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along with, be shocked by, have an impact on, be trapped in, refer to, result in, deal with, take responsibility for |
There is little doubt that Earth (get) warmer and warmer. The "man－made" greenhouse effect has contributed to the climate change.
There is strong and comprehensive evidence that the rise in temperature has led to increase in extreme weather and natural (disaster) worldwide, not only causing serious damage, but also costing human lives. Climate scientists have warned that we do not take appropriate actions, this warming trend will (probable) continue and there will be a higher price to pay.
Continued greenhouse gas emissions will result further warming and long-lasting changes to the global climate, requires the attention of people all over the world. Governments need to consider making policies and taking appropriate actions and measures (reduce) greenhouse gas emissions.
We as individuals can also reduce our "carbon footprint" by (restrict) the amount of carbon dioxide our lifestyles produce. It is our (responsible) to seize every opportunity to educate everyone about global warming, along with its causes and impacts, because this is the most serious issue affecting all of us on this planet.
Asian elephants are an endangered species. Their numbers are somewhere between 39,000—44,000 and they spread across the vast continent—though almost half are located in India.
The main threat faced by Indian elephants, like all Asian elephants, is loss of habitat, which then results in human－elephant conflict. In South Asia, an ever－increasing human population has led to much illegal occupation of elephant habitat. Many construction projects of roads and railway tracks also break habitat into separate areas. Unable to mix with other groups, they run the risk of reproducing. Habitat loss also forces elephants into farmers' fields for food. Once a farmer's crops are destroyed, a conflict between humankind and the elephant is unavoidable.
Even if suitable habitat exists, illegal hunting remains a threat to elephants in many areas. In 1989, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) banned the international trade in ivory (象牙). However, there are still some ivory markets in a number of countries which make an illegal international trade. Although most of this ivory comes from poaching African elephants, Asian elephants are also poached for their ivory, as well as for their skin.
Catching wild elephants has become another threat to some wild populations, seriously reducing some numbers. Men would catch elephants to live with them and carry their heavy loads. India, Vietnam and Myanmar have banned catching elephants in order to protect their wild groups, but in some countries elephants are still caught each year for tourist industries. Tourists pay to ride the animals to the scenic spots to have their pictures taken.
Why are their numbers becoming so desperate? It is time that we humans should pause and reflect.
Life is full of surprises and events that sometimes change one's daily routine. Some of them might be good and pleasant. The unexpected events may cause you anxiety and stress. So you need to find some ways to be less affected by them.
Even if you live the same kind of life, doing the same things day after day, there could be unexpected events. So you need to realize that such events can't be avoided and you need to be prepared for them. In this way, you'll find it easier to deal with whatever happens in your life.
Have a positive attitude. Not all unexpected events are bad. For example, even getting fired from your work could finally turn out well, as you might find a more satisfying job.
Always focus on the present moment, learn from it and make use of new changes that come your way. In other words, make the most of the present moment, instead of thinking about what you lost, or how bad the situation is.
Introduce small changes into your life. You can try eating a different breakfast or drinking tea in the morning instead of coffee, or do things that you usually do, but in a different way.
A. This is useless and is a waste of time.
B. Admit the fact that unexpected events are part of life.
C. Think before speaking when facing unexpected events.
D. Sometimes what seems like a problem could be a good thing.
E. However, there are some that are bad and unpleasant.
F. It would be much more useful to think about the new situation.
G. This will help you deal with unexpected events more easily.
When Laura Wood's senior year began, she was expecting to talk to the usual handful of members in the Environmental Club of Scarborough.1, she found herself standing in front of 60 of her peers.
The year before Wood took over as 2, the new club was still trying to establish itself. As the first meeting 3, she worked hard to advertise that the club still existed and was looking for 4 members. Her campaign worked. Sixty 5 showed up to hear what Wood would say about helping to improve the local environment.
"It was 6," said Wood. "I really wasn't 7 60 kids, you know, because last year there were only 10. We want to help purchase our school the first 8 minibus. "
Under Wood's direction, the club suddenly started to grow 9. Later, it opened the green bus bank account.
With the club, Wood also collected cans and paper both to raise more money and to help the school reduce 10. This wasn't always an easy job. Wood didn't just pick up 11; she sorted the useful waste out, sometimes after it had been 12 thrown away. "We'd be a little 13 most of the time in the afternoons," said Wood.
By the end of the year they had been 14 about $60 a week by saving the cans and bottles.
This is what Wood usually goes about starting change: quietly but effectively. "She's a 15 kid," said Principal Andrew Dolloff. "She just doesn't do flashy (招摇的) things to get noticed."
A lot of people feel overwhelmed trying to make changes that help the planet. Conservation psychologist Janet Swim, a professor from Pennsylvania State University says people often think their actions won't have enough of an impact to matter. "It's like 'What can I do? It's just me'. " it does matter a lot. "It's just like voting," professor says. "I vote. I'm only one person. That one action is an important action (take). We work together as a collective to do things," she said. And there's the multiplier effect. "Small behaviour matters particularly when (accumulate) across time and across people," Swim said. Household behaviour (actual) can make a substantial difference, (reduce) greenhouse gas emissions, according to researchers from Michigan State University and Vanderbilt University. Most of that potential comes from adopting energy－efficient behaviour. Their research lists the most practical 17 steps each American can take, including carpooling, waterproofing houses and driving fuel－efficient (vehicle). If every American takes these steps, according to these researchers, it (cut) the total US household emissions by 20% over ten years—an amount equal the entire emissions of France.
