【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. efficiency / ɪˈfɪʃ ən si/ (n.) – the ability to produce outputs without wasting resources
Example: We have created more products in less time, thanks to the employees’ efficiency.
2. ideology /aɪ diˈɒl ə dʒi, ˌɪd i-/ (n.) – a set of beliefs and ideas of one group or institution
Example: To conserve water is one of the ideologies of an environmentalist.
3. accordingly /əˈkɔr dɪŋ li/ (adv.) – in a way that is fitting and proper
Example: As what the director said, I led the children to the forest accordingly.
4. emerge /ɪˈmɚʤ/ [ih-MURJ] (v.) – to be considered or regarded as something
Example: The United States emerged as one of the countries that emit the most greenhouse gases.
5. zero tolerance /ˈzɪər oʊ ˈtɒl ər əns/ (n.) – very strict implementation of rules
Example: The government has zero tolerance on improper waste disposal.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Germany is considered the most energy-efficient country worldwide, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) reported.
The ACEEE analyzed the energy efficiency of 16 first world countries and ranked them accordingly. Energy efficiency refers to the use of less energy to provide the same amount of output or service. Its ultimate goal is to save energy, which in turn can lessen greenhouse gas emissions.
The criteria for the analysis were based solely on the rules and regulations that stick to the ideology of energy efficiency. A country can get as high as 100 points overall in four categories: industries, buildings and constructions, transportation, and national energy efficiency efforts.
With 65 points, Germany emerged as the most energy-efficient country in the world, followed by Italy with 64 points and by the European Union (EU) with 63 points. These three major economies, along with China, topped the industry, transportation, national efforts, and the buildings categories, respectively. Japan landed on the eighth spot, scoring fourth on buildings with Canada.
On the other hand, countries with the lowest ranks—thirteenth to sixteenth—are the United States, Russia, Brazil, and Mexico, respectively. Despite its high scores on the building category, Australia got only the tenth place.
According to Dr. Philipp Ackermann, an official from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, the results vindicated the focus of the country towards energy efficiency. Germany currently implements zero tolerance on high carbon emissions and is now finding ways on expanding renewable energy resources.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· How do you think the rankings will affect the countries involved in the report?
· In your opinion, which of the first world countries ranked low in the energy efficiency report? Why do you think so?
Discussion B
· Why is energy efficiency important?
· In your opinion, how can other countries become more energy efficient?
