The world has approved a call to transition away from fossil fuels for the first time, as UN negotiations in Dubai addressed the major contributor to climate change. The agreement, reached after 13 days of talks, signals consensus among 194 countries and the European Union. The Emirati president of the COP28 summit, Sultan Al Jaber, praised the deal as "transformational change" and expressed his belief that it restores faith and trust in multilateralism. The agreement calls for a just and orderly transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems and emphasizes the need for greater action in the next decade. It also recommits to achieving no net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. While environmentalists generally view the agreement as progress, some critics argue that there are still loopholes, such as the recognition of transitional fuels like natural gas. The deal specifically addresses fossil fuel use in energy but does not cover other industrial sectors, such as plastics and fertilizer production.
What is the recent agreement about?
How long did the UN negotiations in Dubai take?
What does the agreement call for?
What is the criticism raised by some critics?
Which industrial sectors are not covered by the deal?
Section 2
My name is Ben and I'm an 11-year-old boy from a small village in Ireland called Ballymore. Today, I wanted to write about something that has been on my mind a lot lately - transitioning away from fossil fuels and addressing climate change. It's a big topic, but I believe even kids like me can make a difference.
One day, I was reading a book about the environment, and I learned about the harmful effects of burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. These fuels release a lot of carbon dioxide into the air, which traps heat and causes global warming. It made me think about the world I would grow up in and if it would be a safe and healthy place. That's when I decided I wanted to do something about it.
I started by talking to my parents and teachers about climate change. They helped me understand that we need to find cleaner sources of energy, like wind and solar power. So, I began researching and learning more about renewable energy. I found out that Ireland has a lot of potential for wind energy because it's a windy country. That made me proud of where I come from!
Next, I decided to take action in my own little way. I started a project at school where we collect and recycle plastic bottles. Plastic is made from oil, which comes from fossil fuels, so by recycling, we are helping to reduce the demand for these fuels. It felt great to see my friends and classmates getting involved and understanding the importance of our actions.
Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed thinking about the future of our planet. But then I remember that even small changes can have a big impact. I try to encourage my family, friends, and neighbors to use less electricity, walk or bike instead of using cars, and plant trees to absorb carbon dioxide. Every little step counts!
What is the harmful effect of burning fossil fuels?
How can renewable energy help address climate change?
What project did Ben start at school?
What are some small changes Ben suggests to help the environment?
Why does Ben believe every little step counts?
Section 3
Good evening, everyone! Welcome to our special news report on transitioning away from fossil fuels and addressing climate change. I'm your host, and today we'll be taking a closer look at the importance of finding alternative sources of energy to protect our planet.
First up, let's talk about why we need to transition away from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels, like coal, oil, and natural gas, release harmful greenhouse gases when burned. These gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, causing global temperatures to rise. This is known as climate change, and it's causing problems such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels.
But don't worry, because scientists and engineers are working hard to find solutions. One of the most promising alternatives to fossil fuels is renewable energy. Renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power, do not release greenhouse gases when generating electricity. They are also infinite, meaning they won't run out like fossil fuels.
Countries around the world are investing in renewable energy technologies to combat climate change. Solar panels, for example, can be installed on rooftops to capture the Sun's energy and convert it into electricity. Wind turbines can be placed in windy areas to harness the power of the wind. These clean sources of energy are not only better for the environment but also sustainable in the long run.
Transitioning away from fossil fuels requires a collective effort from individuals, governments, and businesses. We can all contribute by conserving energy, using public transportation, and supporting renewable energy initiatives. By doing so, we can reduce our carbon footprint and protect the planet for future generations.
Rearrange the letters to form a word related to the theme: CLIMATE
Rearrange the letters to form a word related to renewable energy: DOSILA
Rearrange the letters to form a word associated with fossil fuels: SLOI
Rearrange the letters to form a word that means the opposite of infinite: LIMTED
Rearrange the letters to form a word that describes the process of capturing energy from the Sun: LOASR
Section 4
One significant event that occurred in Ireland in relation to transitioning away from fossil fuels and addressing climate change was the establishment of the Moneypoint Power Station. Moneypoint Power Station, located in County Clare, was Ireland's only coal-fired power plant. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards renewable energy sources, leading to the decision to close down the plant and transition to cleaner energy alternatives.
When was the Moneypoint Power Station established?
Where is the Moneypoint Power Station located?
What type of power plant was Moneypoint originally?
What has been the motivation for closing down the power plant?
What type of energy sources are being considered as alternatives?
1. The Moneypoint Power Station was established in 1985.
2. The power station is located in County Clare, Ireland.
3. Moneypoint Power Station was originally a coal-fired power plant.
4. The motivation for closing down the power plant is to transition towards cleaner energy sources and address climate change.
5. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and wave power are being considered as alternatives to replace the coal-fired power plant.
