Đề Reading Unit 11 (Conserving nanture) - COMPLETE PET

Reading passage 1 (1-10): The Sea Turtle Protection Project

The protection of marine wildlife has become a global priority, and among the many creatures facing threats, the sea turtle is one of the most recognized symbols of conservation efforts. A significant project was established on the coast of Costa Rica, a country known for its rich biodiversity. This project focuses on creating safe nesting grounds for several species of sea turtles, which are endangered due to pollution, illegal hunting, and habitat loss caused by coastal development. The attraction of this project is so strong that every year, hundreds of volunteers are invited from around the world to participate in its activities. Before they begin, a thorough orientation is provided, ensuring everyone understands the delicate nature of their work and the importance of minimal disturbance. Their main job is to patrol the beaches at night, searching for female turtles that have come ashore to lay their eggs. This work must be done more quietly than any other activity to avoid scaring the turtles away, as a frightened turtle may return to the sea without nesting.

Once a nest is found, it is carefully relocated to a protected hatchery, a special area where the eggs are kept safe from predators like birds and crabs, and also from human foot traffic. The development of these hatcheries was a crucial step in increasing the turtles' survival rates. Information about each nest, such as the number of eggs, the date they were laid, and the mother turtle’s tag number, is recorded meticulously by the volunteers. This data collection is vital for scientific research, helping experts to understand the turtles' population dynamics and migration patterns more completely. After approximately 50 to 70 days, the baby turtles, or hatchlings, emerge from the sand, usually at night. The release of these tiny creatures into the ocean is an unforgettable sight. The volunteers form a human barrier to guide them safely to the water, protecting them from predators during their most vulnerable moments. This celebration of new life is a powerful reminder of why their work is so important. The contribution of these international volunteers is essential for the continuation of this vital conservation movement, which aims to ensure these ancient mariners swim in our oceans for generations to come.

Reading passage 2 (11-20): Living with Climate Change in the Alps

The European Alps, a majestic mountain range stretching across eight countries, are experiencing the effects of climate change more intensely than many other regions in the world. The temperature in the Alps has risen at about twice the global average rate, a development that brings significant challenges for both nature and human society. One of the most visible consequences is the rapid melting of its famous glaciers. For centuries, these massive rivers of ice have been a source of fresh water for millions of people and a major attraction for tourists. Now, they are shrinking faster than ever before. Scientific measurements indicate that some smaller glaciers may disappear completely within the next few decades. This situation is worsened by the decrease in annual snowfall, which means less ice is formed to replace what has melted. The reflection of sunlight from the white snow, known as the albedo effect, is also reduced, causing the ground to absorb more heat and accelerate warming even further.

This environmental shift has a direct impact on local communities. Villages that once thrived on winter tourism are now facing uncertain futures. Ski resorts at lower altitudes find it difficult to operate for a full season, and the investment in artificial snow-making machines is costly and not always effective. The reduction in ice and snow also increases the risk of natural disasters. For example, melting permafrost—ground that is usually frozen year-round—can make mountain slopes less stable, leading to more frequent landslides and rockfalls. These events pose a serious threat to roads, buildings, and human lives. The local wildlife is also affected. Animals like the ibex and chamois, which are adapted to cold, high-altitude environments, are forced to move higher up the mountains to find suitable habitats. This competition for space and food becomes harder as their environment shrinks, and some species may not be able to adapt quickly enough to survive the rapid changes.

In response, there is a growing movement towards sustainable tourism and energy conservation in the region. Many communities are investing in renewable energy sources like solar and hydropower, taking advantage of the mountainous terrain. There is also a greater focus on promoting summer activities such as hiking and mountain biking to reduce the economic dependence on skiing. The challenge is immense, but the dedication to preserving the unique Alpine environment is strong. International cooperation between the Alpine countries has been improved to share research and strategies for adaptation. The adaptation to these new conditions is seen by many as the only way forward to ensure the region's long-term prosperity and ecological health.

Reading passage 3 (21-30): The Greentown Community Recycling Initiative

In the small town of Greentown, the local council was worried about the growing amount of rubbish that was produced by its residents. Every week, landfills were filled more quickly than before, and the cost of waste management was rising alarmingly. In response, a community-wide initiative called the 'Greentown Recycling Initiative' was launched last year after months of careful preparation. The primary aim was the education of its citizens about the importance of recycling and energy conservation, shifting public perception from seeing waste as rubbish to seeing it as a resource. The council started an information campaign, using posters and local newspapers to explain how different materials could be recycled. Special containers for separating paper, glass, and plastic were distributed to every household, an action that was received with much appreciation. The improvement in public awareness was noticeable almost immediately.

