©(AP Photo/LM Otero)
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- saline /SEY-leen/
- unmineable /uhn-MY-nuh-buhl/
- decarbonize /dee-KAHR-buh-nahyz/
- utilize /YOOT-l-ahyz/
- extraction /ik-STRAK-shuhn/
[adjective] – containing or resembling salt
Scientists are studying saline lakes in remote deserts to understand extreme environments.
[adjective] – not suitable or possible to be mined
The country has large unmineable gold reserves deep beneath protected forests.
[verb] – to reduce or eliminate carbon dioxide emissions
Researchers are developing new fuels to decarbonize air travel in the next decade.
[verb] – used for a specific purpose
The extra funds were utilized to build a new community library.
[noun] – the act of removing something
The extraction of rare earth metals often causes environmental damage.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is an emerging technology implemented by industrial facilities and power plants to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, which are a principal contributor to global warming. The process involves separating CO₂ from other gases, compressing it, and storing it deep underground in geological formations, including saline aquifers and unmineable coal seams. A facility in Texas operated by BKV Corporation injects carbon dioxide at high pressure into underground formations located nearly two miles below the surface to support long-term storage, based on corporate disclosures. In 2023, approximately 45 commercial-scale carbon capture facilities operated globally, collectively removing 50 million metric tons of CO₂—a minimal share of the 37.8 gigatonnes of CO₂ emissions from the energy sector, according to the International Energy Agency.
Although CCS is viewed as a possible solution for reducing emissions in difficult-to-decarbonize sectors, including cement and steel, experts have raised concerns about its cost, effectiveness, and environmental implications. The Environmental Integrity Project reported that while some projects forecast capture rates of 90 percent, most achieve only around 60 percent. Furthermore, nearly 75 percent of captured carbon is utilized to increase oil extraction rather than stored permanently. A 2021 study found that the process can also release methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas. A carbon dioxide leak discovered in Illinois near the Mahomet Aquifer prompted state lawmakers to implement restrictions on underground carbon storage in areas close to vital water supplies. Supporters of the technology emphasize the importance of tax incentives to attract investment, but environmental groups argue that reliance on CCS may delay the transition to renewable energy.
Although CCS is viewed as a possible solution for reducing emissions in difficult-to-decarbonize sectors, including cement and steel, experts have raised concerns about its cost, effectiveness, and environmental implications. The Environmental Integrity Project reported that while some projects forecast capture rates of 90 percent, most achieve only around 60 percent. Furthermore, nearly 75 percent of captured carbon is utilized to increase oil extraction rather than stored permanently. A 2021 study found that the process can also release methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas. A carbon dioxide leak discovered in Illinois near the Mahomet Aquifer prompted state lawmakers to implement restrictions on underground carbon storage in areas close to vital water supplies. Supporters of the technology emphasize the importance of tax incentives to attract investment, but environmental groups argue that reliance on CCS may delay the transition to renewable energy.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever learned about or visited a power plant or factory before? If so, what did you see or learn there? If not, would you like to visit one in the future? Why or why not?
- Have you heard about ways to fight climate change at school or in the news? If so, what ideas did you hear? If not, what do you think people can do to help the Earth?
- Do you agree that carbon capture can help reduce climate problems, even if it is not perfect?
- What are some other ways to reduce carbon dioxide besides using CCS technology?
- Why do you think some experts are worried about storing carbon near water sources?
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.
- technology
- industrial
- carbon dioxide
- global warming
- geological