【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. renovate / ˈrɛn əˌveɪt / (v.) – to improve a structure
Example: The government will renovate the old city hall.
2. viable / ˈvaɪ ə bəl / (adj.) – able to be used or developed
Example: Nuclear energy proved to be a viable resource.
3. legacy /ˈlɛg ə si/ (n.) – something left behind from the past
Example: Winning the Olympic medal was his legacy.
4. disrepair /ˌdɪs rɪˈpɛər / (n.) – the state of needing serious repair
Example: The 50-year old stadium has fallen into disrepair.
5. test bed / tɛst bɛd / (n.) – something that is used for testing an idea or item in development.
Example: Researchers used the community as a test bed for the new traffic technology.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Japan is planning to turn the Olympic village into a testing ground for a hydrogen-powered society.
According to Professor Takeo Kikkawa of Hitotsubashi University, renovating the Olympic village can be a good opportunity to see how viable hydrogen is as a source of energy. Attaining a society that uses hydrogen as a source of energy is an important goal for Japan because of its limited resources.
The concept details include pipe laying around the designated village area in Harumi district of Chuo Ward, Tokyo. These pipes will help distribute hydrogen and charge the fuel cells of any transportation used during the event. Hydrogen stations will also be constructed to help generate electricity and heat.
Once the Olympics is over, the athlete village will be furnished with a school and commercial facilities and will be converted into a proper social community.
With 2020 and the Olympic Games fast approaching, Japan is taking steps to complete not only the venue, but also a legacy to be left behind when the event is over. There were some locations of past Olympics that have either fallen into disrepair or flourished into attractive sights of their own.
However, this project is more than just making another tourist location. The town construction will make a test bed for the development of sustainable energy. This experiment can help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It can also be used as an opportunity to improve Japan’s aging infrastructure by creating an opportunity to commercialize hydrogen power.
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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 will the construction of a hydrogen-powered town help Japan? Kindly explain your answer.
· Do you think the town can become a legacy? Please explain.
Discussion B
· What are the other sources of sustainable energy?
· Why is it important to find other sources of energy?
