Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- kick-start / ˈkɪkˌstɑrt / (v.) – to cause something to start or happen quickly
Example:The donor gave a million dollars to kick-start the foundation.
- supply chain / səˈplaɪ tʃeɪn / (n.) – the series and system of processes involved in the production and sale of a product
Example:Experts said the food supply chain was interrupted because of the pandemic.
- in light of (something) / ɪn laɪt ʌv / (idiom) – because of
Example:In light of the new reports, we’ll be rescheduling the board meeting.
- scale up / skeɪl ʌp / (phrasal v.) – to increase the amount, quality, or production capacity, especially of an organization or process
Example:The factory needs to scale up to meet increasing demands.
- plunge into (something) / plʌndʒ ˈɪn tu / (phrasal v.) – to suddenly start to be in a situation or condition, usually bad
Example:The company plunged into bankruptcy after the market crash.
Article
Read the text below.
The leaders of Germany and Canada said a new hydrogen pact will kick-start a transatlantic hydrogen supply chain, with the first deliveries expected in just three years.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz signed the deal in the port town of Stephenville, Newfoundland. A Canadian company has plans to build a zero-emission plant that will use wind energy to produce hydrogen and ammonia for export.
Hydrogen is seen as a component of Europe’s plan to reduce its reliance on Russian fossil fuels, particularly in light of the war in Ukraine and recent reductions in the supply of Russian natural gas to Germany and other countries.
“The market case and the need to scale up was coming and wasn’t quite here yet. Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine has meant that everything gets accelerated,” Trudeau said.
Scholz said Canada is Germany’s partner of choice as the country moves away from relying on Russia to supply energy.
“Our need might be even higher under the new circumstances,” Scholz said.
Natural gas prices have surged as Russia has reduced or cut off natural gas flows to a dozen European Union countries, fueling inflation and raising the risk that Europe could plunge into recession. Germans have been urged to cut gas use now so the country will have enough for the winter ahead.
The Canadian government earlier signed separate agreements with Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz that will see the two German auto manufacturers secure access to Canadian raw materials for batteries in electric vehicles. The agreements include Canadian cobalt, graphite, nickel and lithium.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Europe is taking action to reduce its reliance on Russian fossil fuels, particularly in light of the war in Ukraine. What do you think the result would be if countries stopped relying on Russia’s products? Discuss.
- A lot of countries have been affected by the war Russia started. Do you think Russia will be able to forge international relationships again after the war and under new leadership? Why or why not? Discuss.
Discussion B
- What do you think are the pros of a country being self-reliant (ex. unaffected by changes outside of the country)? Discuss.
- What do you think are the pros of forming partnerships with other countries (ex. stronger foreign relations)? Discuss.