Unlocking Word
Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. layer (n.) [ley-er] – the thickness of a substance or material
Example: The three
layers of cake are delicious!
2. vulnerable (adj.) [vuhl-ner-uh-buhl] – open to or without protection against
danger
Example: Without
the skin, our body is vulnerable to
diseases.
3. enactment (n.) [en-akt-muhnt] – the act of putting into action a certain
law or agreement
Example: The
government cancelled the enactment of
the new tax law.
4. phase out (idiom) [feyz-out]– to gradually end the existence of
something
Example: Because
people can watch shows online, the television might be phased out in the future.
Article
Read the text below.
The
ozone layer in the Arctic has lost as much as 40% during the
last winter season.
UN
weather agency said that extreme cold temperature in the stratosphere, the
second layer of the atmosphere containing the ozone layer and the presence of
chemicals harmful to it caused it to be destroyed.
Although
the temperature at the ground level of the Arctic region was warmer than the
average, it was recorded to be colder in the stratosphere.
Experts
claimed they had expected the loss because this happens normally when the
stratosphere has very low temperature.
The
highest loss previously recorded during winter season was around 30%.
On
the other hand, the ozone layer continues to be vulnerable to
harmful substances like chlorofluorocarbons and halons despite the enactment of
an agreement that bans the use of these said substances.
An
environmental agreement signed in 1987 phased out these kinds of
chemicals used in everyday products like refrigerators and spray cans. However,
these chemicals have remained in the atmosphere for years causing the slow
recovery of the ozone layer.
In
the case of the loss caused by the cold temperature, experts advise to remain
alert on any significant changes on the condition in Artic in the coming years.
The
loss in the ozone layer is a big concern because this layer is responsible for
filtering the harmful rays of the sun which can cause skin cancer, eye defects
and damages to some plants and animals.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
What are some environmental changes which
you think are natural?
·
How do you think we should respond
to these natural changes?
Discussion B
·
How do environmental agreements
between countries help improve the environment?
·
Can you think of an agreement that
should be established in order to protect the environment?
