Conversing About Climate Change – The 2023 U.N. Climate Summit

Engaging in meaningful conversations about trending topics is a great way to improve your English language skills. Today, we’ll delve into a dialogue centered around the 2023 U.N. Climate Summit and its key vocabulary. Let’s listen in on two friends, Alex and Maria, as they discuss the recent event.

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Alex: Have you been following the U.N. Climate Summit, Maria?

Maria: Yes, I have. It’s interesting, but some of the vocabulary they use can be complex.

Alex: That’s true. Would you like to discuss some of the terms?

Maria: That’d be great. I heard a lot about mitigation and adaptation. What’s the difference?

Alex: Well, mitigation refers to actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. Things like using renewable energy, for example.

Maria: And adaptation?

Alex: That’s about making changes to respond to the effects of climate change. For instance, building sea walls to protect against rising sea levels.

Maria: I see. What about this term “net zero” or “carbon neutral”?

Alex: That’s a really important one. It means that the amount of greenhouse gases produced is balanced by the amount removed from the atmosphere.

Maria: So, it’s like a goal for the future?

Alex: Exactly! And to reach that, we need sustainable development – another key phrase. It means development that meets our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations.

Maria: Right, and we also need climate resilience, don’t we?

Alex: Absolutely. That’s the ability to adapt to climate change impacts while continuing to grow and prosper.

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Dialogue Analysis

Now that we’ve read the conversation, let’s analyze it. Maria asked Alex about four main terms: mitigation, adaptation, net zero (or carbon neutral), sustainable development, and climate resilience. Alex provided concise definitions for each, and they both used these terms correctly in their discussion.

Role-play Exercise

Why don’t you try the same? With a partner, role-play a similar conversation. One of you can take on Maria’s role, asking about vocabulary from a recent event. The other can be Alex, explaining these terms. Then, switch roles.

Having conversations about current events, like the U.N. Climate Summit, is a great way to put your English into practice. Next time, we’ll dive into another dialogue, this time about the latest developments in technology. Stay tuned!