Lesson 74 : [ Ice in North Pole Will Be Gone By 2040]

[MTM 운영자]

[ Ice in North Pole Will Be Gone By 2040]

Due to global warming, the ice in the North Pole is quickly melting.

Scientists are warning that there will be no ice left in the Arctic by 2040.

A few years ago, they said it would happen by 2080, but the ice is melting faster than they previously thought. ＂We have already seen major losses in sea ice, but our research suggests the decrease over the next few years could be far more dramatic,＂said an American researcher Marika Holland.

The loss of sea ice can cause many serious problems.

For example, it can lead to the extinction of animals living in the Arctic, including polar bears and artic foxes.

This is because polar bears and other animals in the Arctic need sea ice to survive.

The melting of sea ice will also cause climate change.

According to scientists in the U.S., an ice-free Arctic will also raise sea levels flooding many cities around the world.

They are studying to find out more about the outcomes of all the melting ice.

Their latest study used computers to see how the melting ice would likely develop.

▶ Key words and expression‎!s

-Due:

ex) The train is due in London at 5 p.m.

-global:

ex) At the same time they have also temporarily countered global warming.

-previously:

ex) I will stick by my previously established terms.

-extinction:

ex) Animals that are near extinction are often protected in natural preserves or zoos.

-dramatic:

ex) The most dramatic rediscovery was that of the yellow-throated serin of Ethiopia, spotted in 1989 for the first time in 103 years.

▶Dialogue

On a hot day, Eric met Scott for lunch. There, they began talking about their summer vacation.

Eric: “ I went to the beach with my friends for vacation and we spent the whole weekend there. We had such a great time.”
Scott: “Wow! Sounds like you had a lot of fun.”
Eric: “Why don't you go to the beach this weekend? I strongly recommend you go there at night. The cool wind will leave you feeling refreshed.”
Scott: “At night? If I go there at night, I can't even swim. I prefer going there in the daytime, so I can enjoy swimming for a long time.”
Eric: “Hey, you can swim at night, too. Actually it's much more fun!”
Scott: “What? Swim in the sea at night? That's too dangerous.”
Eric: “Not really. I love swimming in the sea at night.”
Scott: “Have you gone over the edge? Never swim in the sea at night!”
Eric: “Don't worry. I'm a good swimmer.”
Scott: “No matter how good a swimmer you are, swimming in the dark can lead to an accident. Remember? My uncle passed away a few years ago while swimming in a river at night.”
Eric: “Oh, yeah. I remember. Ok, from now on, I won't swim at night.”

■The Meaning of the Expression‎!

"Have you gone over the edge" : "Are you crazy?" or "Are you out of your mind?" 와 마찬가지로 "너 정신 나갔니?" 라는 표현으로 쓸 수 있습니다.

▶Discussion Questions

1. What is the major cause of the quick melting of ice in the North Pole?
2. What year was the original forecast of disappearance of ice in the North Pole?
3. What year is the current forecast of the disappearance of ice at the North Pole?

4. Name the ill effects of no sea ice in the North Pole.

5. What is meant by global warming?
6. What is the contribution of humans to global warming?

7. What food source of the polar bears is affected by the melting ice?

8. Do you think global warming only man made?

9. Do you know of other animals that are facing extinction?

10. Did you know that many animals have already been extinct?