Pre-reading questions:
- What does “resilience” mean?
- What are some ways that individuals can take action to promote resilience and sustainability in their daily lives?
Vocabulary:
- apparent /uh-PAIR-uhnt/
- imperative /im-PER-uh-tiv/
- emerge /ih-MURJ/
- commitment /kuh-MIT-muhnt/
- absorb /ab-SAWRB/
[adjective] – able to be seen or understood
It was apparent from the way she was sweating and breathing heavily that she had just finished a vigorous workout.
[adjective] – extremely important or urgent:
It is imperative that you finish your homework before watching TV if you want to get good grades in school.
[verb] – to appear by coming out of something or out from behind something
The truth about the situation slowly began to emerge after several weeks of investigation.
[noun] – a promise or firm decision to do something
If you want to achieve your goals, it’s important to have a strong commitment to your studies, including attending classes regularly and completing your assignments on time.
[verb] – to take something in, especially gradually
The sponge can absorb a lot of water, so it’s a great tool for cleaning up spills around the house.
Article reading:
The island nation’s latest initiative, the creation of the world’s first “climate-resilient” school, is a testament to its commitment to sustainability. The school is designed to withstand extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and landslides, making it a model for other nations to emulate. But this is just one part of Dominica’s wider plan to create a more sustainable future. The government is also investing in renewable energy, reforestation, and sustainable agriculture to build a more resilient economy. Another noteworthy aspect of Dominica’s approach is the emphasis on natural infrastructure. Preserving the island’s forests, coral reefs, and wetlands not only saves vital ecosystems but also reduces the risk of climate-related disasters. Healthy ecosystems can absorb the impact of extreme weather events and protect communities from the worst effects of climate change.
Dominica’s efforts to combat climate change are a testament to the power of collective action and bold leadership. As the world faces the urgent need to address the climate crisis, Dominica’s example offers hope and inspiration for a more resilient future.
Comprehension questions
- Why is it important for nations to take immediate action against climate change?
- Which small island nation in the Caribbean has emerged as a leader in the fight against climate change?
- What is the latest initiative taken by Dominica in the fight against climate change?
- How is the school designed to withstand extreme weather events?
- Apart from investing in renewable energy, what other initiatives is the government of Dominica taking to build a more sustainable economy?
Discussion questions
- Have you heard about the world’s first “climate-resilient” school? What do you think of the idea?
- Have you ever experienced extreme weather events like hurricanes or floods? If yes, how did it affect your life?
- Do you agree that urgent action is needed to address the climate crisis?
- In your opinion, why is it important for small nations to take action against climate change?
- How do you feel about Dominica’s efforts to combat climate change? Do you think other countries should follow their example?