Scientific agreement over global warming

The overwhelming consensus among climate scientists is that human-caused climate change is happening. Yet a fringe minority of our populace clings to an irrational rejection of well-established science. This virulent strain of anti-science infects the halls of Congress, the pages of leading newspapers and what we see on TV, leading to the appearance of a debate where none should exist.

In fact, there is broad agreement among climate scientists not only that climate change is real (a survey and a review of the scientific literature published say about 97 percent agree), but that we must respond to the dangers of a warming planet. If one is looking for real differences among mainstream scientists, they can be found on two fronts: the precise implications of those higher temperatures, and which technologies and policies offer the best solution to reducing, on a global scale, the emission of greenhouse gases.

For example, should we go full-bore on nuclear power? Invest in and deploy renewable energy — wind, solar and geothermal — on a huge scale? Price carbon emissions through incentive-based legislation or by imposing a carbon tax? Until the public fully understands the danger of our present trajectory, those debates are likely to continue to fail.

QUESTIONS READING COMPREHENSION

[1] FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS, ANSWER QUESTIONS A, B, C

A. Answer the following question using your own words (10 to 20 words).

According to the text, is global climate change man-made?

B. Are the following statements true or false? Indicate the line(s) in the text supporting your choice.

B1. Although there still are some who deny climate change, their beliefs have failed to enter our democratic institutions.

B2. Most climatologists share the opinion that the perils brought about by global warming need addressing.

C. Choose a, b or c in each question below. Only one choice is correct.

C1. Skepticism on exhaustive scientific findings has led to…

• a) analyze the precise implications of higher temperatures.
• b) an undesirable debate aimed at discrediting climate change.
• c) study the best answers to greenhouse problems.

C2. Arguments about climate change won’t come to anything...

• a) as long as carbon is not taxed.
• b) until we go full-bore on renewable sources of energy.
• c) unless people wholly realize the risks of our current situation.

[2] COMPLETE TASKS a, b, c, d ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN

• a) Write a question for which the underlined words are the answer: Some experts are calling for the immediate introduction of a price on carbon emissions.
• b) Transform into reported speech: ‘How will history judge us if we fail to communicate the urgency of acting now?’ Begin with: The chief asked his colleagues...
• c) Combine into one sentence containing a relative clause: It was explained to the collaborators. Their contributions would be necessary for the project. 
• d) Put into the passive: Our Security Department has urged citizens to report anything dangerous they witness.

[3] VOCABULARY

Find one word in the text for each of the following meanings:

• a) able to be restored or replaced by natural processes
• b) operating by or utilizing the energy of the sun

Find synonyms in the text for each of the words below:

• c) refusal
• d) discussion
• e) completely

[4] WRITE ABOUT THE FOLLOWING TOPIC USING BETWEEN 100-120 WORDS

What might be the consequences of global warming if the correct policies are not adopted?

+EXÁMENES RESUELTOS