BOOKS LOVER

-ENEÄGY
SOLUTION

The bright city lights of Detroit

(left) and Windsor, Ontario

on the USA-Canadian border,

separated by the Detroit River

WARM UP

Discuss these questions

with a partner.

1. What are some

different ways of
producing energy?

2. What sources of
energy are most
common in your
country?

10
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V Aerial view of Solar One,

a 10-megawatt solar thermal
plant in Daggett, California

BEFORE YOU READ

DISCUSSION A Look at the photo and caption, and answer the questions.
1. What are some advantages and disadvantages of solar power?
2. Aside from solar power, what are some alternative ways of
producing energy?

SCANNING B. Scan the reading passage. Which countries mentioned in the

passage use the alternative energy sources below?

solar wind nuclear

106 Unit 7A
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POWERING
THE
Despite modern societys heavy dependence Wind
on fossil fuels for energy, most people are
Wind—the fastest-growing alternative energy
aware that the supply of these fuels is finite. As
source—is another way of collecting energy from
and other fossil fuels become more costly
oil
the sun. Wind is caused by the sun's heat rather
and difficult to find, researchers are looking
than its light. Therefore, solar power, wind
at alternative energy sources, including solar,
power works well even on cloudy days.
wind, and even nuclear power, But which
substitute—if any—is the right one? F All over the world, incentives designed to
decrease the dependence on oil and coal have
Solar
led to a steep increase in wind-powered energy.
B Solar panels catch energy directly from the sun Today, Asia leads the world in wind power,
and convert it into electricity. One of the world's producing around 230,000 megawatts,l the
largest solar power stations is in the Indian state equivalent of 230 large coal-powered plants.
of Tamil Nadu, where more than 2.5 million solar Europe produces nearly 180,000 megawatts.
panels have the capacity to generate enough North America remains a distant third, at 105,000.
power for 750,000 people. But unlike the burning
Despite its successes, some people are
of fossil fuels, the process used to create all that
protesting wind-power development, saying
solar energy produces no emissions.
the turbines2 are both noisy and ugly. Just
c Today, however, solar power provides less than outside England's Lake District—a protected
2 percent of the world's energy, plimarily because national park—a dozen existing wind towers
the cost of the panels is still very high. But price are due to be removed. "This is a high-quality
is only one issue. Clouds and darkness also cause landscape," says one local homeowner. "They
solar panels to produce less energy. This requires shouldn't be putting those things in here."
that additional power sources (such as batteries)
H There are other challenges, too. If the wind
be available.
doesn't blow, the turbines are not able to
D Some scientists think the solution to this produce adequate energy. As a result, other
problem can be found in space, which is the power sources are needed. In contrast, a strong
ideal place to gather energy from the sun. With wind can create too much power. In cases like
no clouds and no nighttime, a space-based solar this, the energy company must sell the extra

power station could operate constantly. These power at a much-reduced rate, which is not
stations would send the power back to Earth, good for business,
which could then be turned into electricity for
What's needed for both wind and solar is a way
consumption. Advocates of solar space stations
to store a large energy surplus.3 However, most
say this technology would initially require a
systems are still decades away from making this
lot of money but eventually it could provide a reality. On the plus sider both wind and solar
continuous, clean energy that would be cheaper
than other fuels. Also, unlike other energy 1 A megawatt is a unit of power.
sources, solarpower from space would last as 2 A turbine is a machine that uses water, steam, or wind to
turn a wheel to produce electricity.
long as the sun shines, and would guarantee 3 If you have a surplus of something, you have more of it than
everyone on Earth all the energy they need. you need.

Unit7A 107
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power enable people to generate their own any country. China has started to build one or
energy where they live: People can have their two new plants a year, and India has also begun
own windmills or solar panels, with batteries to utilize nuclear energy on a large scale.
for calm days.
However, there are still concerns about the
Nuclear safety of nuclear power, as seen, for example, at
the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan.
J In the 1970s, nuclear power was seen as the main
The country had to close the nuclear reactors
energy alternative. Nuclear power produces vast
at Fukushima when the plant was hit by a
amounts of electricity more cheaply than gas or
tsunami and/ as a consequence, began releasing
coal, qith no carbon emissions. For a number
substantial amounts of radioactive materials.
of years in the 1980s and '90s, however, use
Many still believer however, that nuclear
of nuclear power declined due to accidents,
power is one of the future's greenest energy
concerns about nuclear waste storage and
alternatives.
disposal, and high construction costs.
M In the end, are any of these sources alone
K Today, times are changing. Worldwide, about
the answer to our current energy problems?
450 plants generate 11 percent of the planet's
The short answer is no, but used in some
electric power, and some countries have
combination—along with other power sources—
invested heavily in nuclear energy. France, for
we may find ways to reduce and eventually
instance, gets three-quarters of its electricity
eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels.
from nuclear power, the highest percentage of

