5.We sometimes think global warming or climate change is a problem very far away from our lives,and that only the government needs to worry about it.But it's hardly possible to completely stay out of it-scientists are now 95percent sure that humans have been the"dominant cause"of global warming trends since the 1950s.
One of the conclusions of a report released on Sept 27by the United Nations says that human activities have caused global temperatures to rise by 0.89 0C between 1901and 2012.That might not seem like a lot,but the truth is that a major part of that heat has been absorbed into the oceans,which is not surprising given that they cover two thirds of Earth's surface.Also,water has a much greater capacity (容量) to absorb heat than the air does,according to The Economist.
While many greenhouse gases occur naturally and are needed to keep the Earth warm enough to support life,humans'use of fossil fuels is the main source of excess (多余的) greenhouse gases.According to CNN,by driving cars,using electricity produced by burning coal and oil or heating our homes with coal or natural gas,we release a large amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Your body can barely feel a difference of 0.89 0C,but the Earth's ecosystems are so sensitive that even small changes can disturb them.It often starts with the smallest creatures at the bottom of the food chain,eventually affecting bigger animals,many of which could end up becoming extinct.
Global warming is also linked to an increase in extreme weather.A larger amount of carbon dioxide traps more energy inside the atmosphere.This changes the patterns of storms and rainfall in many regions and can lead to droughts and floods.Worse still,melting sea ice in warmer oceans is causing sea levels to rise at a speed of more than three millimeters per year,according to The Guardian,which also increases the risk of flooding.
"The report should serve as another wake-up call that our activities today have a profound impact on society,not only for us,but for many generations to come,"French Michel Jarraud,secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization,said at a news conference.
68.The underlined word"dominant"in the first paragraph means"D".
A.common B.indirect C.secondary D.leading
69.Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?C
A.Greenhouse gases have been proven to harm merely the Earth.
B.There is little we can do to prevent global warming.
C.Global warming can increase the chances of droughts and floods.
D.The hugeness of oceans makes them better absorbers of heat than the air.
70.The rise in global temperatures between 1901 and 2012D.
A.is more harmful to smaller creatures than bigger ones
B.is not serious because most of the extra heat has been absorbed by the oceans
C.has made the Earth's ecosystems more sensitive to changes
D.is likely to cause many species to become extinct
71.What is Michel Jarraud's attitude toward the report released by the UN?B
A.Negative. B.Supportive. C.Doubtful. D.Uninterested.
分析 本文主要讲述了全球变暖不是只有政府才关心的事,它与我们每个人都息息相关.科学家认为人类是20世纪50年代以来全球变暖的主要原因.全球变暖可能会导致干旱和洪水,使很多物种灭亡.因此,我们应该敲响警钟,爱护环境.
解答 68.D 词义辨析题.根据第一段But it's hardly possible to completely stay out of it-scientists are now 95percent sure that humans have been the"dominant cause"of global warming trends since the 1950s.可知现在科学家可以95%确定人类是20世纪50年代以来全球变暖的主要原因.由此推知,"dominant"的意思是"主要的".故选D.
69.C 细节理解题.根据第五段This changes the patterns of storms and rainfall in many regions and can lead to droughts and floods.可知全球变暖改变了许多地区的风暴和降雨模式和可能导致干旱和洪水.故选C.
70.D 细节理解题.根据第四段It often starts with the smallest creatures at the bottom of the food chain,eventually affecting bigger animals,many of which could end up becoming extinct.可知在1901年到2012年之间,全球气温上升可能会导致许多物种灭绝.故选D.
71.B 推理判断题.根据最后一段The report should serve as another wakeup call that our activities today have a profound impact on society,not only for us,but for many generations to come.可知Michel Jarraud认为联合国的报告对我们有提醒作用,所以是支持该报告的.故选B.
点评 本文考察学生的理解推断能力以及细心程度,只要抓住文章的关键词,采用寻读的方法查找细节,就能找到正确答案.