Daily News Lesson Roundup: Earth and the Environment 🌍
Did you know that April 22 is Earth Day?
The first Earth Day was celebrated back in 1970 as a way to bring attention to things we can all do to protect our planet.
In honor of this year’s Earth Day, we’ve picked 10 Daily News lessons related to the environment. We’ve selected articles at a variety of levels, so you are sure to find something that matches your English ability.
Young Europeans Happy to Give up Cars, Have Fewer Kids
Level 5: Intermediate
Living in a way that's good for the planet often involves reducing activities many of us do every day — or maybe stopping them completely. What would you give up in order to protect the planet?
It turns out that many young people in Europe are willing to make some big sacrifices for the sake of the environment.
Sir David Attenborough Named 'Champion of the Earth' by UN
Level 6: Intermediate
A person can be named MVP if they are the “most valuable player” in a team sport. You can also be an Academy Award winner or a Nobel laureate (a winner of a Nobel Prize).
But what does it mean to be named a “Champion of the Earth”? And what must you do to gain this impressive title? You’ll have to read to find out!
Many in US Don’t Believe They Can Stop Climate Change
Level 6: Intermediate
Scientists have been warning the public about the risk of climate change for years. They have also suggested things both individuals and nations should do to stop its harmful effects. Their advice wasn’t always taken, however.
Now, many Americans feel like there’s nothing they can do individually to stop it. What do you think?
Palau to Reward Tourists Who Respect the Environment
Level 6: Intermediate
Tourism allows us to experience countries and cultures very different from our own. However, it does have downsides — particularly, its negative impact on the environment.
Palau, a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, is hoping to encourage tourists to visit while also promoting responsible and sustainable visits.
Warnings on Meat Packaging Could Help the Planet
Level 7: Advanced
Labels are usually designed to encourage people to buy products. Sometimes, however, they include elements designed to make the product less appealing to consumers.
This article is about a type of packaging that might cause people to eat less meat. However, the way it does this may be different than what you imagine.
Nut Milk and More: Diet Changes to Try in 'Veganuary'
Level 6: Intermediate
For those who have ever thought about becoming a vegan, here's a challenge for you: Veganuary.
Just like the name suggests, during the month of January, people avoid meat and any other products that come from animals.
This article provides some useful tips for those who’d like to try it. Remember: you don’t have to wait for January!
Less is More: What is 'Underconsumption Core'?
Level 7: Advanced
How often do you buy things you don't really need? All of us do it sometimes, but in addition to wasting money, it also has a negative impact on the environment.
Some social media influencers are promoting a lifestyle change that goes against this "overconsumption," and replaces it with something healthier — for our wallets and for the planet.
Kids’ Time in Blue Spaces Linked to Green Life Choices
Level 6: Intermediate
How much time did you spend in natural spaces when you were a child?
According to a recent study, those experiences you had many years ago may have had an effect on how you view and treat the environment now.
The results of this experiment have given researchers hope that they have found a new way to help the environment over the long term.
We Don’t Make Fast Fashion, Says Uniqlo Boss Yanai
Level 8: Advanced
Fashion company Uniqlo, and others like them, have been criticized for their "fast fashion" business model that some say is harmful to the planet.
However, Uniqlo's boss has pushed back against these critics in a recent interview, saying that his company is working to do the opposite of what it's accused of. What do you think?
A Sick Planet: Study Shows the Earth’s Declining Health
Level 8: Advanced
In 2009, a group of climate scientists created a series of categories to measure the earth's health. Unfortunately, a recent update to their research showed results that aren't very positive.
However, the scientists point out areas where it would be easiest for us to make big improvements. And when we improve in one category, the positive effects spread to others as well.
Wrap-up
As time goes on, stories about the weather and health of the planet are likely to increase. But hopefully those stories will include a lot of good news!
Be prepared to understand and discuss these stories by studying with these Daily News lessons. If you'd like a little help, book a lesson with an Engoo tutor — they'd be happy to have a chat with you about it! 🌲🌍♻️