Wind turbines on Pillar

Mountain, Kodiak, Alaska

1 UKi(7Å
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READING COMPREHENSION

A. Choose the best answer for each question.

GIST 1. What is this reading mainly about?

a. possible replacements for fossil fuels

b. the various causes of the global energy crisis

c. the benefits of solar power over other alternate energy sources

d. problems caused by our overdependence on fossil fuels

DETAIL 2. Which of these statements about solar energy is stated in the text?

a. Solar is currently the biggest contributor to the world's energy.

b. Solar energy is cheap to produce due to the low price of solar panels.
c. Solar space stations could be the solution to the energy crisis.

d. Solar energy can have a harmful effect on the environment.

DETAIL 3. What is NOT mentioned as a disadvantage of wind power?

a. Strong winds can produce too much power.
b. Strong winds can damage the turbines,
c. The turbines can create a lot of noise.
d. Some people consider the turbines to be ugly.

DETAIL 4. Which country gets most of its power from nuclear power?
a. France c. India

b. Japan d. China

PARAPHRASE 5, Which question is closest in meaning to In the end, are any of these sources alone
the answer to our current energy problems? (paragraph M)
a. Is there an energy source that can solve all of our energy problems on its own?
b. Can our current energy problems be solved by making sure we stop burning
fossil fuel?

c. Can we solve our energy problems by using all the alternative energy sources
together?
d. Is finding an alternate to fossil fuels the only way to solve our energy problems?

MATCHING Match each energy source with the correct statements(s) (a-f) according to the
reading passage. One statement is extra.

1. Solar a. Its use declined, but is now gaining popularity.

b. Its development has been welcomed by locals.

2. Wind c. It has the potential to produce energy from space.

d. It provides less than 2 percent of the world's electricity.
3. Nuclear
e. There have been recent concerns about its safety.

f. It is the fastest-growing alternative energy source.

Unit7A 109
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READING SKILL

Identifying Pros and Cons (2)

A writer sometimes presents the pros and cons of three or more related ideas. Using a chart to

compare the advantages (or disadvantages) of each idea can show you which of them may be the
most (or least) beneficial.

IDENTIFYING A, Look back at the reading passage. Check (I) the energy sources used today that
PROS
have these advantages (1-3).

Advantages Solar Enery Wind Ener Nuclear Ener

1, Has constant power supply

2. Produces no carbon emissions

3. Can be produced by people

at home

IDENTIFYING B, Look back at the reading passage. Check (V) the energy sources that have these
CONS
disadvantages (1—3).

Disadvantages Solar Ener Wind Energy Nuclear Energy

1, Is affected by weather
conditions

2. Has a history of safety issues

3. Has high construction costs

CRITICAL THINKING Evaluating Pros and Cons Discuss the following questions with a partner.

Which of the three energy sources do you think

has the most significant advantages? Which has
the most significant disadvantages?
Which disadvantages do you think will be the
easiest to solve? Explain your answer.

Which of the three energy sources do you think

is the best option to replace fossil fuels? Why?

Nuclear power plant at Three

Mile Island, Pennsylvania

110 Unit 7A
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VOCABULARY PRACTICE

COMPLETION A Complete the information using the words from Pulau Ubinr Singapore
the box. Two words are extra.

capacity eliminate equivalent

steep substitute utilize

1
In 2010, in an effort to eventually

its dependence on fossil fuels, the government

of Singapore decided to 2 some of

its traditional energy production with renewable

energies. As part of this initiative, it has turned

Pulau Ubin—a small, undeveloped but inhabited

island—into a "green island." The island is now powered entirely by clean and

renewable energy: It uses the 3 amount of electricity as it did

before, but without using fossil fuels. It is hoped that other places in the region

can fully 4 green energy so they, too, can become "green islands. "

WORDS IN B. Complete each sentence with the correct answer.