A key part of the initiative was the establishment of a new, modern recycling centre. This facility was equipped with machines that sort materials more efficiently than the old system, and it also created new jobs for local people. The council also introduced a collection service that picked up recyclable materials directly from people's homes every Friday. To encourage participation, the council made an announcement about a reward system. Families that showed the best improvement in recycling habits were given discounts on their local taxes. This created a sense of friendly competition and motivated many people to get involved. The local school also played a big role. Students were taught about environmental protection and participated in a 'bottle bank' challenge to see which class could collect the most glass bottles. This educational component was designed to create long-lasting habits for the next generation.

After just one year, the results have been a cause for celebration. The amount of rubbish sent to landfills has been reduced by 40%. The council reported that the movement towards a cleaner town has been incredibly successful. The connection between community effort and positive environmental change was clearly demonstrated. To the disappointment of a few who thought the plan would fail, the initiative has become a model for other towns to follow, attracting invitations for Greentown’s mayor to speak at regional conferences. The translation of a simple idea into effective action has shown that when people are given the right tools and information, they can work together to make a significant and positive difference to their local environment.

Reading passage 4 (31-40): A New Generation of Environmentalists

In recent years, a powerful shift has occurred in the conversation about climate change, largely driven by young people. Teenagers and students from all over the world are speaking out more loudly than ever before, demanding immediate and effective action from political leaders. They feel that the decisions being made today, often by people who will not experience the worst consequences, will have the biggest impact on their future. This global youth movement is not just about protesting; it is also about creating real change through education and local projects. Many young activists argue that older generations have moved too slowly and that a greater sense of urgency is needed. They often face criticism for being idealistic, but they respond with well-researched arguments and concrete plans. They believe their energy and fresh perspective are essential for environmental protection and for pushing past political inaction.

One example is a project started by a 16-year-old named Elena, who organised a 'Green School' campaign in her city. The campaign's main objective was to reduce the school's carbon footprint. Her team conducted an energy audit and found that a lot of electricity was wasted. Lights were often left on in empty classrooms, and computers were not turned off properly. As a result, new rules were introduced and a student-led 'energy patrol' was created to monitor compliance. For instance, the last person to leave a room is now responsible for switching everything off. Furthermore, Elena's group successfully campaigned for solar panels to be installed on the school roof. This installation now provides a significant portion of the school's electricity, and any excess energy is sold back to the local grid, creating a small income for the school. This financial benefit was a key argument in getting the school administration’s approval.

The influence of these young people extends beyond their schools. They use social media very effectively to share information and organize events, reaching thousands of people almost instantly. They create viral challenges, educational videos, and live-stream discussions with scientists. They argue that changing personal habits is important, but it is not enough. They want large-scale changes in policy from governments and corporations. Sophia, another young champion for the climate, believes that the biggest challenge is changing the attitudes of those in power. 'We have to influence our parents' generation,' she says. 'The way we live now has to be changed completely, and we must do it more quickly and more decisively than ever before.' The determination of this new generation of environmentalists shows that age is not a barrier to making a difference, and their movement continues to grow stronger every day.

Reading passage 5 (41-50): A Visit to the Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park in Florida, USA, is a unique and precious ecosystem, unlike any other place on Earth. It is not a swamp, as many people believe, but a vast, slow-moving river of grass that stretches for miles, creating a complex web of life. This incredible wetland habitat was established as a National Park in 1947 to conserve its natural landscape and prevent further degradation from commercial development and agriculture. The park is home to an amazing diversity of wildlife, including rare and endangered species such as the Florida panther, the American crocodile, and the West Indian manatee. Alligators are seen frequently, often resting motionless in the sun, and the park is one of the most important breeding grounds for tropical wading birds in North America. Its designation as a World Heritage Site highlights its global significance.

To protect this fragile environment, strict rules are enforced with great seriousness by the park authorities. For instance, visitors are not allowed to feed any of the wildlife. This rule is considered one of the most important because feeding animals can make them lose their natural fear of humans and become aggressive, which can be dangerous for both people and the animals themselves. Additionally, pets are permitted only in very limited areas and must be kept on a leash at all times to prevent them from disturbing the native wildlife. Boating is a popular activity, but specific zones have been created where motorboats must be operated more slowly to prevent accidents with manatees, gentle marine mammals often called 'sea cows'. All rubbish must be taken out of the park by visitors, as there are very few bins available. This 'pack it in, pack it out' policy is designed to minimize the human impact on the ecosystem and keep the wilderness pristine.

Educational programs are offered daily by park rangers. These talks and guided walks provide valuable information about the park's history, its challenges, and its inhabitants, including the traditional role of fire in maintaining the ecosystem's health. The biggest threat to the Everglades today is the disruption of its natural water flow, caused by the construction of canals and dams outside the park to support urban and agricultural growth. Huge restoration projects, among the largest in the world, are now underway to try and fix this problem by redirecting water back to its historical paths. The survival of this World Heritage Site depends on the success of these efforts and the continued respect of its visitors. The park is a living testament to the idea that nature's beauty can be preserved if it is treated with care and respect.