Talk of the town : World population
【明報專訊】According to the UN World Population Prospects 2022, the world population has just reached 8 billion and the world has taken 12 years to increase the population by 1 billion. The UN has predicted that it will take about 15 years for another 1 billion people to be added to the population.
The secretary-general of the United Nations, António Guterres, has warned that climatic change and the food crisis have led to an increasingly serious income inequality. He suggests that countries should work together to solve the global problems in order to keep mistrust and conflicts from arising in the future.
What has contributed to the population growth?
The population growth has been due to improvements in public health, nutrition, personal hygiene and medicine. All this has helped to extend the life expectancy globally.
What should we do with the population growth?
António Guterres suggests that nations should solve the global problems together. One of the important keys is to achieve equal access to opportunities for all, such as creating a level playing field for developing countries by increasing investment in them. He also hopes that nations can reach a consensus about the Climate Solidarity Pact, which aims to provide technical and financial assistance to developing countries to get rid of the use of fossil fuels. Given the increasing world population, promoting and achieving sustainable development is pivotal to everyone in this global village.
■Grammar booster
A level playing field
A situation that is fair in which everyone has the same chance of succeeding.
e.g. We ask for a level playing field when we compete with other players.
■Game
(See the picture 2)
(Answer on next text)
■Gear up
The Climate Solidarity Pact aims to provide technical and financial assistances to the developing countries to get rid of the use of fossil fuels.
(True/ False)
(Answer on next text)
■Glossary
arise (v) 發生
consensus (n) 共識
financial (adj) 財政的
pivotal (adj) 關鍵的
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view to rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第363期]
Comic : Magnets and magnetism
【明報專訊】The Smarties are gathered together. Dr Panda wants to test the o... 詳情
