Lesson 3Lesson 3 Ships in the DesertShips in the Desert

Al GoreAl Gore

The introduction of the The introduction of the text:text:

•

Objectives of TeachingObjectives of Teaching1.1. To comprehend the whole textTo comprehend the whole text

2.2. To lean and master the vocabulary and To lean and master the vocabulary and expressionsexpressions

3.3. To learn to paraphrase the difficult sentencesTo learn to paraphrase the difficult sentences

4.4. To understand the structure of the textTo understand the structure of the text

5.5. To appreciate the style and rhetoric of the To appreciate the style and rhetoric of the passage.passage.

1. Introduction about the 1. Introduction about the authorauthor

      Al GoreAl Gore was born in 1948 in Washington D.C., U.S. was born in 1948 in Washington D.C., U.S. He has been a Senator (1984-1992) representing th He has been a Senator (1984-1992) representing the State of Tennessee, and U.S. Vice-President (199e State of Tennessee, and U.S. Vice-President (1992-2000) under President Bill Clinton. He ran for the 2-2000) under President Bill Clinton. He ran for the Presidency against George W. Bush jr. but the latter Presidency against George W. Bush jr. but the latter won the closely tied election and has become the 43won the closely tied election and has become the 43rd American President. The text is taken from Al Grd American President. The text is taken from Al Gore’s book ore’s book Earth in the BalanceEarth in the Balance

Al Gore's profound analysis of where Al Gore's profound analysis of where

humanity has gone wrong ranges humanity has gone wrong ranges across history, politics, science, across history, politics, science, economics, psychology, philosophy, economics, psychology, philosophy, and religion. and religion.

Gore demonstrates that the quality Gore demonstrates that the quality

of our air and water is urgently at of our air and water is urgently at risk. He clearly illustrates how risk. He clearly illustrates how problems that once were regional problems that once were regional have now become global. Gore have now become global. Gore argues for a worldwide mobilization argues for a worldwide mobilization to save us from disaster. to save us from disaster.

2. Detailed study of the 2. Detailed study of the texttext

Ships in the DesertShips in the Desert

  What’s the meaning of the title? What’s the meaning of the title?

What does the author try to tell us through his What does the author try to tell us through his article?article?

Para.1Para.1 typical example of typical example of environmental environmental

destructiondestruction

Why did the writer go to the Aral Sea? What did he see there?

the prospects of a good catch looked bleak:the prospects of a good catch looked bleak: a good catch did not look promising / hopeful.a good catch did not look promising / hopeful. an understatement  an understatement  

the Aral seathe Aral sea

The Aral Sea:*located in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan *historically a saline lake *In 1960 the world’s fourth largest lake, the size of the entirety of Southern California*in the center of a large, flat desert basin•a prime example of a dynamic environment

America’s Great LakesAmerica’s Great Lakes

* * the group of five freshwater lakes, central North the group of five freshwater lakes, central North America, between the United States and Canada,America, between the United States and Canada,

• largest body of fresh water in the worldlargest body of fresh water in the world• From west to east, they are From west to east, they are Lake Superior, Lake Lake Superior, Lake

Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake OntarioMichigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario • HOMES—H stands for Huron, O for Ontario, M for HOMES—H stands for Huron, O for Ontario, M for

Michigan, E for Erie and S for Superior.Michigan, E for Erie and S for Superior.

comparablecomparable::          something that is comparable to something something that is comparable to something

else iselse is

a) as good as/ as big as/ as important as the a) as good as/ as big as/ as important as the other thing;other thing;

b) similar to the other thingb) similar to the other thing

ee..gg. This dinner is comparable to the best . This dinner is comparable to the best French cooking.French cooking.

to feed it has been diverted in an ill-considered to feed it has been diverted in an ill-considered irrigation scheme irrigation scheme to grow cotton in the dessert:to grow cotton in the dessert:

to flow into the sea has been turned away to to flow into the sea has been turned away to irrigate the land created in the desert to irrigate the land created in the desert to grow cotton. grow cotton.

The scheme was an ill-conceived one The scheme was an ill-conceived one because it failed to take into consideration because it failed to take into consideration the ecological effect.the ecological effect.

Para. 2 Para. 2 thesis statement:thesis statement:My search for the underlying causes of the My search for the underlying causes of the

environmental crisis has let me to travel environmental crisis has let me to travel around the world to check and study cases in around the world to check and study cases in order to find out the basic causes behind the order to find out the basic causes behind the environmental crisisenvironmental crisis

What does it mean?

I traveled around the world because I wanted I traveled around the world because I wanted

to see, check and study cases of such to see, check and study cases of such destruction in order to find out the basic destruction in order to find out the basic causes behind the environmental causes behind the environmental

crisis.crisis.

This sentence expresses the main idea and This sentence expresses the main idea and indicating the development of a causal essay. indicating the development of a causal essay.

Trans-Antarctic MountainsTrans-Antarctic Mountains Antarctica is icy cold.Antarctica is icy cold. Trans-Antarctic Mountains divided it into the Trans-Antarctic Mountains divided it into the

East Antarctic and West Antarctic East Antarctic and West Antarctic subcontinents. subcontinents.

China has set up two scientific research stations there:China has set up two scientific research stations there: Zong Zong

shan Station shan Station in the East and in the East and Great Wall Great Wall in the West. in the West.

the sun glaring at midnight through a hole in the the sun glaring at midnight through a hole in the skysky

the sun shining at midnight through the the sun shining at midnight through the ozonozone depletione depletion

a holea hole: ozone depletion : ozone depletion 臭氧层空洞臭氧层空洞

about the tunnel he was digging through time:about the tunnel he was digging through time:

about the tunnel he was drilling for samples about the tunnel he was drilling for samples from the glacier, which estimates the time. from the glacier, which estimates the time. The deeper he drilled, the farther the sample The deeper he drilled, the farther the sample in time; in time;

in other words, the surface of the in other words, the surface of the glacier glacier is is an indication of recent time while the deeper an indication of recent time while the deeper part of the glacier tells of situation of a much part of the glacier tells of situation of a much more remote period.more remote period.

He moved his finger back in time to the ice of two He moved his finger back in time to the ice of two decades ago:decades ago:

Following the layers of ice in the Following the layers of ice in the core sample, his finger came to the core sample, his finger came to the place where the layer of ice was place where the layer of ice was formed 20 years ago.formed 20 years ago.

Clean Air Act: Clean Air Act:

    American Congress passed the Clean American Congress passed the Clean Air Act in 1970, which is one of the oldAir Act in 1970, which is one of the oldest environmental laws of the U.S. as est environmental laws of the U.S. as well as the most far-reaching, the costlwell as the most far-reaching, the costliest, and the most controversial. iest, and the most controversial.

two continents two continents

South America and AntarcticaSouth America and Antarctica

   least accessible place on earthleast accessible place on earth: the place which is the : the place which is the

most difficult to get to in the world most difficult to get to in the world 

Para. 3 Para. 3 the global the global warming seen in the warming seen in the

AntarcticAntarctic

What’s Paragraph 3 talking about?

