Massive heat pumps warming cities

admin 2023年2月8日

Intermediate

science & technology, science & technology - intermediate

Pre-reading questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

Do you like warm temperatures? Why or why not?
Are you a supporter of green technology? Could you elaborate on your answer?

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

urban /UR-buhn/

[adjective] – of or in a city or town
The urban landscape underwent a significant transformation as old factories were transformed into trendy loft apartments.

rural /ROOR-uhl/

[adjective] – in, of, or like the countryside
Rural areas have struggled to keep up with the technological advancements that have improved the lives of those in urban centers.

contribute /kuhn-TRIB-yoot /

[verb] – to be one of the reasons why something happens
Each individual can contribute to the conservation of the environment by making small changes in their daily routines.

community /kuh-MYOO-ni-tee/

[noun] – the people living in one particular area or people who are considered as a unit because of their common interests, social group, or nationality
Volunteering at local organizations is a great way to give back to the community and make a positive impact on those in need.

warmth /wawrmth /

[noun] – a high temperature that is comfortable but not hot
The warmth of the sun on a summer day can be both invigorating and relaxing, making it the perfect way to spend time outdoors.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

Do you know that communal heat pumps are being considered the answer to the problem of decarbonizing heat in both urban and rural areas? Gas boilers are currently used to heat 74% of homes in the UK and half of all homes in the US. These boilers contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, making it essential to install more heat pumps to reduce global warming. The remote village of Stithians in southwest England is leading the way by piloting a new approach to low-carbon heating.

The project focuses on overcoming the obstacles faced by individual homeowners by designing a heat pump system that can be delivered at scale. By creating a system that can be used across different communities, the project provides a model for other urban areas around the world to follow. The UK government’s climate advisory body states that by 2050, 52% of UK buildings should be heated using heat pumps. In the US, heat pumps are considered the “single most impactful lever” for reducing emissions, according to a study in San Francisco.

The success of the Stithians project could be a blueprint for other communities to follow in their quest to decarbonize heating. Communal heat pump networks could provide warmth to individual homes while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, making them a crucial solution to the climate crisis.

Comprehension questions

I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.

What is the current method of heating used in most homes in the UK and the US?
How do gas boilers contribute to greenhouse gas emissions?
How are heat pumps viewed in the US, according to a study in San Francisco?
How could the success of the Stithians project serve as an example for other communities?
What is the purpose of communal heat pump networks?

Discussion questions