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Lesson 13: Innovations in Renewable Energy: A Step Towards a Sustainable Future

LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🔐

alternative

/awl-TER-nuh-tiv/

- Different options or choices, often referring to energy sources.

Solar and wind energy are popular alternatives to fossil fuels.

breed

/breed/

- A specific kind or variety of animal or plant.

Certain dog breeds are more suited to living in apartments than others.

cell

/sel/

- A small unit of life; in this context, it refers to battery cells used in renewable energy sources.

Solar panels convert sunlight into energy stored in battery cells.

dispose of

/dih-SPOHZ uhv/

- To get rid of something.

It’s essential to dispose of hazardous waste properly to protect the environment.

drain

/dreyn/

- To remove liquid from a place.

The heavy rain caused the drainage system to drain slowly, leading to flooding.

exhaust

/ig-ZAWST/

- To release gases, often from vehicles

The exhaust from cars contributes to air pollution in urban areas.

exploit

/ek-SPLOYT/

- To take advantage of a resource in an unfair or selfish way.

Companies that exploit natural resources often cause environmental damage.

extract

/ek-STRAKT/

- To remove or take out, often referring to natural resources.

We need to find sustainable ways to extract minerals without harming the environment.

nuclear

/NOO-klee-er/

- Related to the energy produced by nuclear reactions.

Nuclear energy is considered a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels.

run out of

/run owt uhv/

- To no longer have something available.

We need to find new energy sources before we run out of fossil fuels.

oil-spill

/SOH-lur/

- The release of oil into the environment, usually the sea.

The oil-spill harmed marine life along the coast.

solar

/ri-NOO-uh-buhl EN-er-jee/

- Relating to the sun, often used to describe energy derived from sunlight.

Solar panels are becoming more common on rooftops around the world.

spill

/spil/

- The accidental release of liquid, especially harmful substances.

The oil spill in the ocean had devastating effects on marine life.

sustain

/suh-STAYN/

- To maintain or support over a long period.

We must sustain our forests to ensure a healthy ecosystem.

utility

/yoo-TIL-uh-tee/

- A service or product that meets a need, often referring to public services like water and electricity.

Many utilities are investing in renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint.

waste

/wayst/

- Unwanted or unusable materials or substances.

Reducing waste is crucial for protecting the environment.

worn-out

/worn owt/

- Something that is no longer useful or effective due to age or wear.

The worn-out batteries need to be disposed of safely.

LET'S LISTEN! 🎧

Direction: Listen to the news and answer the comprehension questions below.



Lesson 13

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1. What are some alternative energy sources mentioned in the article?

2. What concerns arise from the extraction of minerals for solar panels?

3. What are the debates surrounding nuclear energy?

4. What recent environmental incident is mentioned in the article?

5. What are communities advocating for regarding environmental practices?

LET'S PRACTICE 🎬

SITUATION

You are a reporter interviewing an environmental activist about recent news regarding energy sources and environmental issues. During the interview, discuss the importance of renewable energy, the impact of waste disposal practices, and the effects of recent environmental spills.


TASKS

1. Ask the activist about their views on the future of renewable energy.


2. Discuss the significance of proper waste disposal methods.


3. Inquire about the impact of recent oil spills on local communities and wildlife.


4. Explore the activist’s perspective on the role of nuclear energy in the energy transition.

LET'S DISCUSS

  1. What are some practical steps individuals can take to reduce their energy consumption?
  2. How can communities work together to improve waste disposal practices?
  3. What challenges do you think renewable energy sources face in becoming mainstream?
  4. How does climate change affect the way we manage our natural resources?
  5. In your opinion, what is the most pressing environmental issue today, and why?