CONTEXT
1. If you protest an action, you are it.

a. for b. against

2. If a country's energy capacity increases, it more energy.

a. needs b. can produce

3. Over the last 100 years, has been declining.

a. environmental quality b. the world's population

4 A steep rise in prices takes place over a period of time.

a. short b. long

5. If you guarantee someone a pay raise, you them more money.

a. promise b. refuse

6. If you dispose of something, you

a. throw it away b. store it

WORD C. The nouns in the box are frequently used with the adjective steep,
PARTNERS "a steep climb." Add an arrow for each to show an upward (t) or a
downward (l) movement.

climb decline dive drop — increase reduction

Unit7A 111
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BEFORE YOU READ

COMPLETION A Read the photo caption, and complete the sentences using the
words or phrases in bold.
1. The of a place is its overall environmental impact.

2. If you you do something to achieve a goal.

3. A very large city can be referred to as a(n)

PREDICTING B. In what ways do you think a large, modern city like Dubai can
reduce its ecological footprint? Discuss your ideas with a partner.
Check as you read the passage.

Ski Dubai is the Middle East's first indoor ski

park—one of several projects that have turned

Dubai into a major metropolis. But this growth
has an environmental cost, largely due to the city's
dependence on fossil fuels. Now Dubai is looking to
take action to reduce its ecological footprint.

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CITY OF THE
FUTURE?
A To appreciate the audacityl of Dubai, you could start by going
skiing. The ski resort, located inside one of the citys shopping
malls, looks from the outside like a silver spaceship. You put on a
thick coat, pullon your gloves—and then marvel at what strong
air-conditioning can do. At the exit, you can buy a souvenir
T-shirt. A cartoon thermometer in Celsius announces: "I went

from +50 to minus 8!"

B Indoor skiing in the desert has become a symbol of Dubai's status

as a wealthy, modern metropolis. Originally a small fishing vmage,
Dubai's fortunes changed forever with the discovery of oil in the
1960s. Since then, it has evolved to become the largest city in the
United Arab Emirates, with over three million residents, huge
shopping malls, and a hundred high-rise towers. But the rapid
I growth has come at a price. To power its cars and air-conditioning,
the city has produced large amounts of carbon diodde (C02)
from fossil fuels. By 2006, Dubai had one of the largest ecological
footprints in the world. But now it is making some big changes.
c To reduce its dependence on cars and lower its emissions,
Dubai has invested in solar energy, green buildings, and a
comprehensive public transportation system. Gleaming
driverless trains now run beside the main roads. In addition,
allnew buildings must meet strict energy regulations. Smart
lighting and cooling systems must switch off when no people are
present in a room. New buildings must also use solar panels for
water heating. "The leadership has recognized that the growth
of the economy is not sustainable without taking action on
emissions," says Tanzeed Adam, a climate and energy specialist.

D The most striking development can be found where the citys

suburbs meet the desert. Unlike much of Dubai, the Sustainable
City to the south feels more like a close-knit2 village community.
About five hundred low-rise houses are distributed along
attractive, tree-lined streets. They all face north, away from direct
sunlight, and are close together to provide natural shade. Each
building has reflective3 windows and wall paint, which reduce the

1 Audacity is a willingness to be bold and daring.

2 A group of people that is close-knit is tightly connected.
3 If a surface is reflective, it casts back light or heat.

Unit 7B 113
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Dubai's Sustainable City

generates its own power from
solar panels placed beside roads
and on rooftops (1). It also recycles all
of Its waste: The all-organic waste is used in
domed greenhouse farms (2) to grow vegetables.
No gas-powered cars are allowed; residents travel by
electric cars or on electric buses (3).

heat absorbed from the sun. Rooftop solar panels and energy-saving lights contribute
community s energy efficiency. As a result, residents of the Sustainable
to the City
now consume 50 percent less energy than people living in other parts of Dubai.
A decade ago, the idea of a KIIly sustainable community was thought to be
unrealistic. But times have changed, says Faris Saeed, one of the creators of the
Sustainable City. So, too, have prices. The cost of living in the Sustainable City is

similar to some of Dubai's other neighborhoods. "It's a myth4 that sustainable has to
be more expensive," Saeed says.

