英语四级新闻听力20191205

一、听力练习

1.

A. To defend Africa against sandstorm.

B. To restore damaged land across areas south of the Sahara.

C. To protect natural recourses.

D. To improve living standard by selling fruits.

2.

A. Being drought resistant.

B. Providing nutrients.

C. Providing a way to make money.

D. Requiring a lot of rainfall.

二、听力文本

Many areas of North Africa have seen a sharp decrease in rainfall over the last 50 years. Some experts say the lack of rainfall will worsen in the future. In Tunisia, fresh groundwater supplies are decreasing quickly. About two-thirds of the land is threatened by a lack of rain and loss of trees. A report by the Netherlands Foreign Ministry from 2018 says that the effects of climate change may slow Tunisia's growth in its two main industries - tourism and agriculture. Tunisian officials plan to cut the amount of carbon dioxide the country produces to 41 percent of levels measured in 2010 by the 2030s. Carbon dioxide gas is linked to warming of the Earth's atmosphere. However, critics say Tunisia has been slow to match words with action. The African Union is leading an effort called the ‘Great Green Wall' initiative. The project aims to restore damaged land across areas south of the Sahara, commonly called the Sahel. In North Africa, some national projects to fight climate change are making a difference. Tunisia will reportedly present an oases protection project at the Madrid climate conference. Local farmers in northern Algeria are seeking help from Mexican experts to plant prickly pear cactus. The desert plant needs little rainfall and provides nutrients and a way to make money. Algeria is also trying to renew efforts for a reforestation project that did not have good results.

Question 1: According to the news report, what’s the aim of the ‘Great Green Wall' initiative?

Question 2: According to the news report, which of the following is not mentioned as a feature of prickly pear cactus?

三、重点词汇

1. worsen: to become worse or to make something become worse （使）恶化；（使）更糟

2. initiative: a new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem 倡议；新措施

3. restore: to return something or someone to an earlier good condition or position 修复；使复位；使复职

4. reportedly: according to what many people say 据传闻，据称

5. oasis: a place in a desert where there is water and therefore plants and trees and sometimes a village or town绿洲（复数oases）

6. prickly pear cactus:仙人掌

7. nutrient: any substance that plants or animals need in order to live and grow 养分；营养物，滋养物