Amphibious car parade ends in Amsterdam due to new emission rules

admin 2024年8月29日

Culture & Travel, Culture & Travel - Expert

©REUTERS

Vocabulary:

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

vibrant /VAHY-bruhnt/

[adjective] – full of energy, life, or color; bright and lively
The city’s vibrant nightlife attracts tourists from all over the world.

amphibious /am-FIB-ee-uhs/

[adjective] – capable of functioning both on land and in water
The military used amphibious vehicles to transport troops across the river.

navigate /NAV-i-geyt/

[verb] – to direct the way that a vehicle, esp. a ship or aircraft will travel, or to find a direction across, along, or over an area of water or land
The captain skillfully navigated the ship through the narrow channel.

cumbersome /KUHM-ber-suhm/

[adjective] – difficult to handle or manage because of size, weight, or complexity
The old, bulky furniture was cumbersome to move up the narrow staircase.

scenic /SEE-nik/

[adjective] – having or offering beautiful natural views
The hikers were captivated by the scenic mountain views along the trail.

Article reading:

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

A vibrant parade of amphibious cars sailed through Amsterdam’s canals, marking the last time the event will be held in the city under current regulations. Beginning in 2025, Amsterdam will enforce new environmental standards that limit access to its waterways to only emission-free vessels and vehicles. This policy poses a significant challenge for amphibious cars, which cannot comply due to the heavy weight of their electric batteries. Roy Bolks, the event’s organizer, confirmed that the parade, which began in Amsterdam and included stops in Monnickendam and Utrecht, concluded in the city on August 1. This year’s event saw an unprecedented turnout, with 100 participants—more than the typical 80—joining the parade, with Bolks noting that a waiting list had to be created due to the high demand.

The transition to electric amphibious vehicles remains difficult, as Bolks highlighted, with only a few such vehicles currently in existence. These vehicles are challenging to navigate, primarily because their batteries are too large and heavy, making them cumbersome to operate. Bolks mentioned that future technology might make it possible for these unique cars to return to Amsterdam, but he admitted that such progress is not happening yet. The amphibious car parade, which began in 1987 and has been hosted in Amsterdam four times, will continue elsewhere in the Netherlands, unaffected by Amsterdam’s regulations. Bolks mentioned that Friesland is expected to host the event in the coming years, emphasizing the area’s scenic beauty as a fitting backdrop for the parade.

Discussion Questions:

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

Have you ever attended a parade or public event in your city? If so, what was the most memorable part of it? If not, what kind of event would you most likely want to attend, and why?
Have you ever seen a unique or unusual type of vehicle, such as an amphibious car? If so, where did you see it, and what was your impression? If not, what kind of vehicle are you most interested in, and why?
Do you agree that we should follow environmental rules even if they make it harder to hold traditional events?
What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of transitioning to emission-free vehicles for public events?
How do you think Amsterdam’s new environmental regulations will impact tourism and local businesses?

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.

sail
vessel
regulation
emission-free
unprecedented