F Dubai's leaders hope the Sustainable City will become a model for the future.
By 2050, the government intends to obtain 75 percent of the ci5Hs energy from
renewable sources—mainly solar. It also wants to have the smallest ecological
footprint in the world. The plan is audacious. But if successful, even guilt-free skiing

in the desert could become an environmentally sustainable reality.

A myth is a widely held but false belief or idea.

114 Unit 7B
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WHAT MAKES A GREEN BUILDING?

Though standards for green buildings vary, they are generally designed to use less
energy and water and improve the indoor environment, including air quality.

SOLAR PANELS ROOFTOP PLANTINGS

Small plants on roofs retain
rainwater and help keep cities
cooler.

IMPROVED INSULATION ENHANCED VENTILATION

Energy efficiency is increased Improving air flow can result in a
by reducing the amount of air healthier indoor environment.
that escapes.

INDOOR LIGHTING ADJUSTS WATER CONSERVATION

TO LIGHT LEVELS OUTSIDE Efficient bathrooms—
waste
including reusing
water—reduce consumption,

BUILDING
ORIENTATION
Positioning a MOTION DETECTION
building away
SENSORS CONTROL LIGHT
from (or toward) Smart lighting turns off if no one
is in the room.
the sun impacts
heating and
cooling.

BUILDING MATERIALS
HIGH- Eco-friendly building materials
EFFICIENCY reduce emissions.
LIGHT
FIXTURES

SMART HEATING AND

COOLING SYSTEMS

RAINWATER UTILIZATION
SYSTEMS

Unit 7B 115
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READING COMPREHENSION

A Choose the best answer for each question.

GIST 1. What would be the best alternative title for this reading?

a. How Oil Has Changed Dubai c. Dubai's Economic Future

b. The Costs of Green Living d. Building a Sustainable City

PURPOSE 20 Why does the writer start the passage by describing a ski resort?

a. to demonstrate the problems of living near a desert

b. to describe an expensive and unsuccessful building project
c. to give an example of how Dubai is a wealthy modern city

d. to provide a warning of what Dubai might be like in the future

VOCABULARY 3. The word striking in paragraph D is closest in meaning to

a. distinctive c. isolated

b. massive d. uniform

DETAIL 4. Which feature of "green buildings" is NOT specifically mentioned by the writer in

relation to Dubai's Sustainable City?

a. use of energy-efficient lights

b. storage of rainwater underground
c. placement of solar panels on rooftops
d. arrangement of houses to allow natural cooling

REFERENCE 5. At the beginning of the third sentence in paragraph E It refers to

a. Dubai's government c. the Sustainable City

b. solar energy production d. the indoor ski resort

SUMMARIZING B. Match each paragraph from the reading (A—F) with the best description.
MAIN IDEAS One description is extra.
Review this

skill in Unit 2B Paragraph A 4. Paragraph D

2. Paragraph B 5. Paragraph E

3. Paragraph C 6. Paragraph F

a. Dubai's plans for the next few decades

b. A green community at the edge of the desert

c. An unlikely tourist attraction in a very hot environment

d. A change in how some people perceive sustainable communities

e. Dubai's economic development before the discovery of oil

f. How Dubai's rapid growth led to benefits and environmental problems

g. How Dubai's energy, buildings, and transportation have become greener

116 Unit 7B
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READING SKILL

Identifying an Author's Opinion

Even if an author does not state their opinion explicitly, it may be possible to infer how they feel
about a topic or issue from the language used. As you read, take note of any positive or negative

words—particularly adjectives—or phrases to determine if the text has a more positive or negative
tone. This helps give you an idea of the author's opinion.

IDENTIFYING A. Read the text below. Underline positive words and circle negative words. Do
OPINION you think the author's tone is positive or negative? What is the author's overall
opinion about coal? Discuss your ideas with a partner.

Formed deep underground, coal is a carbon-rich black rock that remains a vital energy
source worldwide. It is abundant and relatively inexpensive to extract. But coal is dirty

and dangerous.

Coal poses grave risks to human health. It has been linked to deadly diseases such as
cancer and heart disease. Coal-burning power stations are recklessly releasing a toxic
ash that ends up polluting our drinking water. To continue to rely so much on coal for

our energy is foolhardy and irresponsible.