What’s the cause of the global warming?What’s the cause of the global warming?

Began with the industrial revolution, Began with the industrial revolution,

Industry meant coal:Industry meant coal:

the development of industry meant the use of the development of industry meant the use of large amount of coal as fuel to generate large amount of coal as fuel to generate power.power.

--bringing rising…with its ability …warm the earth:--bringing rising…with its ability …warm the earth:

adverbial of resultadverbial of result: : making the amount of carbon dioxide in the making the amount of carbon dioxide in the

atmosphere grow;atmosphere grow; heat cannot easily get through carbon dioxide heat cannot easily get through carbon dioxide

and go into the high altitude so carbon dioxide and go into the high altitude so carbon dioxide plays the role of a cover, keeping the heat near plays the role of a cover, keeping the heat near the earth.the earth.

  upwind from the ice runaway…scientists monitor upwind from the ice runaway…scientists monitor the air…to chart the course of that inexorable the air…to chart the course of that inexorable

change: change:

upwind from the ice runaway where the ski plane lands and upwind from the ice runaway where the ski plane lands and keeps its engines running so that the metal parts will not be keeps its engines running so that the metal parts will not be frozen solid, scientists watch the air several times every day to frozen solid, scientists watch the air several times every day to mark the course of that unalterable change.mark the course of that unalterable change.

upwindupwind: in the direction from which: in the direction from which the wind is blowing or the wind is blowing or usually blows usually blows

to chart the courseto chart the course: to show the onward movement on an outline : to show the onward movement on an outline

mapmap

graphgraph: usually a mathematical diagram: usually a mathematical diagram

Para. 4 Para. 4 a thinning cap as the result of Arctic air a thinning cap as the result of Arctic air warmswarms

What caused the thinning of the polar ice cap?

global warming

snowmobilesnowmobile a kind of motor vehicle for traveling over a kind of motor vehicle for traveling over

snow, usually with steer able runners at snow, usually with steer able runners at the front and tractor treads at the rearthe front and tractor treads at the rear

rendezvous pointrendezvous point: the place where a : the place where a submarine was to pick them upsubmarine was to pick them up

A A rendezvousrendezvous is a place where you have is a place where you have arranged to meet somebody often arranged to meet somebody often secretly.secretly.

to secure the release of previously top secret data:to secure the release of previously top secret data:

to ensure the making public of data to ensure the making public of data which was originally classified as top which was originally classified as top secret . secret .

sonarsonar:: [U] (an acronym for sound navigation rangin[U] (an acronym for sound navigation rangin

g) an apparatus using sound waves for finding g) an apparatus using sound waves for finding the position of underwater objects, such as minthe position of underwater objects, such as mines or submarineses or submarines 声纳（利用声波探测如水声纳（利用声波探测如水雷或潜艇等的水底目标的仪器）雷或潜艇等的水底目标的仪器）

Baiqi dolphinsBaiqi dolphins have sonar. Bats have sonar. have sonar. Bats have sonar.

I was standing …when separate sheets collide:I was standing …when separate sheets collide:

I was standing in the vast scene of snow which I was standing in the vast scene of snow which was fearfully beautiful, windswept and shining was fearfully beautiful, windswept and shining white, with the stretch of ice field characterizewhite, with the stretch of ice field characterized by small ridges because of the force of the cod by small ridges because of the force of the collision of the separate layers.llision of the separate layers.

eerilyeerily: mysteriously, especially in such a way as : mysteriously, especially in such a way as to frighten or disturbto frighten or disturb

snowscapesnowscape: scene of snow. : scene of snow. cf. landscape and seascape.cf. landscape and seascape.   

the consequences of a thinning cap could be the consequences of a thinning cap could be disastrous:disastrous:

the result of a thinning cap may indicate the possibilthe result of a thinning cap may indicate the possibilities of disastersities of disasters

couldcould: the word indicates “possibilities” : the word indicates “possibilities”

And why could the thinning of the polar ice cap be And why could the thinning of the polar ice cap be disastrous to the world?disastrous to the world?

Because the polar cap plays an important role in the Because the polar cap plays an important role in the world’s weather system, the consequences of a world’s weather system, the consequences of a thinning cap could bring about dramatic changes in thinning cap could bring about dramatic changes in the ecological pattern. For example, it will bring large the ecological pattern. For example, it will bring large amount of water which will raise the ocean level and amount of water which will raise the ocean level and cause some floods.cause some floods.

Para. 5Para. 5 the rising temperature of the earth the rising temperature of the earth

.     Considering such scenarios is not a purely speculative exercise:

Thinking about how a series of events might happen as a consequence of the thinning of the Polar cap is not just a kind of practice in speculation, it has got practical value.

the pattern of ice distribution… controversial claim:the pattern of ice distribution… controversial claim:

the regular way ice is distributedthe regular way ice is distributed……

a statement which some scientists still do not a statement which some scientists still do not completely acceptcompletely accept

the Arctic Circlethe Arctic Circle

an imaginary line drawn round the world at a an imaginary line drawn round the world at a certain distance from the most northern point certain distance from the most northern point (the North Pole), north of which there is no (the North Pole), north of which there is no darkness for six months of each year and darkness for six months of each year and almost no light for the other six months. cf. the almost no light for the other six months. cf. the Antarctic CircleAntarctic Circle

   tundratundra: any of the vast, nearly level, treeless : any of the vast, nearly level, treeless

plains of the Arctic regionsplains of the Arctic regions

Para. 6 Para. 6 the images of destruction at the equatorthe images of destruction at the equator

billowingbillowing::       large swelling mass of large swelling mass of billow billow vv. When smoke or cloud billows, i. When smoke or cloud billows, i

t moves slowly upwards or across the st moves slowly upwards or across the skyky

Amazon rain forestAmazon rain forest

The Brazilian Amazon contains about a third of The Brazilian Amazon contains about a third of the Earth's remaining tropical forest and a very the Earth's remaining tropical forest and a very high portion of its biological diversity. One high portion of its biological diversity. One hectare (2.47 acres) of Amazonian moist forest hectare (2.47 acres) of Amazonian moist forest contains more plant species than all of Europe.contains more plant species than all of Europe. Yet still it is being destroyed just like other Yet still it is being destroyed just like other rainforests around the world.rainforests around the world.

    fast pasture for fast-food beef: fast pasture for fast-food beef:

Bit by bit trees in the rain forest are felled and the Bit by bit trees in the rain forest are felled and the land is cleared and turned into pasture where cattle land is cleared and turned into pasture where cattle can be raised quickly and slaughtered and the beef can be raised quickly and slaughtered and the beef can be used in hamburgers.can be used in hamburgers.

fast pasture for fast-food beef: fast pasture for fast-food beef: alliterationalliteration Pay attention to the connection of the two “fasts” in Pay attention to the connection of the two “fasts” in

fast pasture and fast food. With that comes the “fast” fast pasture and fast food. With that comes the “fast” disappearance of the rain forest.disappearance of the rain forest.

