09/04/2025
Practice!
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Many scientists believe global warming could negatively impact ocean levels, agricultural production, and animal species. Efforts to address global warming, such as promoting renewable energy, are ongoing, and people are often interested in new ways to achieve this goal. One such idea, called solar radiation management (SRM), is attracting attention. It works by reflecting sunlight away from Earth.
Supporters believe the technique could be positive. A study has suggested that hot temperatures can harm the economic growth of warmer countries. In fact, industries such as agriculture and tourism in such countries are already being seriously affected. However, SRM could reduce temperatures quickly. This would provide necessary help to affected industries.
Despite this, there are some issues around SRM. It often involves spraying chemicals into the atmosphere. There have been limited research on its use, so people worry that it could change weather patterns or harm plants and animals. Also, critics of SRM point out that it only lowers temperatures. Unfortunately, coal and oil continue to be used globally. In addition to being a major factor in increasing temperatures, CO2 emissions from these fuels also negatively affect the environment in other ways, including pollution. However, SRM cannot solve such problems.
Vocabulary Words and Definitions
1. Global warming – The long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature, largely due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels.
2. Renewable energy – Energy generated from natural sources that naturally replenish, such as sunlight, wind, and water.
3. Solar radiation management (SRM) – A proposed technique aimed at reducing global warming by reflecting some of the sun’s energy back into space.
4. Reflecting – The process in which light or heat bounces off a surface rather than being absorbed.
5. Economic growth – An increase in the production of goods and services by an economy over a period of time.
6. Industries – Sectors of the economy involved in the production of goods or the provision of services, such as agriculture or manufacturing.
7. CO2 emissions – The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, primarily from burning fossil fuels, which contributes to climate change.
8. Pollution – The introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment that cause adverse changes or damage.
9. Impact – A strong effect or influence that one thing has on another.
10. Weather patterns – The typical or recurring atmospheric conditions in a particular region over time, including factors such as temperature, precipitation, and wind.
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Multiple Choice Quiz
1. Global warming refers to:
A. The natural cooling of Earth’s surface over time
B. The rapid industrialization of a country
C. The long-term increase in Earth’s average temperature due to human activities
D. The process of energy being absorbed by plants
2. Renewable energy is best described as:
A. Energy that can be replenished naturally, like solar or wind power
B. Energy generated exclusively from fossil fuels
C. Energy that is stored underground
D. Energy that is produced only at night
3. Solar radiation management (SRM) is a strategy that aims to:
A. Increase the amount of solar energy absorbed by the Earth
B. Reduce global warming by reflecting sunlight away from Earth
C. Convert solar energy into electricity
D. Monitor changes in the sun’s output over time
4. The term “reflecting” means:
A. Absorbing light or heat completely
B. Releasing stored energy suddenly
C. Bouncing back light or heat from a surface
D. Blocking all forms of radiation
5. Economic growth is defined as:
A. A decrease in a country’s overall production
B. An increase in a country’s production of goods and services over time
C. A static level of production from one year to the next
D. A temporary boost in sales during holiday seasons
6. In economic terms, “industries” refer to:
A. Large corporations only
B. Groups of people who invest in stocks
C. Sectors of the economy that produce goods or offer services
D. All types of weather conditions
7. CO2 emissions are a concern because they:
A. Provide clean energy to power our homes
B. Are the result of planting trees
C. Contribute to climate change by adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere
D. Help to form clouds that reduce global warming
8. Pollution is best characterized as:
A. The removal of contaminants from the environment
B. The introduction of harmful substances into the environment
C. A method for recycling waste materials
D. The natural evolution of Earth's atmosphere
9. The word “impact” in the context of the text most nearly means:
A. A minor, barely noticeable change
B. A temporary disturbance that quickly disappears
C. A significant effect or influence on something
D. A formal agreement between parties
10. Weather patterns describe:
A. The random changes that never repeat in a region
B. The long-term, typical atmospheric conditions in a given area
C. The decorative design on weather maps
D. The immediate temperature reading on a thermometer
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Answer Key:
1. C
2. A
3. B
4. C
5. B
6. C
7. C
8. B
9. C
10. B