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QSE 3 Unit 01 +wk_scen_LB_QSE 3 Unit 01 +wk_scen_LB.qxd 2/1/2011 1:09 PM Page 7

Unit 1
Unit 1
Into the future

8 METEOROLOGY in English

A Meteorologists are beginning to understand more about the gathered, using the box and the SST map.
Earth’s weather patterns, including the way that warm Student B talks about the effects of El Niño on
(El Niño) and cold (La Niña) episodes alternate in the the climate in different parts of the world, using
Pacific Ocean. Some climatologists believe there may be a the box and the world map.
link between more El Niño episodes and global warming. B After the presentations, ask questions and
Work in pairs. You are meteorologists giving a short discuss any climate changes you have noticed
presentation on El Niño. Student A explains what El Niño is, where you live.
the most recent El Niño episodes and how information is

El Niño
El Niño
Scientific definition
More than three months of surface sea
temperature (SST) of 0.5 °C warmer
than normal across equatorial Pacific
Ocean. El Niño moves west to east near
Sea surface temperature (SST)
the Equator.
Information-gathering methods
• Using satellites and
supercomputers
• Measuring SST
Recent episodes of El Niño
1991-92, 92-93, 94-95, 97-98,
2002-03
El Niños (since 1950):
31% of the time.
Worst El Niños:1982-83, 1997-98
Some effects of El Niño
• Changing weather patterns
• Storms more intense
• Changes in hurricane routes
• Dry regions: more forest fires, Effects of El Niño around the world December 1997 to February 1998
droughts
• Wet regions: floods, landslides

9 CONVERSATION

Discuss in pairs. Use the phrases you have learned in this unit and
Language Bank 1 to develop and justify your ideas and arguments.

A In the 18th century, Thomas Malthus predicted that C Some religious believers feel that we should not worry
the human population would eventually exceed food about the Earth’s environment – it is just part of a divine
production. Is the Earth overpopulated? plan. What do you think?
B Will technology solve all our environmental problems? D Name some films with plots about the end of the world.
Why?/Why not? Are they just science fiction and fantasy?

10 Your answer: DOES THE EARTH NEED RESCUING?

What will happen to the world? Are humans part of the problem or part of the solution?
What can we do to make the world a better place?

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