the dry the dry seasonseason::

ant. in the wet season—the rainy seasonant. in the wet season—the rainy seasonsimilarly: similarly: the football season, the breeding season, the football season, the breeding season, the planting season, the holiday season, the planting season, the holiday season, the harvest season, the cold season, the harvest season, the cold season, the tourist season, the game season, the tourist season, the game season, a season of filma season of film in season: Ant. be out of seasonin season: Ant. be out of season season season v.v. e.g. e.g. season the food with saltseason the food with salt

with more than one Tennessee’s worth of rain forestwith more than one Tennessee’s worth of rain forest

the area of rain forest burned in one the area of rain forest burned in one year is bigger than the state of year is bigger than the state of Tennessee.Tennessee.

worthworth: equal in area or size: equal in area or size slashslash: cut with a sweeping stroke: cut with a sweeping stroke

we are silencing thousands of songs we have never we are silencing thousands of songs we have never even heard:even heard:

Since miles of forest are being destroyed and the Since miles of forest are being destroyed and the habitat for these rare birds no longer exists, thousands habitat for these rare birds no longer exists, thousands of birds which we have not even had a chance to see of birds which we have not even had a chance to see

will become extinctwill become extinct..

How will the destruction of the Amazon rain forest How will the destruction of the Amazon rain forest affect the earth’s ecological balance?affect the earth’s ecological balance?

Fewer rainforests mean less rain, less oxygen Fewer rainforests mean less rain, less oxygen for us to breathe, and an increased threat from for us to breathe, and an increased threat from global warming. global warming.

Para. 7 Para. 7 images of destruction seen almost anywhereimages of destruction seen almost anywhere

What does the writer call “ghosts in the sky”?

“noctilucent clouds”

How are they formed?How are they formed?

They are formed because of the huge buildup of methane gas in the atmosphere, released from landfills, from coal mines and rice paddies, from billions of termites that swarm through the freshly cut forestland, from the burning of biomass and from a variety of other human activities.

On some nights … that signals the loss of ecological On some nights … that signals the loss of ecological balance now in progress:balance now in progress:

On some nights, in the area at a high northeOn some nights, in the area at a high northern latitude, the sky alone presents another ern latitude, the sky alone presents another example of ill omen showing. There is ecologxample of ill omen showing. There is ecological imbalance and this kind of imbalance is ical imbalance and this kind of imbalance is developing.developing.

in high northern latitudein high northern latitude 在北纬高纬度地区在北纬高纬度地区 cf. longitudecf. longitude经度经度

This “This “luminous cloudluminous cloud” occasionally appears ” occasionally appears when the earth is first hidden in the when the earth is first hidden in the evening darkness; shining unsteadily above evening darkness; shining unsteadily above us with a partially transparent whiteness, us with a partially transparent whiteness, these clouds don’t seem naturalthese clouds don’t seem natural

“noctilucent cloud”

noctilucent cloud:noctilucent cloud: noctinocti- means night; - means night; lucentlucent means shini means shini

ng, ng, translucenttranslucent designating or of a luminous cloud visidesignating or of a luminous cloud visi

ble at night ble at night translucenttranslucent:: partially transparent partially transparent

landfillslandfills: : garbage disposalgarbage disposal

methane is emitted from garbage disposal, from coal methane is emitted from garbage disposal, from coal mines and rice fields, from billions of mines and rice fields, from billions of termites termites （白（白蚁）蚁） moving in large numbers through the freshly cut moving in large numbers through the freshly cut forestland, from the burning of amount of living orgaforestland, from the burning of amount of living organism in a particular area and from a variety of other hnism in a particular area and from a variety of other human activities.uman activities.

Even though noctilucent clouds … to the surface far Even though noctilucent clouds … to the surface far beneath thembeneath them

The implication is that the night comes earlier than The implication is that the night comes earlier than the upper part. The balance between day and night is the upper part. The balance between day and night is broken.broken.

altitudesaltitudes: a high area: a high area e.g.e.g. At high altitudes it is difficult to breathe. At high altitudes it is difficult to breathe.

Para. 8 Para. 8 human attitudes towards the images of human attitudes towards the images of

destructiondestruction What should we feel toward these ghosts in the skyWhat should we feel toward these ghosts in the sky: :

What should our attitude be toward these noctilucent What should our attitude be toward these noctilucent clouds in the sky?clouds in the sky?

the mix of emotions we feel at the zoo:the mix of emotions we feel at the zoo:

the mix of emotions we feel at the zoo:the mix of emotions we feel at the zoo: on on the one hand we feel excited about seeing the one hand we feel excited about seeing those animals, but on the other hand, we those animals, but on the other hand, we feel sorry for them because they have feel sorry for them because they have been deprived of freedom.been deprived of freedom.

Should it only be a feeling of surprise and Should it only be a feeling of surprise and admiration or a combination of different admiration or a combination of different feelings we experience in the zoo?feelings we experience in the zoo?

feel awe for our own power:feel awe for our own power: feel amazed and frightened at our feel amazed and frightened at our

own power. own power.

upset the balance between daylight and upset the balance between daylight and darknessdarkness

Just as men are killing such large number of Just as men are killing such large number of elephants for their tusks that the species will soon elephants for their tusks that the species will soon extinguish, we are using and destroying resources in extinguish, we are using and destroying resources in such a big amount that we such a big amount that we are disturbing the balance are disturbing the balance

between daylight and darknessbetween daylight and darkness..

    greenhouse gasesgreenhouse gases gases that will trap heat at the surface of gases that will trap heat at the surface of

the earth like a greenhouse and ranks the earth like a greenhouse and ranks third only to carbon dioxide and water third only to carbon dioxide and water vapor in total volume. vapor in total volume.

This means of all the gases, water vapor This means of all the gases, water vapor occupies the largest portion, carbon occupies the largest portion, carbon dioxide the second. Methane-natural gas, dioxide the second. Methane-natural gas, greenhouse gases- the thirdgreenhouse gases- the third

the chemistrythe chemistry of the upper atmosphere:of the upper atmosphere:

the chemical composition of the upper atmospherethe chemical composition of the upper atmosphere

shouldn’t it startle us… with a spectral light?shouldn’t it startle us… with a spectral light? Or have our eyes … human civilization and the Or have our eyes … human civilization and the

earth?earth? two rhetorical questionstwo rhetorical questions it should startle us…; it should startle us…; our eyes should not haven adjusted so completely to our eyes should not haven adjusted so completely to

the bright lights of civilization that we can’t see….the bright lights of civilization that we can’t see….

what they arewhat they are

Or have we been so accustomed to the bright electric Or have we been so accustomed to the bright electric lights that we fail to understand lights that we fail to understand the threatening the threatening implication of these cloudsimplication of these clouds

——a physical manifestation of the violent a physical manifestation of the violent collision between human civilization collision between human civilization

and the earth?and the earth? we fail to understand that it is we fail to understand that it is a glaring signa glaring sign of of

the violent clash between the violent clash between human activityhuman activity and and nature?nature?

