题目内容
E
Climate has been a major driver of armed conflict in Africa, research shows—and future warming is likely to increase the number of deaths from war. US researchers found that across the continent, conflict was about 50% more likely in unusually warm years.
Writing in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), they suggest conflict arises when the food supply is not enough in warm conditions. Climatic factors have been mentioned as a reason for several recent conflicts. One is the fighting in Darfur in Sudan that has killed 200,000 people and forced two million more from their homes. Previous research has shown an association between lack of rain and conflict, but this is thought to be the first clear evidence of a temperature link.
The researchers used databases of temperatures across sub-Saharan Africa for the period between 1981 and 2002, and looked for connections between above average warmth and civil conflict in the same country that left at least 1,000 people dead. "Studies show that crop output in the region is really sensitive to small shifts in temperature, even of half a degree or so," research leader Marshall Burke, from the University of California at Berkeley, told BBC News.
"Our findings provide strong motivation to increase investments in African adaptation to climate change by such steps as developing crop varieties less sensitive to extreme heat and promoting insurance plans to help protect farmers from negative effects of the hotter climate," said Dr Burke. "If the argument is that the trend towards rising temperatures will increase conflict, then we need to do something around climate change, but more fundamentally we need to resolve the conflicts in the first place."
If the sub-Saharan climate continues to warm and little is done to help its countries better adapt to high temperatures, the human costs are likely to be unimaginable. If temperatures rise across the continent as computer models project, future conflicts are likely to become more common, researchers suggest. Their study shows an increase of about 50% over the next 20 years.
When projections of social trends such as population increase and economic development were included in their model of a future Africa, temperature rise still emerged as a likely major cause of increasing armed conflict. At next month's UN climate summit (峰会) in Copenhagen, governments are due to debate how much money to put into helping African countries prepare for and adapt to negative effects of climate change.
57.According to the passage, which of the following is one of the reasons for the fighting in Darfur in Sudan?
A.Shortage of drinking water. B.Racial discrimination.
C.Rising temperature. D.Demand for planting land.
58.What can we know from the research done by the US researchers?
A.There is no close relation between rainfall and conflict.
B.Temperature greatly affects crop production in sub-Saharan Africa.
C.Temperature will rise by about 50% in Africa over the next two decades.
D.With world cooperation, conflicts in Africa will be reduced by half 20 years later.
59.What can be inferred from the passage?
A.Something must be done to help sub-Saharan countries with better adaptation to climate change to avoid disaster.
B.Conflicts in sub-Saharan countries are sure to be on the rise in future.
C.Temperature in sub-Saharan countries will rise at a faster speed.
D.High temperatures will make sub-Saharan countries unfit to live in.
60.What's the best title for this passage?
A.World cooperation against African conflict
B.Africa's sufferings from climate change
C.Food shortages lead to African conflict
D.Climate drives African conflict
57---60 CBAD
解析
请阅读下列学位申请者的信息,从A、B、C、D、E和F 6个国家中为每位申请者选出最合适的留学国家,选项中有一项是多余选项。
Zhang Yuan has passed the IELTS and hopes to go to a foreign country for further study with easier access to visas and international environment, regardless of the tuition fee.
Wang Ying doesn’t have so much money and wishes to study art at a university in a foreign country as an international student.
Li Ming would like to take on campus part-time jobs while studying in a foreign country and wishes to go on staying in the country after he finishes studying there.
Li Hong can afford a tuition of about 200,000 yuan. She wishes to study in a foreign country with good climate and wishes to go on staying in the country after she finishes studying there.
Zhang Hua has passed the TOEFL and GRE. He wants to have more chances of getting scholarships to study in a foreign country.
New friends, Fresh lifestyle, Better career opportunities… Those are attractions of overseas study for young people in China. “Start early, finish strong.” Some of them say.
More than 300 universities from 27 countries and regions were represented at last weekend’s international education exposition (展览).
A. The US The US has always been on the top destination list for Chinese students,with its high education standards and enough scholarships. Good news: It’s easier to get a US student visa nowadays. Last year, the refusal rate was only 20 to 30 percent, much lower than a few years before, according to US Embassy. Concerns: There’re a lot to prepare. The TOFEL, GRE…It’s longer time to apply to US universities than schools in the UK or Australia. Useful link: www.Usembassychina.org.cn |
B. The Netherlands Tulips, windmills and wooden shoes:this was the image that once drew tourists. But Holland has more to offer. Good news: From 2005, Holland and China started recognizing each other’s education certificates. And from 2006, the government provides 4 million euros (欧元) for scholarships to Chinese students every year. Concerns: Not many Chinese know about Dutch education. Speaking Dutch sounds not easy. Useful link: www.nesobeijin 9.com |
C. The UK Easier access to visas and international environment are the UK’s great attractions for Chinese students. Good news: There are many new scholarships this year, both from the government and universities, such as the Scotland International Scholarship. Concerns: Money. It’s expensive to study in the UK, with an average cost of 200,000 to 300,000 yuan a year. Useful link: www. Educationuk.org.cn |
D. Canada Canada’s multicultural environment is good for students’ studies and careers. Good news: Students are allowed to take on campus part-time jobs during their studies from last year. It’ll help pay living expenses. Students can get two-year work permits after graduation. Concerns: Only a limited number of scholarships are available. They rarely cover the full cost of a study programme. Useful link: www.studycanada.cn |
E. Italy Italy is getting a lot of attention this year in China.With the China-Italy Year. Its art, culture and fashion appeal to many students. Good news: China and Italy will recognize each other’s educational certificates soon. Its government-funded universities are tuition free to international students. Concerns: The language is a problem. Most classes are taught in Italy. Useful link: www.studyinitaly.cn |
F. Australia Good climate, high quality education,favorable immigration policy: these make Australia one of the most popular choices among Chinese students. Good news: A new E-visa policy ensures a quick application process (four weeks compared with l2 weeks before). Concerns: Tuition fees have risen in past years. The total cost is about 200,000 yuan to attend a university located in big cities like Sydney or Melbourne. Useful link: www.studentsidp.com |