‘Powering the world with clean energy is common sense,’ Branson wrote. Here’s what’s behind his comments.
Read the article and choose the right answer A-D to the questions below:
1.What is Richard Branson’s stance on clean energy transition?
a)He opposes renewable energy
b)He considers it inevitable and essential
c) He is neutral about climate change
d)He supports fossil fuel industries
2. How has Virgin Group demonstrated commitment to sustainability?
a) By criticising government policies
b) By investing in fossil fuel companies
c) By supporting climate technology ventures
d) By ignoring environmental challenges
3. What potential consequence might the US face by withdrawing from the Paris Agreement?
a) Increased global renewable energy investment
b) Loss of international climate negotiating power
c) Immediate reduction in carbon emissions
d) Guaranteed economic benefits
4. What action did Trump take regarding renewable energy development?
a) Expanded offshore wind projects
b) Promoted solar energy infrastructure
c) Withdrew federal lands from wind development
d) Increased climate change mitigation efforts
5. What significant achievement has Virgin Atlantic accomplished recently?
a) Developing traditional aircraft engines
b) Reducing ticket prices
c) Expanding international routes
d) Flying across the Atlantic on 100% sustainable aviation fuel.
6. What motivation does Branson express for supporting clean energy?
a) Securing future generations’ environment
b) Financial profit
c) Political advancement
d) Personal recognition
Key: 1b; 2c; 3b; 4c; 5d; 6a
Glossary
- flurry (of) – a sudden, short period of activity, excitement, or interest
- disbursement – the act of paying out money especially from a fund
- to throw one’s weight behind – to use all your influence and do everything you can to support sb/sth
Practice makes perfect
Watch the video and pick the right summary of it:
1. In the video, a 17-year-old nuclear physicist named Taylor Wilson discusses the potential of nuclear fusion as the future of energy. He highlights his journey of building a fusion reactor at a young age and its applications in various fields. Taylor emphasizes the importance of young individuals in driving innovation and making a positive impact on the world.
2. In the video, Taylor Wilson claims that nuclear fusion is not a viable energy source for the future. He showcases his fusion reactor but mentions that it does not produce more energy than it consumes. Despite his achievements, he questions the practicality of nuclear fusion in real-world applications. Taylor concludes by expressing doubts about the potential of young people to bring about significant change.
3. In the video, Taylor Wilson delves into the ethical implications of nuclear fusion technology on society. He explores the environmental impact of fusion reactors and advocates for stricter regulations to prevent misuse. Taylor also discusses the role of international cooperation in ensuring the safe development of nuclear fusion as a sustainable energy source. The video concludes with a call to action for global leaders to address the ethical concerns surrounding nuclear fusion technology.
Key: 1
Discuss:
- Do you try to save energy? How?
- Do you think solar cells, wind farms, tidal power, hydropower and thermal energy will solve our future energy needs?
- Do you think it’s possible to get our future energy from some source we don’t yet know of? How will scientists solve the world’s energy problems?
- Do you think our energy demands are sustainable?
Watch and revise!
Renewable Energy
The importance of clean energy in a world increasingly concerned about climate change
https://www.cloud.worldwideschool.pl/index.php/s/pzb9YJyN6dnfXs3
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