Para 9.Para 9. human’s puzzling response human’s puzzling response Even though it is sometimes hard Even though it is sometimes hard to see theirto see their

meaningmeaning, we have by now all witnessed surprising , we have by now all witnessed surprising experiences: experiences:

to understand the threat of these cloudsto understand the threat of these clouds

What are the surprising experiences that signal the What are the surprising experiences that signal the damage from our assault on the environment damage from our assault on the environment

mentioned in the paragraph?mentioned in the paragraph?

more hot days, quicker sunburn, and more debate on more hot days, quicker sunburn, and more debate on garbage disposing matter. garbage disposing matter.

--whether it’s the frequency…with growing --whether it’s the frequency…with growing mountains of waste: mountains of waste:

whether it is the fact that recently there are mowhether it is the fact that recently there are more hot days when the temperature is over 100 dre hot days when the temperature is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (=38egrees Fahrenheit (=38 degree Celsius degree Celsius), or the ), or the fact the sun burns our skin more quickly in recfact the sun burns our skin more quickly in recent times, or the fact that the debate over the went times, or the fact that the debate over the way of disposing of the growing amount of wastay of disposing of the growing amount of waste matter comes up more frequently.e matter comes up more frequently.

But our response to these signals is puzzling:But our response to these signals is puzzling:

But our reaction to these signals is so But our reaction to these signals is so baffling that it is difficult to understand.baffling that it is difficult to understand.

To come at the question another way:To come at the question another way:

To approach the question in a different To approach the question in a different way; to put the question differentlyway; to put the question differently

Why haven’t we launched a massive effort to save Why haven’t we launched a massive effort to save our environment?our environment?

Why haven’t we started a large-scale Why haven’t we started a large-scale movement to save our environment? movement to save our environment?

some images some images

Why do some Why do some signssigns so alarm us that we immediately so alarm us that we immediately take action and concentrate on ways of dealing with take action and concentrate on ways of dealing with them effectively?them effectively?

some imagessome images: :

e.g.e.g. white pollution, (immediate action: stop producing white pollution, (immediate action: stop producing

sandstorm (immediate action: plant grass and trees) sandstorm (immediate action: plant grass and trees)

other images... less painful distractionother images... less painful distraction

And why do other signs, though sometimes no less stAnd why do other signs, though sometimes no less striking, only cause a kind of loss and inactivity and wriking, only cause a kind of loss and inactivity and we concentrate our attention not on the ways to deal we concentrate our attention not on the ways to deal with them but instead, on some other substitutes which ith them but instead, on some other substitutes which are easy to get and less painful?are easy to get and less painful?

other images:other images: e.g.e.g. gases from cars (distraction: people still want car gases from cars (distraction: people still want car

s, and have an easy and less painful way to deal with s, and have an easy and less painful way to deal with this issue, say, it’s a natural cycle, not because of huthis issue, say, it’s a natural cycle, not because of human activities)man activities)

Para.10 Para.10 the importance of organizing our thoughtsthe importance of organizing our thoughts

it may be helpful to it may be helpful to classify them classify them and thus begin and thus begin to organize our thoughts and feelingsto organize our thoughts and feelings so that so that we may be able to respond appropriatelywe may be able to respond appropriately: :

to arrange them into different groupsto arrange them into different groups so that we will be able to take the most so that we will be able to take the most

suitable action.suitable action.

Para. 11Para. 11 the military system: “local” skirmishes, the military system: “local” skirmishes,

“regional” battles, and “strategic” conflicts “regional” battles, and “strategic” conflicts theatertheater: scene of operation: scene of operationee..gg. This was the Pacific theatre of Wo. This was the Pacific theatre of Wo

rld War II.rld War II.这里是第二次世界大战的太平洋战这里是第二次世界大战的太平洋战区。区。

lecture theatre lecture theatre 阶梯教室阶梯教室

A useful system comes from the militaryA useful system comes from the military A useful way of classifying comes from A useful way of classifying comes from

fighting. fighting. They are: They are: “local” skirmish,“local” skirmish, “regional” “regional”

battles, and “strategic” conflict.battles, and “strategic” conflict.A skirmish is a minor battleA skirmish is a minor battle

a global context:a global context:

This third kind is reserved for struggles that can This third kind is reserved for struggles that can endanger a nation’s existence and must be viewed endanger a nation’s existence and must be viewed against against the background of the worldthe background of the world..

What kind of conflict will be considered as What kind of conflict will be considered as “strategic” conflict? “strategic” conflict?

Only struggle that can threaten a nation’s survival Only struggle that can threaten a nation’s survival and must be understood in a global context will be and must be understood in a global context will be considered as “strategic” conflict..considered as “strategic” conflict..

Para 12. Para 12. the same case with the images of the same case with the images of destructiondestruction

illegal waste dumping:illegal waste dumping: the disposal of waste the disposal of waste in a way that violates the lawin a way that violates the law

Problems like acid rain, the contamination Problems like acid rain, the contamination of underground aquifers, and large oil spills of underground aquifers, and large oil spills are are fundamentally regionalfundamentally regional: basically belong : basically belong to regional category.to regional category.

Acid rainAcid rain （酸雨）（酸雨） : :

rain with a high concentration of acids produced by rain with a high concentration of acids produced by ssulfur dioxideulfur dioxide ( (二氧化硫二氧化硫 ), ), nitrogen oxidenitrogen oxide ( (氧化氮氧化氮 ), ), etc. emitted during the combustion etc. emitted during the combustion （氧化）（氧化） of fossiof fossil fuels; l fuels; it has a destructive effect on plant and aquatic it has a destructive effect on plant and aquatic ((水中的水中的 ) life, buildings, etc.) life, buildings, etc.

contaminationcontamination: : cfcf. pollution: Pollution is a term to describe the . pollution: Pollution is a term to describe the

degrading of the environment in some way—the degrading of the environment in some way—the air we breathe or the water we drink or wash in can air we breathe or the water we drink or wash in can be polluted when it is contaminated by some be polluted when it is contaminated by some foreign or unwanted material, e.g. engine oil or foreign or unwanted material, e.g. engine oil or chemicals in water, smoke, or car exhaust in the chemicals in water, smoke, or car exhaust in the air. We talk about air pollution or water pollutionair. We talk about air pollution or water pollution—not water contamination but “pollution” is the —not water contamination but “pollution” is the more common term.more common term.

Contamination is a more scientific term Contamination is a more scientific term

used to describe a substance used to describe a substance contaminating or spoiling something such contaminating or spoiling something such as an experiment, e.g. the water purity as an experiment, e.g. the water purity experiment was contaminated by an experiment was contaminated by an outside chemical. We would not say outside chemical. We would not say “polluted” in this case.“polluted” in this case.

aquiferaquifer: an underground layer of porous (: an underground layer of porous ( 多孔的多孔的 )r)rock, sand, etc, containing water, into which wells caock, sand, etc, containing water, into which wells ca

n be sunk.n be sunk.

the pattern appears to be global:the pattern appears to be global: It seems that the problem has acquired a It seems that the problem has acquired a

global nature since so many similar global nature since so many similar things occur at the same time all over the things occur at the same time all over the world.world.

