ESupport for renewable energy technology to f...

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Support for renewable energy technology to figllt global warming is weakening in the face of

worldwide economic problems and the true scale of the carbon reductions required，a survey pub-

lished today has suggested．

Figures presented at the UN climate talks in Poznan，Poland，show that climate experts have

less faitll in alternative energy than they did 12 months ago．

The survey shows less support for wind energy，solar power，biofuels，biomass and hydrogen

energy as technologies with“high potential”to reduce carbon levels in the atmosphere over the next

25 years．

Eric Whan of Globesean，which carried out t}le survey of“climate decision makers”．said．

“As the climate crisis deepens they could be becoming less optimistic that individual technologies

may be able to solve the problem．’’

The survey，supported by groups including the World Bank，the United Nations Environment

Programme and the Pew Center for Global Climate Change，questioned l，000 senior figures across

governments，pressure groups and companies in 1 15 countries over the last few weeks．

Almost three—quarters of the experts agreed in the survey that“equitable(公平的，平等的)e—

eonomic growth and development and significant progress in combating(与…斗争)climate change

Call be achieved at the salne time．’’

Asked to rate the likely Success of low—carbon technologies in the mid—term，they showed

less confidence than a similar survey 12 months ago．Support for offshore wind farms，was down

61％from 65％last year.Solar electricity generation was rated as having high—potential by 66％of  respondents，down from 74％．Support for hydrogen power was 32％，down form 36％in 2007．

The respondents also warned that a deep recession(衰退)would make a new global deal on climate harder to achieve．Some 44％agreed that the current economic crisis will significantly delay orcompromise the“achievement of effective climate change agreements．’’

72．Which of the following is NOT the alternative energy?    ·

A．Wind energy．    B．Solar power．    C．Hydrogen energy．D．Conventional energy．

73．Which of the following altemative energy sees the most remarkable reduction in support'?

A．Offshore wind farms．    B．Solar electricity．

C．Hydrogen power．       D．Natural gas．

Why is support for renewable energy technology to fight dobal warming weakening?

A．The technology has no use at  all．

B．People don’t want to use the technology．

C．Nothing can be done to reduce carbon levels in the atmosphere．

D．The current economic crisis iS to blame．

75．What’S the best title of the passage?

A．Experts Lost Faith in Renewable Technology  B．Global Environment Is Worsening

C．Who Is to Blame f．0r tIle Environment  D．What Can Be Done to Save the Earth

高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

Many people think the search for cleaner energy leads only to renewable resources like sun, wind and water．But it also leads to a fossil（化石） fuel．Natural gas is considered the cleanest of the fossil fuels, the fuel created by plant and animal remains over millions of years．Burning it releases fewer pollutants than oil or coal．The gas is mainly methane （甲烷）．It produces half the carbon dioxide of other fossil fuels．So it may help cut the production of carbon gases linked to climate change．

Russia is first in what are called "proved reserves" of natural gas．The United States is sixth．Over the years, big oil and gas companies recovered much of the easily reached supplies of gas in America．They drilled straight down into formations where gas collects．As these supplies were used up, big drillers looked for similar formations in other countries．

But now the industry is taking on a new look．Companies are developing gas supplies trapped in shale （页岩） rock two to three thousand meters underground．They drill down to the shale, then go sideways and inject high-pressure water, sand or other material into the rock．This causes the rock to fracture, releasing the gas．Huge fields of gas shale are believed to lie under the Appalachian Mountains, Michigan and the south-central states．Gas shale exploration is being done mainly by small to medium sized companies．Eric Potter, a program director, says more than half the gas in the United States is now coming from these new reserves．

But hydraulic （液压的） fracturing can also produce debate and anger over the risk of groundwater pollution．This method of drilling is not federally supervised（监督） under the Safe Drinking Water Act．Some in Congress want to end that exemption （豁免） from the law．

Natural gas provides Americans with about one fourth of their energy．And, unlike oil, most of it is produced in America．Gas producers invested heavily in reaching new supplies when prices were high．But prices are down sharply now because the depression cut demand for energy．So energy expert Eric Potter says it is too early to know how the changing market prices will affect the market for gas shale exploration．

1.We can learn from the first paragraph that ________．

A．natural gas releases methane and carbon dioxide

B．natural gas is considered as the cleanest energy

C．natural gas is more environmentally friendly than other fossil fuels

D．natural gas is a renewable source of energy

2.The word “fracture” in Paragraph 3 probably means ________．

A．create                 B．break                  C．change              D．decrease

3.Gas shale exploration may cause disagreement because ________．

A．it may cause water pollution               B．it brings too high profits

C．it breaks the law                                 D．it is out of states’ control

