Listening comprehension
Fill in the blanks with the correct word
Reducing CO2 Levels
The increasing concentration of ______in the atmosphere appears to be the most important cause of the recent warming.
There are many possible ways to slow the increase of ______.
One option is to plant trees, but it takes many trees to reduce ______significantly. Another alternative is to increase ______for buildings, which might require costly investment in new______.
What ______- ______would you make to influence CO2 levels in these two ways?
The user is asked what financial cost per month they would be willing to ______to influence CO2 levels in these two ways.
Saving Habitat or Homes
______provide important habitat and breeding ground for birds, fish and many other wild species.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that the nation lost 58,000 acres of ______habitat per year during the mid-1980s and 90s. Most losses were due to commercial and agricultural development. Climate changes might cause further loss of ______, threatening wildlife that cannot adapt or relocate successfully. Climate changes might also increase ______in some areas where people live or work.
One response is to invest in programs to protect ______. Another response is to limit construction in flood-prone areas or require elevated structures that could reduce storm damage. Beyond a certain point, however, some habitats will be affected and some structures will be damaged no matter how much money is spent to protect them.
Given the ______, what ______- ______would you make to protect ______or to safeguard communities from storm damage? The user is asked what financial cost per month they would be willing to undertake to protect ______or to ______communities from ______damage
Rising Sea Level
Nearly half of the American population lives near the coasts. Many homes and businesses are located within coastal flood plains.
Although the impacts of global warming are uncertain, the sea level is likely to rise. As it rises, some ______areas will experience increased ______damage to roads and buildings and erosion of beaches. Many urban areas can be protected by investing in sea walls and reinforced structures, although such measures often sacrifice ______and ______.
In some areas where fresh water aquifers are near the coast, rising sea level might affect the taste of drinking water by making it slightly saltier. In areas where this might happen in the United States, it is often possible to protect drinking water from rising sea level, although maintaining good-tasting water may come at a ______.
What trade-offs would you make to protect ______areas and the good taste of drinking water there?
The user is asked what financial cost per month they would be willing to ______to protect the ______areas and the good taste of drinking water.