when she began to spend her days protesting in front of the Swedish parliament building. She soon gained the
of other students and formed a student strike campaign called “Fridays for Future”. Since then, she has
world leaders to reduce carbon emissions at several United Nations (UN) conferences. Time announced their
to name her their Person of the Year on Wednesday. She is the youngest person ever to be chosen.

Discussion Question

Have you made changes in your life to help prevent climate change? What kind?