Tourism: A Threat to Antarctica’s Ecosystem

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. danger /ˈdeɪn dʒər/ (n.) – something bad or harmful

Example: Everyone must know the danger of throwing garbage anywhere.

2. remote /rɪˈmoʊt/ (adj.) – being in a distant place

Example: Endangered species can mostly be found in remote areas.

3. frequent /frɪˈkwɛnt, ˈfri kwənt/ (v.) – to visit habitually

Example: The actor frequents Asian countries for his environmental campaign.

4. invasive /ɪnˈveɪ sɪv/ (adj.) – referring to something that spreads out in an undesirable way

Example: Invasive plants grow rapidly in the Antarctic.

5. preservation /ˌprɛz ərˈveɪ ʃən/ (n.) – act of keeping something

Example: Planting more trees helps with the preservation of our ecosystem.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A research published in the journal PLoS Biology suggests that tourism and other human activities could pose threats to Antarctica’s ecosystem. Researchers from the National Environmental Research Programme (NERP) and the Australian Antarctic Division conducted the study. The study assessed the danger of external factors to Antarctica’s ecosystem like human activities. Dubbed as one of the planet’s last true wildernesses, Antarctica is best known for its remote position relative to other continents. The continent’s isolation, according to experts, is what helped protect it. Despite this, the study found that Antarctica is the least protected region among all continents. According to the researchers, Antarctica’s existing protected areas are gradually becoming damaged as thousands of people annually visit the continent. From 5,000 in 1990 to 40,000 today, these multitude of people frequent small ice-free areas. Although these areas make up only about 1% of the continent, they are home to most of Antarctica’s flora and fauna. Only 1.5% of these ice-free areas are specifically protected. These protected zones are not protected from human activities. Professor Steven Chown of Monash University believed that these human activities bring invasive species that can be a threat to the continent’s biodiversity. The researchers suggested that stricter implementation of rules and regulations must be observed for the preservation of the continent’s wildlife. According to them, if adequate protection for the areas is not given, the fragile and unique ecosystem of the continent will be lost in no time.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think it is a good initiative to limit the number of tourists in Antarctica? Why or why not?

·          What else should be done to protect Antarctica’s ecosystem?

Discussion B

·         What do you think will happen if many animal and plant species vanish? Please explain.

·         What could one do to protect and preserve the ecosystem?

Obama Proposes Initiative to Lessen Carbon Emissions

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. initiative /ɪˈnɪʃ i ə tɪv, ɪˈnɪʃ ə-/ (n.) – a program that aims to solve a problem

Example: The government’s new initiative aims to plant more trees along the national highways.

2. emission /ɪˈmɪʃ ən/ (n.) – the act of secreting or producing something

Example: The air in some cities is so polluted because of excessive gas emissions.

3. leeway /ˈliˌweɪ/ (n.) – the extent of freedom that one has in a specific situation

Example: The company gives its employees a leeway to choose their own work shift.

4. dead set against (someone/something) /dɛd sɛt əˈgɛnst, əˈgeɪnst/ (idiom) – to be completely against or opposed to something

Example: He was dead set against pollution, so he made a point of riding a bike instead of a car.

5. persistent /pərˈsɪs tənt, -ˈzɪs-/ (adj.) – remaining with a decision or a course of action despite difficulties

Example: Even when no one supported him, the president passed the bill because he was persistent.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

US president Barack Obama [buh-RAHK oh-BAH-muh] announced a new initiative to reduce the country’s carbon emissions by 30 percent in 16 years. This initiative aims to lessen the number of power plants that operate on coal. These power plants provide 37 percent of the electricity supply and make up 40 percent of carbon emissions in the United States. President Obama has sought the aid of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in creating the proposal, which was released last June. The proposal declares that, in every state, a reduction target will be given. Each state will also have a set of options as leeway to meet the targets in their own terms. Although the proposal has earned support from environmentalists and politicians alike, the US Congress continues to resist the president’s initiative. Majority of the House of Representatives are dead set against passing any new law in relation to climate change. This is because many representatives distrust the existence of global warming and even doubt that it was caused by people. In addition, Republican House Speaker John Boehner [jon BAY-ner] said that one major concern is that the initiative may lead to the collapse of the country’s employment and economy, which is unavoidable in any proposal concerning climate change. Despite the lack of support from the Congress, President Obama remains persistent by building an alliance with the EPA. He admitted that it takes time and difficult choices to build a better energy economy. Regardless, he said the outcome will provide a better and cleaner future for the country. President Obama is known to support and strive for the fight against climate change since his first presidential term five years ago.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you approve of President Obama’s proposal? Why or why not?

·         Which do you think is a more important issue, climate change or employment and economy? Why?

Discussion B

·         Do you think people can live without electricity in order to stop climate change? Why or why not?

·         What do you think is the best solution to fight climate change? 

