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Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- initiative /ih-NISH-uh-tiv/
- allocate /AL-uh-keyt /
- innovative /IN-uh-vey-tiv/
- detrimental /de-truh-MEN-tl/
- drought /drout/
[noun] – a new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem
The school launched an initiative to promote mental health awareness among students.
[verb] – to distribute or designate resources, such as funds or time, for a particular purpose or task
The project manager decided to allocate additional funds to speed up the completion of the construction project.
[adjective] – using new methods or ideas
The tech company introduced innovative features in its latest smartphone model.
[adjective] – causing harm or damage
The use of certain cleaning chemicals can be detrimental to indoor air quality.
[noun] – a long period when there is little or no rain
The prolonged drought in the desert transformed the landscape into a dry and arid environment.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Kenya has announced an unexpected public holiday on November 13, urging citizens nationwide to participate in a massive tree-planting initiative as part of a broader plan to address climate change. Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki revealed this groundbreaking move through social media, emphasizing the patriotic nature of contributing to the country’s environmental well-being. Currently, Kenya’s forest cover stands at approximately 7%, prompting the government to allocate over $80 million in the current fiscal year to raise it to over 10%. The overarching objective is to plant and nurture a staggering 15 billion trees by 2032 under the Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme, with the aim of rejuvenating over 10 million hectares of degraded landscapes and ecosystems.
This innovative tree-planting day is a pivotal step in countering the detrimental impacts of climate change, particularly in the Horn of Africa, where prolonged droughts have become increasingly severe. To bolster this nationwide effort, the Kenyan Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Ministry will provide tree seedlings, showcasing the government’s commitment to fulfilling its climate action obligations. Environment Minister Roselinda Soipan Tuya sees this as a ‘hummingbird’ contribution day, urging all Kenyans to unite in defending the environment. President William Ruto, who has been prioritizing the national landscape and ecosystem restoration program since September 2022, has received commendation for this initiative, even earning praise from King Charles III during his recent visit to Kenya. The king, impressed by Kenya’s ambition to plant 15 billion trees, underscored the global significance of such efforts in the face of the escalating climate change crisis.
This innovative tree-planting day is a pivotal step in countering the detrimental impacts of climate change, particularly in the Horn of Africa, where prolonged droughts have become increasingly severe. To bolster this nationwide effort, the Kenyan Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Ministry will provide tree seedlings, showcasing the government’s commitment to fulfilling its climate action obligations. Environment Minister Roselinda Soipan Tuya sees this as a ‘hummingbird’ contribution day, urging all Kenyans to unite in defending the environment. President William Ruto, who has been prioritizing the national landscape and ecosystem restoration program since September 2022, has received commendation for this initiative, even earning praise from King Charles III during his recent visit to Kenya. The king, impressed by Kenya’s ambition to plant 15 billion trees, underscored the global significance of such efforts in the face of the escalating climate change crisis.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever participated in a community or nationwide environmental initiative similar to the tree-planting day in Kenya? If yes, could you share your experience? If not, would you consider joining such an effort if it were organized in your community? Why or why not?
- Considering the article’s emphasis on the patriotic nature of contributing to environmental well-being, do you feel a personal duty or responsibility to participate in activities that address climate change in your own community? If yes, how do you express this commitment? If not, what factors influence your perspective?
- Do you believe initiatives like the tree-planting day in Kenya are effective in addressing climate change?
- How might the success of Kenya’s tree-planting initiative be measured, and what factors contribute to its potential success or challenges?
- In what ways can other countries learn from Kenya’s approach to combating climate change through nationwide public engagement? Consider the cultural, governmental, and environmental factors that might influence the success of similar initiatives in different regions.
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.
- ministry
- prolonged
- significance
- unite
- urge