©REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What environmental impacts or changes related to climate change do you observe or feel in your local area?
- What shifts in behavior or lifestyle choices do you think could have a positive impact on the environment?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- critical /KRIT-i-kuhl/
- restore /ri-STAWR/
- capacity /kuh-PAS-i-tee/
- submit /suhb-MIT/
- conservation /kon-ser-VEY-shuhn/
[adjective] – extremely important or essential
The surgeon’s quick decision-making was critical to the success of the operation.
[verb] – to return something or someone to an earlier good condition or position
After years of neglect, the community worked together to restore the old theater to its former glory.
[noun] – the ability or potential that someone or something has to perform a particular function or fulfill a specific role
The dam has a large capacity for water storage, which is crucial for managing flood control in the region.
[verb] – to formally present for consideration, approval, or judgment
Before the deadline, the team worked diligently to submit their proposal for the new project.
[noun] – the protection, preservation, and careful management of natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity
The national park’s conservation efforts have successfully increased the population of endangered species in the area.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In Yokohama, Japan, a dedicated group of around 100 volunteers recently took part in an environmental initiative to plant eelgrass along the city’s coast, just south of Tokyo. This activity forms a critical part of a broader effort to restore the marine ecosystem and aligns with Japan’s ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Japan is known as the world’s fifth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Given its extensive coastline, which is disproportionately large compared to its land area, Japan is uniquely positioned to use marine vegetation to help absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus playing a pivotal role in mitigating climate change.
This pioneering project has drawn national attention and is significant for its integration of “blue carbon” strategies, which utilize oceanic and coastal ecosystems to store carbon. Keita Furukawa, a marine scientist from the Association for Shore Environment Creation, underscored the potent capacity of marine plants like eelgrass in the carbon sequestration process. By including the carbon absorption data of seagrass and seaweed in its annual Greenhouse Gas Inventory report submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Japan has set an international precedent. Currently, marine vegetation offsets only 0.03% of Japan’s annual emissions. However, its importance is expected to increase as the country’s forests age and become less efficient at capturing carbon. Expanding eelgrass cultivation could significantly bolster Japan’s climate action efforts, marking an essential step forward in environmental conservation.
This pioneering project has drawn national attention and is significant for its integration of “blue carbon” strategies, which utilize oceanic and coastal ecosystems to store carbon. Keita Furukawa, a marine scientist from the Association for Shore Environment Creation, underscored the potent capacity of marine plants like eelgrass in the carbon sequestration process. By including the carbon absorption data of seagrass and seaweed in its annual Greenhouse Gas Inventory report submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Japan has set an international precedent. Currently, marine vegetation offsets only 0.03% of Japan’s annual emissions. However, its importance is expected to increase as the country’s forests age and become less efficient at capturing carbon. Expanding eelgrass cultivation could significantly bolster Japan’s climate action efforts, marking an essential step forward in environmental conservation.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is the main goal of planting eelgrass along the coast of Yokohama, Japan?
- Why is Japan considered uniquely positioned to use marine vegetation for absorbing carbon dioxide?
- What role does marine vegetation play in Japan’s efforts against climate change according to the article?
- Who emphasized the effectiveness of marine plants like eelgrass in the carbon sequestration process and what was his affiliation?
- What is the current impact of marine vegetation on Japan’s annual emissions, and how might its role change in the future?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever participated in any environmental initiatives or volunteer projects similar to the one described in the article? If so, what was your experience like? If not, would you be interested in participating in such projects in the future?
- Do you think initiatives like planting eelgrass along coastlines could be beneficial in your country or region? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that countries with extensive coastlines, like Japan, have a unique advantage in using marine vegetation to combat climate change?
- How do you think governments and communities can encourage more widespread participation in environmental conservation efforts similar to the one in Yokohama, Japan?
- Given the potential impact of marine vegetation on carbon emissions, what other innovative approaches do you think countries could explore to further reduce their environmental footprint and combat climate change?