Para.13 Para.13 a new class of environmental problems a new class of environmental problems affecting the global ecological system: chlorineaffecting the global ecological system: chlorine 氯氯

The 600 percent increase … countries producing the The 600 percent increase … countries producing the chlorofluorocarbons responsiblechlorofluorocarbons responsible

There have been 600 percent increase in the amount There have been 600 percent increase in the amount of chlorine in the atmosphere during the last forty of chlorine in the atmosphere during the last forty years not only in those countries which are mainly years not only in those countries which are mainly responsible for the production of CFC responsible for the production of CFC

chlorofluorocarbonschlorofluorocarbons: CFC : CFC 氟里昂氟里昂

The increased levels… radiation from the sun:The increased levels… radiation from the sun:

The increase of the amount of chlorine disturbs the The increase of the amount of chlorine disturbs the usual way of handling and controlling the amount of usual way of handling and controlling the amount of ultraviolet radiation the earth receives from the sun.ultraviolet radiation the earth receives from the sun.

ultravioletultraviolet: : (of light) that is beyond the purple end of the ran(of light) that is beyond the purple end of the ran

ge of colors (spectrum) that make up light that ge of colors (spectrum) that make up light that can be seen by human beingscan be seen by human beings

ultraviolet raysultraviolet rays: : 紫外线紫外线 ultra-ultra-: beyond e.g. ultrared : beyond e.g. ultrared （红外线的）（红外线的） , ,

ultrashort ultrashort （超短波的）（超短波的） , ultrasonic , ultrasonic （超音波（超音波的）的） , ultramodern, ultramodern （极其现代化的）（极其现代化的）

Para.14 Para.14 another strategic threat—global another strategic threat—global

warmingwarming Why?Why?

Because this increase in heat seriously Because this increase in heat seriously threatens the global climate equilibrium threatens the global climate equilibrium that determines the pattern of winds, that determines the pattern of winds, rainfall, surface temperatures, ocean rainfall, surface temperatures, ocean currents and sea level, and these in turn currents and sea level, and these in turn determine the distribution of vegetative determine the distribution of vegetative and animal life on land and sea and and animal life on land and sea and have a great effect on the location and have a great effect on the location and pattern of human societies, so it is pattern of human societies, so it is considered a strategic threat.considered a strategic threat.

equilibrium that determines the pattern of : equilibrium that determines the pattern of :

balance that decides the regular way of balance that decides the regular way of ….….equilibriumequilibrium: a state of balance between : a state of balance between

opposing forcesopposing forces

patternpattern: a regular, mainly unvarying way of : a regular, mainly unvarying way of movementmovement

Para. 15 Para. 15 the transformed relationship between the transformed relationship between humankind and the earthhumankind and the earth

in our own time we have reshaped a large part of in our own time we have reshaped a large part of the earth’s face with concrete in our cities:the earth’s face with concrete in our cities:

in the modern time we have given a new shape or in the modern time we have given a new shape or form to a large part of the earth’s surface by form to a large part of the earth’s surface by building paved roads, bridges, buildings etc.building paved roads, bridges, buildings etc.

concrete: metonymyconcrete: metonymy

But these changes… have, until recently, been But these changes… have, until recently, been relatively trivial factors in the global ecological relatively trivial factors in the global ecological

systemsystem:: Although sometimes these changes seem to be taking Although sometimes these changes seem to be taking

place everywhere in the world they have, until place everywhere in the world they have, until recently, been relatively insignificant in their recently, been relatively insignificant in their influence on the ecological system of the world.influence on the ecological system of the world.

pervasivepervasive: prevailing; spreading: prevailing; spreading

that assumption… so that …:that assumption… so that …: What we should get rid of is exactly What we should get rid of is exactly that kind of view that kind of view

which has been taken for grantedwhich has been taken for granted. Only when we . Only when we have dropped such a view can we think in a long have dropped such a view can we think in a long term, overall way about our relationship to the term, overall way about our relationship to the environment.environment.

Para. 16 Para. 16 the dominant cause of change in the global the dominant cause of change in the global environment—human civilizationenvironment—human civilization

What caused the change of the entire relationship What caused the change of the entire relationship between humankind and the earth?between humankind and the earth?

human civilizationhuman civilization

Yet we resist this truth… against the mountains:Yet we resist this truth… against the mountains: Yet we refuse to accept this true fact and find it Yet we refuse to accept this true fact and find it

difficult to think that we should treat our effect on the difficult to think that we should treat our effect on the earth the same way as the moon’s gravitational pull earth the same way as the moon’s gravitational pull on the oceans or the wind’s effect on the mountains on the oceans or the wind’s effect on the mountains and measure our effect in the same way as we and measure our effect in the same way as we measure the effect of natural forces.measure the effect of natural forces.

use that power wiselyuse that power wisely

of cause we must recognize that we have of cause we must recognize that we have the responsibility to the responsibility to use the newly use the newly acquired capability in a prudent wayacquired capability in a prudent way and and with proper restraint.with proper restraint.

the fragility of the earth’s natural systems:the fragility of the earth’s natural systems:

the earth’s natural systems are very delicate and can the earth’s natural systems are very delicate and can easily be disrupted.easily be disrupted.

Para. 17 Para. 17 dramatic changes in two key factorsdramatic changes in two key factors a sudden and startling surge in human populationa sudden and startling surge in human population a sudden acceleration of the scientific and a sudden acceleration of the scientific and

technological revolutiontechnological revolution

that define the physical reality of our relationship to that define the physical reality of our relationship to the earth:the earth:

that determine the actual state of our relationship that determine the actual state of our relationship with nature.with nature.

with the addition one China’s worth of peoplewith the addition one China’s worth of people

Every ten years Every ten years the newly-added population will equal the the newly-added population will equal the population of Chinapopulation of China; ;

Every ten years, Every ten years, one more China’s populationone more China’s population will be added to will be added to the population of the world.the population of the world. WorthWorth: equal in size or number: equal in size or number e.g. e.g. The storm did thousands of pounds’ worth of The storm did thousands of pounds’ worth of

damage (=did damage worth thousands of pounds).damage (=did damage worth thousands of pounds). I bought 10 pounds worth of food.I bought 10 pounds worth of food. He bought 10 dollars worth of postage stamps.He bought 10 dollars worth of postage stamps.

magnificationmagnification

which has increased our power to which has increased our power to influence the world around us to such a influence the world around us to such a degree that can hardly be conceiveddegree that can hardly be conceived magnificationmagnification: the act of magnifying; the : the act of magnifying; the

power of magnifyingpower of magnifying

physical matterphysical matter::

material substancematerial substance

Para 18. Para 18. the surge in populationthe surge in population

when viewed in a historical context:when viewed in a historical context: when we look at the matter from a historical point of viewwhen we look at the matter from a historical point of view

Julius CaesarJulius Caesar : (102? B.C.- 44 B.C.), Roman statesman and : (102? B.C.- 44 B.C.), Roman statesman and generalgeneral

Christopher ColumbusChristopher Columbus: (1451- 1506), discoverer of America, : (1451- 1506), discoverer of America, born Genoa, Italyborn Genoa, Italy

Thomas JeffersonThomas Jefferson: [1743-1826) third President of the U.S. : [1743-1826) third President of the U.S. (1801-9), author of the Declaration of Independence. (1801-9), author of the Declaration of Independence.

