How climate change threatens ski resort shutdowns

admin 2023年3月15日

Vocabulary:

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

revenue /REV-uhn-yoo/

[noun] – the income that a business or government receives regularly, or an amount representing such income
The small family-run shop struggled to keep up with its expenses as its revenue declined due to the recent economic crisis.

supplement /SUHP-luh-ment/

[verb] – to add something to something to make it larger or better
The athlete decided to supplement her training with yoga to improve her flexibility and balance.

unsustainable /uhn-suh-STEY-nuh-buhl/

[adjective] – causing damage to the environment by using more of something than can be replaced naturally
The large factory’s unsustainable use of water from the nearby river was harming the local ecosystem and putting the livelihoods of nearby communities at risk.

combat /kuhm-BAT/

[verb] – to try to stop something unpleasant or harmful from happening or increasing
The government announced plans to combat the spread of COVID-19 by increasing funding for healthcare systems and promoting social distancing measures.

reliance /ri-LAHY-uhns/

[noun] – the state of depending on or trusting in something or someone
The small island nation’s heavy reliance on imported goods made it particularly vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.

Article reading:

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

Climate change is causing the snow to melt earlier and making it difficult for ski resorts to stay open. As a result, they are facing financial losses. In this article, we will discuss the impact of climate change on ski resorts and what people are doing to address this problem.

The ski industry generates significant revenue for many regions worldwide. In Europe, for example, it is estimated that the ski industry is worth around 30 billion euros annually. However, rising temperatures are making it harder for ski resorts to attract customers. As a result, many ski resorts are turning to snowmaking machines to supplement natural snowfall. However, this practice is costly and can be unsustainable in the long run. Ski resorts are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint and combat climate change. For example, some resorts are investing in renewable energy sources such as solar power and wind turbines to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Others are implementing sustainable practices such as recycling, reducing waste, and using eco-friendly products. These efforts are not only helping the environment but also attracting environmentally conscious skiers.

In conclusion, the impact of climate change on ski resorts is a significant threat to the ski industry. However, ski resorts are taking proactive measures to mitigate their carbon footprint and keep their businesses sustainable. It is important for all of us to recognize the impact of our actions on the environment and to help ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the snow-capped mountains and picturesque slopes of ski resorts.

Discussion Questions:

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

In your own little ways, how can you help reduce the impact of climate change? Please elaborate on your answer.
Have you ever visited a ski resort? How was your experience? If not, would you like to visit one? Why or why not?
Do you agree that rising temperatures are making it harder for ski resorts to attract customers? Why or why not?
Do you think the ski industry could be a role model for other industries to adopt sustainable practices? Why or why not?
In what ways can ski resorts better educate their customers about the environmental impact of their operations?

Summarization

Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.

Describe:

Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.

loss
discuss
estimate
fossil fuel
proactive