【明報專訊】The Smarties storm into Eason's flat when he is enjoying hotpot with the air conditioner on. All other electrical appliances are also on.

“It's so relaxing to have hotpot in summer with the air conditioner on! ”

“ Look what you're doing, you culprit of global warming! ”

How does global warming affect the Earth?

It raises the average temperature, melts glaciers and causes sea level to rise. Many islands may be submerged, and animals like polar bears may lose their habitats. It also brings extreme weather to different parts of the world. For instance, some places may get more rainfall than usual.

Why does the Earth keep getting warmer?

Global warming is mainly caused by high concentration of greenhouse gases and is intensified by human activities. Two-thirds of the world's electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels. Power plants emit a lot of carbon dioxide, which is one of the most common greenhouse gases.

How can we fight global warming?

There are many things we can do, and most of them are very simple. We can start by developing good habits that help save energy. Global warming is a problem all mankind is faced with, so we must do our bit.

■Key words

global warming 全球暖化

greenhouse gas 溫室氣體

fossil fuel 化石燃料

■English highway -sentences

Imperatives

Imperatives are used to give orders, advice or instructions. They may also express wishes. An imperative begins with the bare infinitive form of a verb. The subject (you) is usually left out.

e.g. Use imperatives carefully or you will sound rude.

Have a nice day!

■Glossary

storm into (phr v) 衝進

culprit (n) 罪魁禍首

glacier (n) 冰川

submerge (v) 淹沒

intensify (v) 加劇

mankind (n) 人類

snatch (v) 奪走

idle (adj) 閒置的