Declaration of IndependenceDeclaration of Independence::

full and formal declaration adopted July 4, 1776, by full and formal declaration adopted July 4, 1776, by representatives of the thirteen colonies in North representatives of the thirteen colonies in North America announcing the separation of those colonies America announcing the separation of those colonies from Great Britain and making them into the United from Great Britain and making them into the United StatesStates

Para. 19 Para. 19 the present faster increasing populationthe present faster increasing population

in the course of one human life—mine:in the course of one human life—mine: during the life span of an individual –my during the life span of an individual –my

lifetimelifetime

it is already more than half way there:it is already more than half way there: the world population is already more than the world population is already more than

half of that figure.half of that figure.

Para. 20 Para. 20 the scientific and technological revolution the scientific and technological revolution

And this ongoing revolution has also suddenly And this ongoing revolution has also suddenly accelerated exponentially:accelerated exponentially:

And this continuing revolution has also suddeAnd this continuing revolution has also suddenly developed at a speed that doubled and trinly developed at a speed that doubled and tripled the original speed.pled the original speed.

exponentialexponential: (: ( 指数的指数的 )of or relating to an e)of or relating to an exponent (xponent ( 数学中的指数数学中的指数 ) )

While no single discovery… it is nevertheless true…While no single discovery… it is nevertheless true…

While no single discover has had the kind of effect on While no single discover has had the kind of effect on our relationship to the earth (that…), it is nevertheless our relationship to the earth (that…), it is nevertheless true that taken together,true that taken together, they have completely they have completely transformed our cumulative abilitytransformed our cumulative ability to exploit the to exploit the earth for sustenanceearth for sustenance——making the consequence of making the consequence of unrestrained exploitation every bit as unthinkable as unrestrained exploitation every bit as unthinkable as the consequences of unrestrained nuclear war the consequences of unrestrained nuclear war [adverbial][adverbial]. .

While no single discover has had the kind of effect While no single discover has had the kind of effect on our relationship to the earthon our relationship to the earth

AlthoughAlthough no individual discovery has no individual discovery has changed human relationship to the earth so changed human relationship to the earth so much that it is comparable to the nuclear much that it is comparable to the nuclear weapons which have brought tremendous weapons which have brought tremendous change to the relationship between man and change to the relationship between man and warfarewarfare

taken together, they have completely transformed taken together, they have completely transformed our cumulative ability to exploit the earth our cumulative ability to exploit the earth for for

sustenancesustenance:: put all the discoveries together, they have put all the discoveries together, they have

completely changed our ability to utilize the earth completely changed our ability to utilize the earth productively productively for survivalfor survival

Originally, our ability to utilize the earth productively Originally, our ability to utilize the earth productively for survival grew by gradual addition but now these for survival grew by gradual addition but now these discoveries have changed the ability fundamentallydiscoveries have changed the ability fundamentally

making the consequence of … every bit as making the consequence of … every bit as unthinkable as the consequences of unrestrained unthinkable as the consequences of unrestrained

nuclear warnuclear war: : this increased ability has made the results this increased ability has made the results

of unlimited use of global resources of unlimited use of global resources altogether as terrible as the results of full-altogether as terrible as the results of full-scale nuclear warscale nuclear war

Para. 21Para. 21 our challenge to recognize that startling our challenge to recognize that startling images of destructionimages of destruction

OurOur challenge challenge is to recognize that the startling images of is to recognize that the startling images of environmental destruction now occurring all over the world environmental destruction now occurring all over the world have much more in common than their ability to shock and have much more in common than their ability to shock and awaken usawaken us:: Our Our task task is to see and to understand that those is to see and to understand that those frightening examples of environmental destruction that are frightening examples of environmental destruction that are happening all over the world happening all over the world are so much the same in are so much the same in nature that they surprise us no longer. nature that they surprise us no longer.

… … are so frequently/ become so common that they don’t are so frequently/ become so common that they don’t shock and arouse us any more.shock and arouse us any more.

Symptoms of an underlying problem broader Symptoms of an underlying problem broader in scope …in scope …

signs and indications showing that there signs and indications showing that there exists a much greater and more serious exists a much greater and more serious problem which we have never problem which we have never encountered.encountered.

deforestationdeforestation: : disappearance of forestdisappearance of forest

Para. 22 Para. 22 two aspects to this challenge: our power to two aspects to this challenge: our power to harm the earth and our role as co-architect of harm the earth and our role as co-architect of

naturenature

What are the two aspects to help people recognize the What are the two aspects to help people recognize the images of environmental destruction?images of environmental destruction?

to see ourselves as … we are used to:to see ourselves as … we are used to:

to regard ourselves as part of a complicated system to regard ourselves as part of a complicated system which does not function according to the rule of which does not function according to the rule of cause-effect we are familiar withcause-effect we are familiar with

The problem is not …so much as our relationship The problem is not …so much as our relationship with the environmentwith the environment

The point is that our effect on the environment is not The point is that our effect on the environment is not the same as our relationship with the environment.the same as our relationship with the environment.

What is involved is a matter of human relations with What is involved is a matter of human relations with nature, rather than how mankind will affect nature;nature, rather than how mankind will affect nature;

As a result, … the earth’s ecological system:As a result, … the earth’s ecological system: As a result, if we want to solve the problem, we will As a result, if we want to solve the problem, we will

have to carefully weigh and determine how important have to carefully weigh and determine how important that relationship is and how important is the that relationship is and how important is the complicated interconnection among factors inside complicated interconnection among factors inside human society and between these factors and the human society and between these factors and the main natural parts of global ecological system.main natural parts of global ecological system.

relationrelation:: relative; relationship relative; relationship relationshiprelationship:: friendship; connection friendship; connection interrelationshipinterrelationship:: interrelation; a (close) interrelation; a (close)

connection, relation of dependenceconnection, relation of dependence

Para. 23Para. 23 one precedent for this kind of challenge to one precedent for this kind of challenge to our thinking: military one againour thinking: military one again

one example in the past which posed similar one example in the past which posed similar demand on us for a change in our way of looking demand on us for a change in our way of looking at things.at things.

precedentprecedent: a former action or case that may be : a former action or case that may be used as an example or rule for presentused as an example or rule for present

forced a slow and painful recognition:forced a slow and painful recognition:

(the situation) compelled us to accept as (the situation) compelled us to accept as a fact gradually and with difficultya fact gradually and with difficulty

institution of warfare:institution of warfare: practice of armed conflictpractice of armed conflict

institutioninstitution: : a)a) a large organization for a university, bank, or a large organization for a university, bank, or

churchchurchb)b) a building where certain people are kept or a building where certain people are kept or

looked afterlooked after e.ge.g He may end up in a mental institution. He may end up in a mental institution.c)c) a system, rule or a system that is considered an a system, rule or a system that is considered an

important or typical feature of a society, usually important or typical feature of a society, usually because it has existed for a long timebecause it has existed for a long timee.g.e.g. the institution of marriage the institution of marriage

all-out war:all-out war:

armed fighting between nations using all possible armed fighting between nations using all possible strength and effortstrength and effort all-outall-out: using all possible strength and effort: using all possible strength and effort e.g.e.g. We made an all-out effort to finish the job We made an all-out effort to finish the job

by Christmas.by Christmas.

