Global Warming Can Still Be Reduced, New Study Finds

Category: Science/Environment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. detrimental / ˌdɛ trəˈmɛn tl / (adj) – causing serious damage or harm
    Example:

    Continuous use of fossil fuels is detrimental to the environment.


  2. unattainable / ʌnˈəˈteɪ nə bəl / (adj) – impossible to achieve
    Example:

    Getting rid of air pollution within only a year is unattainable.


  3. entail / ɛnˈteɪl / (v) – to involve something as an essential part or as a result
    Example:

    Saving the environment entails cooperation and discipline.


  4. take action / teɪkˈæk ʃən / (idiom) – to start doing something for a certain goal
    Example:

    The government immediately took action and evacuated people upon learning about the coming storm.


  5. efficient / ɪˈfɪʃ ənt / (adj) – able to produce something without wasting anything
    Example:

    We use energy-efficient appliances to avoid wasting electricity.


Article

Read the text below.

A new study has found that it is possible to reach the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit the increase of global temperatures to 1.5O Celsius.


The Paris Agreement is a global agreement created during the 2015 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. According to the data where the goal was based, allowing temperatures to rise to 2O Celsius is detrimental.


However, many critics thought that the 1.5O Celsius goal was unattainable because of the heavy changes it entails. It would require reducing carbon emissions to zero within just seven years, which critics said was impossible. Fortunately, a new Oxford study has revealed that the goal is not as impossible as once thought.


A team of scientists from Oxford University has analyzed the allowable carbon emissions annually to reach the goal. They looked at current emission measurements and noted the changes in the Earth’s temperature. They found that the amount of carbon emissions it takes to raise the Earth’s temperature beyond the goal is more than previous calculations.


One of the researchers also noted that carbon emissions have stopped increasing in some countries. Therefore, the goal may actually be achieved if current efforts are continued and stepped up.


In line with the Paris Agreement’s goal, several countries have taken action to reduce their carbon emissions. For instance, China started a ‘cap and trade’ system, which increased the price of products that create the most emissions. Examples of these products include paper, steel, and cement.


Meanwhile, India pledged to increase its capacity to produce power from renewable sources, such as sunlight, wind, and water. The country also promised to shift to using appliances that are energy-efficient.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Based on the study’s findings, do you think that climate change is no longer as threatening as previously thought? Why or why not?
• How do you think the new findings will affect your country’s actions against climate change? Discuss.

Discussion B

• What are possible obstacles that may hinder the achievement of the Paris Agreement’s goals?
• What permanent changes should governments impose to fight climate change (e.g. to reduce carbon emissions, pollutants, etc.)?