【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. restriction / rɪˈstrɪk ʃən / (n.) – a limit; a rule that controls something
Example: The camp site has pool restrictions.
2. drought / draʊt / (n.) – a prolonged time when there is little to no rain
Example: The crops are dying because of the drought.
3. mandate / ˈmæn deɪt / (v.) – to require something
Example: The law mandates that all water resources must be conserved.
4. lawn / lɔn / (n.) – a grass-covered area or piece of land
Example: The lawn needs to be mowed.
5. breadbasket / ˈbrɛdˌbæs kɪt, -ˌbɑ skɪt / (n.) – a place that produces large amounts of food
Example: My province is one of our country’s breadbaskets.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
California governor implements the first ever water restriction in the state as it faces severe drought.
Governor Jerry Brown mandated the State Water Resources Control Board to join forces with local agencies and impose water reduction initiatives. Brown implemented the restrictions in hopes of cutting down California’s water consumption by 25%.
The initiatives include the replacement of 50 million square feet of lawns with drought-tolerant landscaping. It also involves creating programs that will encourage people to replace their old appliances with the ones that are more water-efficient. Other large properties, such as golf courses, cemeteries, and campuses, are also required to lessen water usage.
Aside from the water restrictions, the government of California is doing other initiatives to cope with this problem, a press release from the governor’s office reported. The mandate also involves increasing the price of water that people consume and monitoring of water usage by farmers.
California has been experiencing drought for four years now. This drought has become so severe that Brown has declared California in a state of emergency in 2014. It is actually considered the worst drought that the state has experienced, affecting both the people and the agriculture.
Drought does not affect only the state, but also the nation. California is one of the breadbaskets of the United States, as it produces two-thirds of the country’s fruits and nuts and a third of its vegetables. And because drought affected the supply of agricultural produce, the prices of farm products in the country have significantly increased.
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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
· Do you approve of the water restrictions mandated in California? Why or why not?
· What else do you think California should do to conserve their water supply?
Discussion B
· How can water resources be conserved?
· Do you think the water supply in your country will still be sufficient 50 years from now? Why is that so?