That sobering realization: That sobering realization:

Once you know how serious and terrible a nuclear Once you know how serious and terrible a nuclear war will be, you become more clear-headed, more war will be, you become more clear-headed, more balanced in your reasoning and judgmentbalanced in your reasoning and judgment sobersober: adj. not drunk; serious: adj. not drunk; serious v. to make or become serious or thoughtfulv. to make or become serious or thoughtful e.g.e.g. a sobering thought a sobering thought

the prospect of such a war:the prospect of such a war: the expected outcome of such a warthe expected outcome of such a war

the veil of illusion that has so long obscured the the veil of illusion that has so long obscured the reality of the change in warfare:reality of the change in warfare:

the wrong thinking people entertain which have the wrong thinking people entertain which have made them fail to see the change in the nature of made them fail to see the change in the nature of armed conflict.armed conflict. veil:veil: covering of thin material; a metaphor covering of thin material; a metaphor

Para. 24 Para. 24 arms racearms race

For decades, each new advance... But each such For decades, each new advance... But each such deployment led… a more advanced deployment of deployment led… a more advanced deployment of its own:its own:

For decades, the two super powers had been For decades, the two super powers had been competing in the research, production and competing in the research, production and deployment of more sophisticated, more advanced deployment of more sophisticated, more advanced weapons, hoping that in this the other side would be weapons, hoping that in this the other side would be deterred not to launch a first strike in nuclear deterred not to launch a first strike in nuclear weapons. But the result was just the opposite. Each weapons. But the result was just the opposite. Each advance in weaponry led to a new round of arms race, advance in weaponry led to a new round of arms race, a race of a much more destructive level.a race of a much more destructive level.

leapfrogleapfrog: : n. [U] a game in which one person bends down and n. [U] a game in which one person bends down and

another jumps over them from behindanother jumps over them from behind v. to jump or skip over; to advance well by v. to jump or skip over; to advance well by

missing out (sth.) on the way missing out (sth.) on the way e.ge.g. He leapfrogged two ranks and was . He leapfrogged two ranks and was

promoted directly to colonelpromoted directly to colonel..

It is complicated … what war is all about: It is complicated … what war is all about:

No doubt that the advance in technology has No doubt that the advance in technology has made the problem more difficult to solve but made the problem more difficult to solve but technology is not the real cause. The real cause technology is not the real cause. The real cause lies in the kind of relationship between the lies in the kind of relationship between the Soviet Union and the United States and the Soviet Union and the United States and the theoretical basis for this kind of relationship is theoretical basis for this kind of relationship is their outdated concept of war.their outdated concept of war. obsolete:obsolete: out-of-date, no longer used out-of-date, no longer used

Para. 25 Para. 25 the eventual solution to the arms race: new the eventual solution to the arms race: new understandings and a mutual transformation of the understandings and a mutual transformation of the

relationship itselfrelationship itself

unilateralunilateral: adj. done by or having an effect : adj. done by or having an effect on only one side, esp. one of the political on only one side, esp. one of the political groups in an agreement groups in an agreement

the denial of nuclear technology to rogue states:the denial of nuclear technology to rogue states:

stopping rogue countries using nuclear stopping rogue countries using nuclear technology or stopping sending nuclear technology or stopping sending nuclear technology to rogue countries.technology to rogue countries.

roguerogue: : adj. not following the usual or accepted adj. not following the usual or accepted

standards, esp. in an uncontrollable or standards, esp. in an uncontrollable or troublesome way countriestroublesome way countries ee..gg. rogue politicians who go against the party line. rogue politicians who go against the party line rogue states: states which do not observe or follow rogue states: states which do not observe or follow

the established international norms and practices, the established international norms and practices, which can be considered as rascals /dishonest which can be considered as rascals /dishonest among states.among states.

Para. 26 Para. 26 the real solution: reinventing and finally the real solution: reinventing and finally healing the relationship between civilization and the healing the relationship between civilization and the

earthearth

he strategic nature of the threat he strategic nature of the threat now posednow posed by by human human civilization to the global environmentcivilization to the global environment and the and the strategic nature of the threatstrategic nature of the threat to to human civilization human civilization now posed by changes in the global environmentnow posed by changes in the global environment present us with a similar set of challenges and false present us with a similar set of challenges and false hopes.hopes.

The important/basic nature of the threat now brought The important/basic nature of the threat now brought about by human civilization to the global about by human civilization to the global environment and the important/basic nature of threat environment and the important/basic nature of threat to human civilization now to human civilization now

What false hopes do some people have?What false hopes do some people have?

Some people hope a new ultimate technology, Some people hope a new ultimate technology, whether nuclear power or genetic engineering, will whether nuclear power or genetic engineering, will solve the problem. Others hope that a drastic solve the problem. Others hope that a drastic reduction of our reliance on technology can improve reduction of our reliance on technology can improve the conditions of life.the conditions of life.

a simplistic notion at best:a simplistic notion at best:

a simple view at mosta simple view at most

What is the real solution to the environmental What is the real solution to the environmental destruction according to the author?destruction according to the author?

The real solution will be found in reinventing and The real solution will be found in reinventing and finally healing the relationship between finally healing the relationship between civilization and the earth. This can only be civilization and the earth. This can only be accomplished by undertaking a careful accomplished by undertaking a careful reassessment of all the factors that led to the reassessment of all the factors that led to the relatively recent dramatic change in the relatively recent dramatic change in the relationship. The transformation of the way we relationship. The transformation of the way we relate to the earth will of cause involve new relate to the earth will of cause involve new technologies, but the key changes will involve new technologies, but the key changes will involve new ways of thinking about the relationship itself.ways of thinking about the relationship itself.

