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Sir Richard Branson today offered a $25 000 000 prize for scientists who find a way to save the planet
from the effects of climate change.
Supported by the former US vice-president Al Gore and other environmentalists, the boss of Virgin
Atlantic airlines called for scientists to come up with a way to take greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere.
"What we are doing is making sure we get the most carbon dioxide-friendly planes. We promise that
100% of profits we make from our transportation business are put into things like the prize we've offered
today. We shall convince people that we are facing a threat which is urgent and there's no superhero. We
have no hope of a meaningful solution unless we find a way to work together." he said.
Mr Gore said global warming was man-made and was like to the planet suffering from a "fever". He said,
"Humans had slipped into a way of thinking that was centered on 'shortterm satisfaction', and now meet the
challenge of transforming ourselves and changing the structures of everything we do'," he said.
Reacting to the launch of the prize, Tony Jupiter, the Friends of the Earth's director, warned against
wasting time waiting for new inventions. He said, "Sir Richard's initiative (初衷) may encourage inventors
to develop a wonder technology to deal with carbon dioxide of the atmosphere. But many of the ways, such
as energy efficiency and renewables, already exist, and it is essential that these be put into practice as soon
as possible. Moreover, Sir Richard must also look at his business activities and the contribution they make
to climate change. The world will find it very difficult to settle climate change if air travel continues to expand
and space tourism is developed."
1. Sir Richard Branson is [ ]
A. a scientist concerned for climate change
B. a businessman working for Al Gore
C. the boss of Virgin Atlantic airlines
D. the director of the Friends of the Earth
2. The purpose of using Al Gore's quotation was to _____. [ ]
A. ask people to change the way of thinking
B. compare global warming to an Earth's fever
C. show how serious and urgent the problem is
D. call for more attention to the launch of the prize
3. What is the main idea of the passage?[ ]
A. It is important for people to save our planet.
B. Humans are to blame for causing climate change.
C. Scientists are trying to take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
D. A prize was offered for solutions to global warming.
4. How was Tony Jupiter's attitude to space tourism? [ ]
A. Negative.
B. Positive.
C. Optimistic.
D. Neutral (中立).