Chicken Liver Dish Linked to Food Poisoning

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. host /hoʊst/ (n.) – refers to an animal that carries bacteria or parasite

Example: After realizing that meats are host to many viruses, she decided to be a vegetarian.

2. poultry /ˈpoʊl tri/ (n.) – birds that are kept for their eggs and meat

Example: The farmer disposed some of his poultry stock because of virus contamination.

3. banquet /ˈbæŋ kwɪt/ (n.) – refers to a public dinner or an extravagant feast

Example: They decided to hold a banquet at home instead of in a hotel.

4. fine /faɪn/ (v.) – to pay a certain amount of money for breaking the law

Example: After being fined for food poisoning, the catering service was put out of business.

5. gastrointestinal /ˌgæs troʊ ɪnˈtɛs tə nl/ (adj.) – referring to the stomach and intestines of a human body

Example: She needs a surgery in order for her gastrointestinal tract to heal properly.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Public health experts in the UK have declared an official alert last June as cases of food poisoning from eating undercooked chicken livers increase. Public Health England (PHE) has announced that chicken liver is host to the bacteria called campylobacter [kam-pee-lo-BAK-tr], the leading cause of food poisoning in the country. Contamination in the country’s poultry stock has long been an issue. Two in three chickens from supermarkets, and three in four from British farms are likely contaminated. Food poisoning incidents due to campylobacter have also risen, with 6,000 cases reported yearly. According to government data, there are more large-party incidents than individual cases, suggesting that most of the outbreak is caused by one famous dish, the chicken liver parfait. According to PHE, some of the recent cases occurred in banquets in hotels, where chicken liver parfait is a regular dish. As a consequence, hotels have been heavily fined to answer for guests who suffer from food poisoning.  The dish is recommended by chefs to be prepared with an undercooked chicken liver as it keeps the meat pink in the middle. However, this method allows the bacteria to remain in raw portions of the meat. Independent government departments such as the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have made efforts to inspire awareness about the harmful effects of campylobacter. It has arranged campaigns such as the Food Safety Week, in which the risks of the bacteria as well as proper ways of handling raw meat are emphasized. PHE has shown its support to FSA, and further advises the public that campylobacter causes various gastrointestinal infections other than food poisoning, some of which may lead to paralysis or death.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think the chefs are also to blame for food poisoning incidents? Why or why not?

·         Would you still eat raw food after reading this article? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         Do you think it is safe to eat raw food? Why or why not?

·         In your opinion, what should people do to avoid food poisoning?

Supermoms Eager to Be Perfect Parents Have Higher Risk for Depression

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. depression /dɪˈprɛʃən/ n.) – the state of extreme sadness and hopelessness

Example: She went into a mild depression after her dog died.

2. competence /ˈkɒmpɪtəns/ (n.) – the ability to do or perform well in a specific task

Example: Competence is one of the factors that mothers consider when choosing a pediatrician for their child.

3. anxious /ˈæŋkʃəs, ˈæŋ-/ (adj.) – being worried, uneasy, or nervous about something

Example: My dad is anxious that I might damage our car.

4. perceive /pərˈsiv/ (v.) – to recognize something or someone

Example: People sometimes perceive hyperactivity in kids as misbehavior.

5. misdemeanor /ˌmɪsdɪˈminər/ (n.) – a misbehavior or wrongdoing

Example: The kid made a terrible mess in the living room and was scolded for his misdemeanor.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Working moms who are much more eager to become perfect parents have higher risk of developing depression, according to the study from the University of Michigan [MISH-i-guh n]. The study involved a survey of 113 women on depression and their feeling of competence as mothers. With a questionnaire, mothers were asked to agree or disagree with the given statements. Among the statements are “if they do everything for their baby,” “if they think other mothers have lesser parenting problems,” and “if they feel guilty about putting their needs before that of their children.” Women having difficulties in handling their kids in public may become too stressed, which may lead to a greater possibility of getting mental disorders. Researchers explained that some mothers are too pressured with what people think of them as parents. They also tend to get too anxious about what people would say about their parenting, which hinders them from asking help when necessary. Research fellow Dr. Thomason said that kids must behave properly because any inappropriate behavior would reflect negatively on their upbringing. According to the study’s results, women who were too concerned about whether people perceive them as good mothers or not have higher chances to be depressed. However, mothers with a different outlook were more willing to ask for assistance. On another note, Dr. Thomason emphasized that a child’s misbehavior does not necessarily mean that he or she has a bad mother. In addition, the children’s misdemeanors may be challenging but may also be resolved by different strategies. According to recent findings, depression is more common in one out of three first-time mothers between their pregnancy and four years after childbirth.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         How does a working mom’s lifestyle affect the quality of her parenting?

·         Aside from having deep concern with parenting, what other factors would contribute to a working mother’s depression?

Discussion B

·         Would you prefer that women stay at home instead of working? Why or why not?

·         How can a person avoid having depression? Explain.