4.According to Eric Potter, the new gas shale exploration ________．

A．will provide America with about one fourth of their energy

B．will increase demand for energy

C．will make gas producers invest a big sum of money

D．may be influenced by the changing market prices

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

The replacement of fossil and nuclear energy sources for electricity production by renewables such as wind, sun, water and biomass is a cornerstone of Germany’s energy policy. Amongst these, wind energy production is the most important component. However, energy production from wind is not necessarily ecologically sustainable. It requires relatively large spaces for installation and operation of turbines, and bats and birds die after collisions with rotors in significant numbers. For these reasons, the location and operation of wind energy plants are often in direct conflict with the legal protection of endangered species. A recent survey on this green-green dilemma among over 500 representatives by the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) concludes that the current mechanisms for the protection of bats in wind power projects are insufficient.

“We found broad consensus among participants,” states Christian Voigt, first author of the survey. “The overwhelming majority of respondents considered the protection of biodiversity to be just as important as the contribution to protect the global climate through renewable energy production.” Most stakeholders agreed that small to moderate losses in the yield of wind power plants in terms of electricity production caused by the consistent application of conservation laws must become acceptable. However, significant discrepancies also existed. For example, representatives of the wind energy industry considered compliance with climate protection targets as more important than measures to protect species.

The conflict between wind power projects and the objectives of biological conservation intensified in recent years because the rapidly rising number of wind plants – there are now around 30,000 on mainland Germany – has made suitable locations scarce. “Besides, only about 25% of wind turbines are operated under mitigation schemes such as temporary halt of wind turbine operation during periods of high bat activity even though the legal framework would require the enforcement of such measures,” adds author Marcus Fritze of Leibniz-IZW.

For the purpose of this survey, the authors selected bats as a representative group of species for all wildlife affected by wind turbines, as large numbers of bats die at turbines and they enjoy a high level of protection both nationally and internationally, and therefore play an important role in planning and approval procedures for wind turbines. The results of years of research led by Voigt at the Leibniz-IZW show that fatalities at wind turbines in Germany affect bat populations in Germany as well as populations in other European regions from where these bats originate.

On the basis of the survey results, the authors argue in favour of a stronger consideration of nature conservation objectives in the wind energy industry. They suggest ways in which the cooperation of those involved in wind power projects can be improved so that both wind energy production and the goals of biological conservation can be satisfied.

1.What does the first paragraph mainly talk about?

A.The real cornerstone of Germany’s energy policy.

B.Problems with poor installation and operation of turbines.

C.Germany’s impressive achievements to promote renewable energy.

D.The conflict between wind plants and insufficient wildlife protection.

2.The underlined word “discrepancies” in Paragraph 2 most probably means ________.

A.assumptions B.disagreements C.diversities D.adjustments

3.Bats were chosen to represent all wildlife affected by wind turbines because ________.

A.more bats have been killed than any other species

B.bats play an important role in keeping natural balance

C.they can greatly affect the planning and approval of wind projects

D.they will die out quickly in Germany if not protected immediately

4.What do the authors of the survey think are possible solutions?

A.Building fewer number of wind plants and selecting more suitable locations.

B.Negotiating severe laws and strictly carrying them out in wind energy plants.

C.Focusing on protecting biodiversity and slightly reducing wind plant production.

D.Stressing natural protection and improving cooperation in wind power industry.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

The discussion on renewable energy has been going on for at least a decade and people have relied on fossil fuels almost entirely for more than a century. However, the situation when fossil fuels were the most efficient and the cheapest source of energy has been left far in the past. Many countries such as Germany and Sweden have already made significant efforts to fix this situation, employing numerous power plants working on the renewable resources of energy. The most effective among these resources is geothermal (地热的) energy.

Geothermal energy does not depend on the world’s economic and political situation as strongly as fossil fuels do. Besides, extracting (提炼) fossil fuels adds to the price of energy produced from them. Therefore, geothermal energy is much cheaper than traditional ones, saving up to 80% of the costs over fossil fuels.

Being a renewable resource, geothermal energy produces less waste and pollution than traditional energy sources. In geothermal systems, carbon dioxide makes up about 10% of air produced. Overall, in order to produce the electricity that can be used for one hour, the geothermal systems produce 0.1 pound of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases. For a comparison, a power plant producing from gas produces up to 2 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and those power plants that work on coal (煤) produce an astonishing 3.6 pounds of greenhouse gases.

Low costs is another reason why using geothermal power plants should be the first choice for many countries. Geothermal heat systems require 25% to 50% less energy for work compared with the traditional systems for heating or cooling. Besides, geothermal equipment is less big: due to the very nature of geothermal energy, geothermal power plants have only a few moving parts, all of which can be easily sheltered inside a relatively small building. What’s more, the life span of geothermal equipment is rather long. All these make geothermal power stations easy to build and keep.