3. Structure Analysis3. Structure Analysis 1.Para. 1: Effects of environmental crises 1.Para. 1: Effects of environmental crises (The Aral)(The Aral) 2. Paras. 2-20: Causes of environmental crises2. Paras. 2-20: Causes of environmental crises A. The destruction around the worldA. The destruction around the world -Antarctic, the Arctic, the equator, around us-Antarctic, the Arctic, the equator, around us B. Classification of the images of destructionB. Classification of the images of destruction -Local - Regional- Strategic /global context-Local - Regional- Strategic /global context C. The C. The dominant cause of the change dominant cause of the change -Human civilization-Human civilization 3. Paras. 21-26: Solution3. Paras. 21-26: Solution A. Recognizing the starling images of destructionA. Recognizing the starling images of destruction B. Understanding the two aspectsB. Understanding the two aspects C. Changing the view of the relationship-Educate peopleC. Changing the view of the relationship-Educate people

4. Language appreciation 4. Language appreciation

The author developed this exposition by the cause The author developed this exposition by the cause and effect method. and effect method.

He chose typical examples to support his ideas. He chose typical examples to support his ideas. To make his writing clear, vivid and forceful, he To make his writing clear, vivid and forceful, he

used figures of speech such as understatement, used figures of speech such as understatement, alliteration, metaphor, rhetorical question and alliteration, metaphor, rhetorical question and metonymy. metonymy.

Language appreciation Language appreciation

His formal style, serious tone as well as His formal style, serious tone as well as military metaphors indicated that military metaphors indicated that environmental protection is a kind of war. environmental protection is a kind of war.

Although this writing is about a scientific Although this writing is about a scientific research on the environment, the writer uses research on the environment, the writer uses very few technical terms so that ordinary very few technical terms so that ordinary people can understand it easily.people can understand it easily.

5. Summary of the words and phrases:5. Summary of the words and phrases:

Words of general useWords of general use a good catch a good catch divertdivert comparable to comparable to dock at restdock at rest underlying cause, dominant causeunderlying cause, dominant cause

samplesample remotest and least accessible placeremotest and least accessible place inexorable changeinexorable change in such quantities, in such volumein such quantities, in such volume

threat, threaten, threat, threaten, buildup, increase, acceleration ofbuildup, increase, acceleration of accelerate exponentiallyaccelerate exponentially at stakeat stake transform, reshape, transform, reshape, pervasive, spreading , prevailing, prevalentpervasive, spreading , prevailing, prevalent discarddiscard assumptionassumption yardstickyardstick

Words of Area Words of Area

The AralThe Aral AntarcticaAntarctica frigid Arctic Ocean frigid Arctic Ocean North and South PolesNorth and South Poles The equatorThe equator Amazon rain forestAmazon rain forest local, regional, global (context)local, regional, global (context)

Words of Environmental crisisWords of Environmental crisis

images of destruction, distressing imagesimages of destruction, distressing images pollution, contaminationpollution, contamination monitor the air chart the course measurements monitor the air chart the course measurements

graphgraph pick up speedpick up speed global warmingglobal warming polar ice cap, thinning cappolar ice cap, thinning cap hole, ozone depletionhole, ozone depletion the loss of living speciesthe loss of living species deforestationdeforestation

acid rainacid rain the temperature risingthe temperature rising billowing clouds of smokebillowing clouds of smoke humankind’s assault on the earthhumankind’s assault on the earth the distress of our global environmentthe distress of our global environment ghostly image, noctiluncent clouds , transparent whiteghostly image, noctiluncent clouds , transparent white

nessness frequency, constancyfrequency, constancy threaten the beast with extinctionthreaten the beast with extinction precedent: one example in the pastprecedent: one example in the past

Words of the temperature Words of the temperature

exceeds 100 degrees[Fahrenheit degreesexceeds 100 degrees[Fahrenheit degrees 38 Celsius degrees] 38 Celsius degrees]

Words of the loss of ecological balanceWords of the loss of ecological balance

upset the balanceupset the balance the global climate equilibriumthe global climate equilibrium the global ecological systemthe global ecological system the earth’s ecological systemthe earth’s ecological system the earth’s natural balancethe earth’s natural balance a physical manifestation of the violent collision between a physical manifestation of the violent collision between

human civilization and the earthhuman civilization and the earth the pattern of winds, rainfall, surface temperatures, ocean the pattern of winds, rainfall, surface temperatures, ocean

currents, and sea levelcurrents, and sea level the distribution of vegetative and animal life on land and the distribution of vegetative and animal life on land and

sea sea

Words of chemistry of the upper atmosphereWords of chemistry of the upper atmosphere

water vaporwater vapor carbon dioxidecarbon dioxide methane, natural gasmethane, natural gas growing green-house gasesgrowing green-house gases chlorine—chlorofluorocarbonschlorine—chlorofluorocarbons ultraviolet radiationultraviolet radiation

6. Exercises: Paraphrase6. Exercises: Paraphrase

1)1) a good catch did not look promising / hopeful a good catch did not look promising / hopeful 2) Following the layers of ice in the core sample, his 2) Following the layers of ice in the core sample, his

finger came to the place where the layer of ice was finger came to the place where the layer of ice was formed 20 years ago. formed 20 years ago.

3) keep its engines working so that the metal parts 3) keep its engines working so that the metal parts would not be frozen solidwould not be frozen solid

4)4) Bit by bit trees in the rain forest are felled and the Bit by bit trees in the rain forest are felled and the land is cleared and turned into pasture where cattle land is cleared and turned into pasture where cattle can be raised quickly and slaughtered and the beef can be raised quickly and slaughtered and the beef can be used in hamburgers.can be used in hamburgers.

Paraphrase:Paraphrase:

5) 5) Since miles of forest are being destroyed and the Since miles of forest are being destroyed and the habitat for these rare birds no longer exists, thousands habitat for these rare birds no longer exists, thousands of birds which we have not even had a chance to see of birds which we have not even had a chance to see will become extinct.will become extinct.

6) 6) Thinking about how a series of events might Thinking about how a series of events might happen as a consequence of the thinning of the Polar happen as a consequence of the thinning of the Polar cap is not just a kind of practice in speculation, it has cap is not just a kind of practice in speculation, it has got practical value.got practical value.

Paraphrase:Paraphrase:

7) 7) we are using and destroying resources we are using and destroying resources in such a big amount that we are in such a big amount that we are disturbing the balance between daylight disturbing the balance between daylight and darknessand darkness

8) Or have we been so accustomed to the 8) Or have we been so accustomed to the bright electric lights that we fail to bright electric lights that we fail to understand the threatening implication of understand the threatening implication of these clouds these clouds

Paraphrase:Paraphrase:

9) 9) To approach the question in a different way; to put To approach the question in a different way; to put the question differentlythe question differently

10) and have a great influence on the human 10) and have a great influence on the human residence and the way they are livingresidence and the way they are living

Paraphrase:Paraphrase:

11) we seem to be unaware of the fact that the earth’s 11) we seem to be unaware of the fact that the earth’s natural systems are very delicate and can easily be natural systems are very delicate and can easily be disrupteddisrupted

12) 12) And this continuing revolution has also And this continuing revolution has also suddenly developed at a speed that doubled suddenly developed at a speed that doubled and tripled the original speed.and tripled the original speed.