Vocabulary:
- alarming /uh-LAHR-ming/
- phenomenon /fi-NOM-uh-non/
- reproduction /ree-pruh-DUHK-shuhn/
- immune system /uh-MYOON-SI-stm/
- unite /yoo-NAHYT/
[adjective] – causing worry or fear
The sudden rise in pollution levels is alarming, as it poses a serious threat to the health of our environment and the living beings that inhabit it.
[noun] – something that exists and can be seen, felt, tasted, etc., especially something unusual or interesting
The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the polar regions, where beautiful and colorful lights dance across the night sky.
[noun] – the process of having babies, producing young, or producing new plants
Reproduction is the biological process through which living organisms create offspring, ensuring the continuation of their species.
[noun] – the cells and tissues in the body that make it able to protect itself against infection
The immune system is our body’s natural defense mechanism that helps protect us from harmful bacteria and viruses by fighting off infections and keeping us healthy.
[verb] – to join together as a group, or to make people join together as a group; to combine
During times of crisis, people often unite to support each other and work together towards a common goal, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity within the community.
Article reading:
Scientists have discovered that oxygen levels in the oceans are decreasing. This phenomenon is primarily caused by human activities such as pollution and climate change. As we release more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, the Earth’s temperature rises, leading to warmer oceans. Warmer waters hold less oxygen, making it harder for fish and other marine organisms to breathe. Additionally, human-made pollution, including chemical runoff and plastics, contributes to the decline in oxygen levels. These factors combined create a challenging environment for marine life, threatening their survival and biodiversity. The consequences of declining oxygen levels in the oceans are far-reaching. Fish are highly sensitive to oxygen levels, as it directly affects their growth, reproduction, and overall health. With less oxygen available, fish struggle to maintain their vital functions, weakening their immune systems and making them more susceptible to diseases. Moreover, low oxygen levels can lead to “dead zones” in the ocean, where entire regions become uninhabitable for fish and other marine creatures. As a result, fish populations decline, disrupting the intricate food chains and ecosystems that rely on their presence.
To save our suffocating oceans, we need teamwork. Governments, industries, and individuals must unite. We must cut pollution, fight climate change, and embrace sustainability. By studying oxygen levels and taking action, we can protect fish and restore ocean health. Let’s secure their future together!
Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever visited an aquarium, gone snorkeling, or dived in the ocean? How did you feel while observing the marine life?
- Have you heard about any local initiatives or government efforts in your area to address ocean pollution or promote sustainability? What are your thoughts on these actions?
- Do you agree that the declining oxygen levels in the oceans pose a significant threat to marine life?
- In your opinion, what role should governments play in addressing the issue of declining oxygen levels in the oceans? How can they effectively collaborate with industries and individuals to tackle this problem?
- Do you think that individual actions, such as reducing plastic use or adopting more sustainable practices, can make a significant difference in combating the declining oxygen levels in the oceans? Why or why not?
Summarization
Describe:
- crisis
- vanish
- sensitive
- uninhabitable
- secure