1.Fossil fuels are more expensive than geothermal energy partly because _______.

A. it is free to use geothermal energy

B. fossil fuels are nearly used up

C. the production of fossil fuels costs a lot

D. geothermal energy doesn’t depend on political situation

2.According to Paragraph 3, what can be concluded from the comparison?

A. Coal is much more efficient than gas.

B. Gas and coal are often used to produce electricity.

C. Geothermal energy is environmentally friendly.

D. The geothermal systems don’t produce harmful gases.

3.Geothermal equipment is usually not as big as that of traditional energy because of ________.

A. the nature of geothermal energy　　 B. geothermal power plants

C. life span of geothermal equipment　　 D. the small buildings

4.What is the main idea of this passage?

A. Many countries have benefited from geothermal energy.

B. Geothermal energy is well accepted.

C. Geothermal energy has many advantages.

D. Fossil fuels are being run out of.

高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

The discussion on renewable energy has been going on for at least a decade and people have relied on fossil fuels almost entirely for more than a century. However, the situation when fossil fuels were the most efficient and the cheapest source of energy has been left far in the past. Many countries such as Germany and Sweden have already made significant efforts to fix this situation, employing numerous power plants working on the renewable resources of energy. The most effective among these resources is geothermal（地热的）energy.

Geothermal energy does not depend on the world’s economic and political situation as strongly as fossil fuels do. Besides, extracting（提炼）fossil fuels adds to the price of energy produced from them. Therefore, geothermal energy is much cheaper than traditional ones, saving up to 80% of the costs over fossil fuels.

Being a renewable resource, geothermal energy produces less waste and pollution than traditional energy sources. In geothermal systems, carbon dioxide makes up about 10% of air produced. Overall, in order to produce the electricity that can be used for one hour, the geothermal systems produce 0.1 pound of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases. For a comparison, a power plant producing from gas produces up to 2 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and those power plants that work on coal（煤）produce an astonishing 3.6 pounds of greenhouse gases.

Low costs is another reason why using geothermal power plants should be the first choice for many countries. Geothermal heat systems require 25% to 50% less energy for work compared with the traditional systems for heating or cooling. Besides, geothermal equipment is less big: due to the very nature of geothermal energy, geothermal power plants have only a few moving parts, all of which can be easily sheltered inside a relatively small building. What’s more, the life span of geothermal equipment is rather long. All these make geothermal power stations easy to build and keep.

1.Fossil fuels are more expensive than geothermal energy partly because _______.

A. it is free to use geothermal energy

B. the production of fossil fuels costs a lot

C. fossil fuels are nearly used up

D. geothermal energy doesn’t depend on political situation

2.According to Paragraph 3, what can be concluded from the comparison?

A. Geothermal energy is environmentally friendly.

B. Gas and coal are often used to produce electricity.

C. Coal is much more efficient than gas.

D. The geothermal systems don’t produce harmful gases.

3.Geothermal equipment is usually not as big as that of traditional energy because of______.

A. the life span of geothermal equipment

B. geothermal power plants

C. the nature of geothermal energy

D. the small buildings

4.What is the main idea of this passage?

A. Many countries have benefited from geothermal energy.

B. Geothermal energy is well accepted.

C. Fossil fuels are being run out of.

D. Geothermal energy has many advantages.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

The oldest and most common source(来源) of renewable energy known to man, biomass is one of the most important forms energy production in the United States and elsewhere. Since such a wide variety of biomass materials is everywhere ---- from trees and grasses to agricultural and city ---- life wastes ----biomass promises to play a continuing role in providing power and heat for millions of people around the world.

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists(UCS), biomass is a kind of renewable energy source that produces no carbon dioxide(二氧化碳), because the energy it contains comes from the sun. When plant matter is burned, it gives off the sun’s energy. In this way, biomass serves as a sort of natural battery(电池) for storing the sun’s energy. As long as biomass is produced continuously ----with only as much grown as is used--- the “battery” lasts forever.

According to the Energy Information Administration, biomass has been one of the leading renewable energy sources in the United States for several years running through 2007, making up between 0.5 and 0.9 percent of the nation’s total electricity supply. In 2008----although the numbers aren’t all in yet----wind power probably took over first place because of the rapid development of wind farms across the country.

Producing power from biomass helps reduce some 11 million tons of carbon dioxide each year. Some homeowners also try to make their own heat by using biomass materials. Such practice may save homeowner’s money, but it also produces a lot of pollution. So, the best way is to encourage power plants to use it.

1.Why is biomass considered as “ a sort of natural battery”?

A. It burns merely plant matter.

B. It keeps producing electricity.

C. It stores the energy from the sun.

D. It produces zero carbon dioxide.

2.We learn from the text that in 2008 ______.

