Experts in climatology and other scientists are becoming extremely concerned about the changes to our climate which are taking place. Admittedly, climate changes have occurred on our planet before. For example, there have been several ice ages or glacial periods. These climatic changes, however, were different from the modern ones in that they occurred gradually and, as far as we know, naturally. The changes currently being monitored are said to be the result not of natural causes, but of human activity. Furthermore, the rate of change is becoming alarmingly rapid.

   The major problem is that the planet appears to be warming up. According to some experts, this warming process, known as global warming, is occurring at a rate unprecedented in the last 10,000 years. The implications for the planet are very serious. Rising global temperatures could give rise to such ecological disasters as extremely high increases in the incidence of flooding and of droughts. These in turn could have a harmful effect on agriculture.

   It is thought that this unusual warming of the Earth has been caused by so-called greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, being emitted into the atmosphere by car engines and modern industrial processes, for example. Such gases not only add to the pollution of the atmosphere, but also create a greenhouse effect, by which the heat of the sun is trapped. This leads to the warming up of the planet.

   Politicians are also concerned about climate change and there are now regular summits on the subject, attended by representatives from around 180 of the world’s industrialized countries. Of these summits, the most important took place in Kyotoin Japanin 1997. There it was agreed that the most industrialized countries would try to reduce the volume of greenhouse gas emissions and were given targets for this reduction of emissions.

   It was also suggested that more forests should be planted to create so-called sinks to absorb greenhouse gases. At least part of the problem of rapid climate change has been caused by too drastic deforestation. Sadly, the targets are not being met. Even more sadly, global warnings about climate changes are often still being regarded as scaremongering.

According to the passage, 1997 witnessed ____.

Câu hỏi liên quan

• The word “gloomy” in the passage is closest in meaning to ...............

• The word “bounds” in line 5 is closest in meaning to ......

• How did Juliette Davidson benefit from the experience of her first job?

ZUNIA12

• This reading would most probably be assigned in which of the following courses?

• Who will play music at the picnic this year?

• These changes in the Amercan home may ______________

• All of the following are true about the 1970 survey of Antarctica EXCEPT that it______.

• Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?

• The word “lies” in the first paragraph could be best be replaced by ______.

• According to the passage, what does a constricted and harsh voice indicate?

• The passage implies that ..............

• According to the passage Moore wrote about all of the following EXCEPT ________

• The writer uses the phrase “On the other hand” in the last paragraph to .......

• The word “Conversely” is OPPOSITE meaning to ...............

• What causes dodder to grow in a particular direction?

• The pronoun "they" in the second paragraph refers to ..........

• According to the passage, what does a constricted and harsh voice indicate?

• The word “microbes” in paragraph 3 could best be replaced by which of the following?

• Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?

• Merlin put wheels under his shoes in order to ..................