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Understanding Net Zero and its Global Implications

 

Introduction:

The term “Net Zero” has been making headlines in recent years as countries around the world pledge to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. But what exactly does Net Zero mean, and why is it so important? In this English lesson, we will explore the concept of Net Zero, its relation to the Paris Agreement, the targets and dates set by various countries, and an overview of signatories and non-signatories.  

Now discuss the new vocabulary:

Grammar Question: 1   DIRECT AND INDIRECT SPEECH LINK

Rewrite the following direct speech quotation about climate change into indirect speech according to the rules of grammar: “I believe,” said Dr. Peters, “that we must take immediate action on climate change.”

Section One: 

What is Net Zero?
Net Zero refers to the balance between the amount of GHG emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed from it. In simpler terms, achieving Net Zero means that a country’s GHG emissions are countered by an equal amount of absorption or removal through natural or technological solutions, such as reforestation or carbon capture and storage.

Now discuss the new vocabulary:

Grammar Question: 2    THE THIRD CONDITIONAL LESSON LINK

Consider the following multiple-choice grammar question about the third conditional using climate change as a theme:

If humans _____ (reduce) their greenhouse gas emissions earlier, the impacts of climate change _____ (be) less severe.
A. reduced / would be
B. reduce / would have been
C. had reduced / would have been
D. have reduced / will be

Video Section; Watch the video and answer the six questions below:

Questions:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Explain what is “Net Zero”
            2. How much CO2 is released into the atmosphere annually globally?
            3. What does the word “enormous” mean?
            4. What are the two most dangerous greenhouse gases?  And where do they come from? (Google.com) in English.
            5. What is the “Paris Agreement”
            6. Did Brazil sign the Paris Agreement?  (Google.com) in English.

Now discuss the new vocabulary:

Grammar Section: 3  THE SECOND CONDITIONAL LINK

Consider the following multiple choice grammar question about the second conditional using climate change.

If people ______ more trees, the effects of climate change ______ less severe.
A) would plant, were
B) planted, would be
C) will plant, would be
D) plant, were

Section Two: 

The Paris Agreement and Net Zero:
The Paris Agreement, adopted by 196 countries in December 2015 during COP21 (Conference of the Parties), is an international treaty aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with an emphasis on striving for a 1.5°C limit. To achieve this goal, countries must significantly reduce their GHG emissions causing climate change. The agreement also encourages nations to reach global peaking of GHG emissions as soon as possible and work towards achieving a balance between sources and sinks (Net Zero) in the second half of this century.

Now discuss the new vocabulary:

Grammar Question: 4

Which of the following sentences related to climate change is grammatically correct?

a) Many scientists believes that human activities are a significant contributor to climate change.
b) As the Earth’s temperature continue to rise, polar ice caps are melting at an alarming rate.
c) Climate change has myriad consequences, including more frequent and severe weather events.
d) To combating climate change, countries worldwide must work together and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Section Four: 

Targets and Dates:
Each participating country in the Paris Agreement sets national targets called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline their specific plans for reducing emissions and adapting to climate change. While target dates for achieving Net Zero vary among countries, some have outlined ambitious plans:

1. The European Union: Aiming for a 55% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
2. The United States: Recently pledged to reduce GHG emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030 and aiming for Net Zero by 2050.
3. China: Aiming for peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and striving to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.

Countries that Signed and Didn’t Sign the Paris Agreement:
As of April 2021, 189 out of the 197 Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) have ratified the Paris Agreement, making it a nearly universally supported treaty. Syria and Nicaragua initially didn’t sign; however, they later joined. Currently, only Iran, Turkey, Eritrea, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, and South Sudan remain non-signatories. It is important to note that these countries contribute just a small fraction (around 4%) to the total global GHG emissions.

Now discuss the new vocabulary:

Grammar Question: 5

In the context of achieving Net Zero emissions, identify the errors in the following sentence and suggest a revision to rectify the mistake: “Companies are not only investing to developing renewable energy sources, but also optimizing energy efficiency measures for there operations.”

Section Five Conclusion:

Net Zero is a critical concept for mitigating climate change and fulfilling the goals of the Paris Agreement. Countries worldwide are adopting ambitious targets to reduce their GHG emissions, striving to reach a balance between emission sources and sinks in the coming decades. As understanding and awareness of climate change continue to grow, working together towards Net Zero remains crucial for a sustainable future.#

Now discuss the new vocabulary:

WRITING QUESTION:

Write a 150-word story taking place in a community affected by climate change. Include a conversation between two characters discussing their experiences and feelings about the situation. Use direct speech to emphasize the emotions conveyed during their interaction.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GRAMMAR ANSWERS

1). Dr. Peters stated that he believed immediate action on climate change must be taken.

2).

Consider the following multiple-choice grammar question about the third conditional using climate change as a theme:

If humans _____ (reduce) their greenhouse gas emissions earlier, the impacts of climate change _____ (be) less severe.
A. reduced / would be
B. reduce / would have been
C. had reduced / would have been
D. have reduced / will be

The correct answer is C.

3).

Consider the following multiple choice grammar question about the second conditional using climate change as the theme:

If people ______ more trees, the effects of climate change ______ less severe.
A) would plant, were
B) planted, would be
C) will plant, would be
D) plant, were

The correct answer is B.

4).

Which of the following sentences related to climate change is grammatically correct?

a) Many scientists believes that human activities are a significant contributor to climate change.
b) As the Earth’s temperature continue to rise, polar ice caps are melting at an alarming rate.
c) Climate change has myriad consequences, including more frequent and severe weather events.
d) To combating climate change, countries worldwide must work together and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

None are correct

5).  There are two errors in the sentence. First, change “investing to developing” to “investing in developing.” Second, replace the incorrect homophone “there” with “their.” The revised sentence is: “Companies are not only investing in developing renewable energy sources, but also optimizing energy efficiency measures for their operations.”

 

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