A. Wind power would be the leader of renewable energy.

B. there was a rapid growth of electricity production

C. biomass might become the main energy source

D. 0.5~0.9 of power supply came from biomass

3.Why does the author encourage power plants to use biomass?

A. To prevent the waste of energy.

B. To increase production safety.

C. To reduce pollution.

D. To save money.

4.Where does the text probably come from?

A. A research plan. B. A science magazine

C. A book review.　　 D. A business report.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

The oldest and most common source(来源) of renewable energy known to man, biomass is one of the most important forms of energy production in the United States and elsewhere．Since such a wide variety of biomass materials is everywhere—from trees and grasses to agricultural and city-life wastes—biomass promises to play a continuing role in providing power and heat for millions of people around the world．

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists(UCS), biomass is a kind of renewable energy source that produces no carbon dioxide(二氧化碳), because the energy it contains comes from the sun．When plant matter is burned, it gives off the sun’s energy．In this way, biomass serves as a sort of natural battery(电池) for storing the sun’s energy．As long as biomass is produced continuously —with only as much grown as is used—the “battery” lasts forever．

According to the Energy Information Administration, biomass has been one of the leading renewable energy sources in the United States for several years running through 2007, making up between 0．5 and 0．9 percent of the nation’s total electricity supply．In 2008—although the numbers aren’t all in yet—wind power probably took over first place because of the rapid development of wind farms across the country．

Producing power from biomass helps reduce some 11 million tons of carbon dioxide each year．Some homeowners also try to make their own heat by using biomass materials．Such practice may save homeowner’s money, but it also produces a lot of pollution．So, the best way is to encourage power plants to use it．

1.Why is biomass considered as “a sort of natural battery”?

A．It burns merely plant matter．

B．It keeps producing electricity．

C．It stores the energy from the sun．

D．It produces zero carbon dioxide．

2.We learn from the text that in 2008 ______．

A．wind power would be the leader of renewable energy．

B．there was a rapid growth of electricity production

C．biomass might become the main energy source

D．0．5~0．9 of power supply came from biomass

3.Why does the author encourage power plants to use biomass?

A．To prevent the waste of energy．

B．To increase production safety．

C．To reduce pollution．

D．To save money．

4.Where does the text probably come from?

A．A research plan．

B．A science magazine

C．A book review．

D．A business report．

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

The oldest and most common source(来源) of renewaBle energy known to man, Biomass is one of the most important forms energy production in the United States and elsewhere. Since such a wide variety of Biomass materials is everywhere ---- from trees and grasses to agricultural and city ---- life wastes ----Biomass promises to play a continuing role in providing power and heat for millions of people around the world.

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists(UCS), Biomass is a kind of renewaBle energy source that produces no carBon dioxide(二氧化碳), Because the energy it contains comes from the sun. When plant matter is Burned, it gives off the sun’s energy. In this way, Biomass serves as a sort of natural Battery(电池) for storing the sun’s energy. As long as Biomass is produced continuously ----with only as much grown as is used--- the “Battery” lasts forever.

According to the Energy Information Administration, Biomass has Been one of the leading renewaBle energy sources in the United States for several years running through 2007, making up Between 0.5 and 0.9 percent of the nation’s total electricity supply. In 2008----although the numBers aren’t all in yet----wind power proBaBly took over first place Because of the rapid development of wind farms across the country.

Producing power from Biomass helps reduce some 11 million tons of carBon dioxide each year. Some homeowners also try to make their own heat By using Biomass materials. Such practice may save homeowner’s money, But it also produces a lot of pollution. So, the Best way is to encourage power plants to use it.

1.Why is Biomass considered as “ a sort of natural Battery”?

A．It Burns merely plant matter.               B．It keeps producing electricity.

C．It stores the energy from the sun.           D．It produces zero carBon dioxide.

2.We learn from the text that in 2008 ______.

A．Wind power would Be the leader of renewaBle energy.

B．there was a rapid growth of electricity production

C．Biomass might Become the main energy source

D．0.5~0.9 of power supply came from Biomass

3.Why does the author encourage power plants to use Biomass?

A．To prevent the waste of energy.            B．To increase production safety.

C．To reduce pollution.                     D．To save money.

4.Where does the text proBaBly come from?

A．A research plan.                        B．A science magazine

C．A Book review.                         D．A Business report.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

154. Using renewable energy is a simple idea, but ______ we find it hard to put into practice.

高三英语单项填空简单题查看答案及解析

The exciting news that Mo Yan won the 2012 Nobel Prize for literature renewed people’s enthusiasm towards literature, which is a great ________ to the development of Chinese literature.

A. motivation　 B. competition

C. commitment　 D. recognition

高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析