Can the Environment Compete With America’s Economy?
Scientists have been saying for decades that humans need to pay more attention to reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions they create. Many countries have begun taking responsibility for their CO2 emissions lately. Japan and many European nations have decided to make a pact with each other that in the next few years they will reduce the amount of CO2 their country’s people create. But which country refused to sign the pact, called the Kyoto Protocol? This is a country that has become accustomed to “living large.” People’s cars and refrigerators and computers among many other factors, make the United States the world’s largest CO2 producer. The economy of America depends on the over-consumption of the world’s resources. Can the environment compete with the economy?
中文翻译
环境问题会阻碍美国经济的发展吗？
科学家们近十几年来一直在强调：人类需要更多的关注一下减少由人类所产生的二氧化碳排放量问题。最近，许多国家已经开始对他们产生的二氧化碳排放负责任了。日本和许多欧洲国家已经决定互相达成一个公约，规定在未来的几年内，减少由自己国家所产生的二氧化碳排放量。但是大家知道哪个国家拒绝签署了这项称作“京都协议”的公约吗？这是一个已经习惯于被称作“大手大脚”的国家。在许多因素中，人们所使用的汽车、冰箱和计算机使得美国成为世界上最大的二氧化碳制造国。美国的经济依赖于对世界资源的过度消耗。环境的改善难道会阻碍经济的发展吗？
必备字词
decade n. 十，十年
For the past two decades, people have been throwing plastic bags everywhere.
过去二十年中，人们随地扔塑料袋。
reduce v. 减少
We have to find ways to reduce the cost.
我们必须找到降低费用的办法。
refuse v. 拒绝
It’s hard to refuse his invitation.
很难拒绝他的邀请。
accustom v. 习惯于，适合于
When he becomes accustomed to the local food, he starts visiting every major restaurant in the town.
他适应了当地的菜以后，就开始去城里每家大参观吃饭。
每日一句
The economy of America depends on the over-consumption of the world’s resources.
美国的经济依赖于对世界资源的过度消耗。
A: A happy life depends on many things. What is most important in your view?
B: In my case, a job that combines my interests and a good pay.
A：幸福生活依赖于很多东西。你认为最重要的是什么？
B：就我而言，一份既能满足我的兴趣又能挣大钱的工作。
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