IDENTIFYING B. Look back at paragraphs and F of the reading passage. Is the author's tone
C, D,
OPINION
more positive or negative? Find and underline the words that support your
claim. Overall, what is the author's opinion about Dubai?

CRITICAL THINKING Applying Ideas

Make a list of things that Dubai is doing to reduce its ecological footprint.

Which of the things in your list is your community or country doing? Discuss your ideas with a
partner.

Coal mining at Savage Energy

Terminal in Utah, USA

Unit 7B 117
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VOCABULARY PRACTICE

COMPLETION A. Complete the information with words from the box. Four words are extra.

comprehensive cooling distributed efficiency emissions

regulation resident sustainable unrealistic wealthy

Florida's new town of Babcock Ranch may be the town of the future. Property developer

Syd Kitson is creating a place that is almost completely —one powered

solely by the sun. Future 2 will live in high-tech homes where everything

is powered by over 300,000 solar panels. To move around the town, people will ride in

a solar-powered self-driving shuttle bus that produces zero 3 Of course,

cloudy days reduce the 4 of the solar panels, however, meaning that the

town may have to use regular electricity at times.

Kitson anticipates a town of 50,000 people by 2040. And the town will not just be for
5
people. Home prices are only slightly higher than the state average.

Although some people suggest it's 6 to think Babcock Ranch can be a

model for future towns, Kitson is more optimistic. "We want to prove that something

like this can work economically so that others will do it. "

DEFINITIONS B. Match the definitions (1—8) to words from the box in A. Two words are not needed.
1. making less warm
2. including everything

3. spread evenly throughout an area

4. not sensible or practical

5. a rule set forth by an authority or agency

6. ability to perform well with very little waste

7. pollution released into the air

8. able to be maintained

WORD FORMS C. Many words have more than one form. Complete the chart with the
correct forms.

Verb Noun Ad •ective

ecological
emission
distribute

efficiency

sustainability sustainable
reside resident

118 Unit 7B
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v Scientists and engineers are finding new VIDEO

ways to generate energy from the ocean.

WAVE
-POWER
BEFORE YOU WATCH
MATCHING A. Match the captions (1-4) to the items in the picture.

1. Snakes—Waves move the colorful "snake" up and down, moving the water pumps
inside.

2. Kites—Small underwater turbines—attached in triangles to the ocean floor—generate

power.
3. Fans—The changing tides move the underwater blades, which act in a similar way to

wind turbines.
4. Paddles—Floating paddles move up and down, pushing water through high-pressure
pipes that drive an onshore turbine.

MATCHING B. Match the words in bold in A with their definitions.

long, hollow tubes for carrying water, gas, steam, etc.

devices that force air, water, gas, etc., in or out of something

engines that have parts that turn with the help of water, wind, etc.

the alternating rising and falling of the ocean that occurs each day

Video 119
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WHILE YOU WATCH

MAIN IDEA A Check (I) the main idea of the video.

A new invention holds great promise as an energy source.

2. Several competing companies are finding ways to get energy from the ocean.
3. It/s becoming easier to generate power from waves, but it's still too expensive.

COMPLETION B. Watch the video again. Complete the facts about Pelamis with the words and
phrases in the box. Two items are extra.

high pressure monster Portugal Scotland

sea snake temperatures weather conditions

o Pelarnis is named after a tropical I

Water pumps force water through a motor under 2 generating electricity.

o Pelamis was first tested in a lab where wave stimulators recreated different
3

Scale models were created, and the first test of a prototype was done in 4

It was first used commercially in 5 beginning in 2008.

CRITICAL THINKING Synthesizing Discuss these questions with a partner.

What are some possible disadvantages of generating power from ocean waves and tides?

From what you have learned in this unit, which do you think has the most potential—solar,
wind, nuclear, or wave power?

VOCABULARY REVIEW

Do you remember the meanings of these words? Check (V) the ones you know. Look back at the
unit and review any words you're not sure of.

Reading A

capacity* decline* dispose* [A eliminate* equivalent*

guarantee* protest steep substitute* utilize*

Reading B

comprehensive cooling distribute* efficiency emissions

regulation* resident* sustainable* unrealistic wealthy

* Academic Word List

120 Video