Climate Change and Environmental Science
Intermediate English listening exercise ยท University Lectures
Transcript
Professor: Climate change is arguably the most pressing challenge of our generation. The primary driver is the increase in greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide and methane, resulting from human activities. Student: What are the main sources of these emissions? Professor: The burning of fossil fuels for energy production accounts for roughly seventy percent. Deforestation, agriculture, and industrial processes make up the rest. Student: Are the effects already visible? Professor: Very much so. Global temperatures have risen by approximately one point one degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times. We are seeing more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and accelerated melting of polar ice caps. Student: Is it too late to reverse the damage? Professor: Not entirely, but the window is closing. Scientists agree we need to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 to limit warming to one point five degrees.
Comprehension questions
- What percentage of emissions comes from fossil fuels?
- By when do scientists say we need net-zero emissions?
- What are the two main greenhouse gases mentioned by the professor?
- What accounts for roughly seventy percent of emissions?
- By how much have global temperatures risen since pre-industrial times?