B2 First - Reading Gapped Text Exercise

Arctic Warming

A new report says the Arctic is experiencing some of the most severe climate change on Earth. The report says average winter temperatures there have risen at almost two times the rate of that in other areas in the past fifty years. (1) 

About three-hundred scientists prepared the report after a four-year study. The scientists say human activities are responsible for increasing amounts of heat-trapping gases in Earth's atmosphere. Other studies have linked recent climate changes to such activities.

The report was presented to an organization called the Arctic Council. (2)  Six groups representing native peoples also are members. The Council considered the report last week during a meeting in Reykjavik, Iceland. Robert Correll of the American Meteorological Society led the committee that wrote the report. (3)  As a result, native peoples who hunt for these animals will experience food shortages and economic problems.

The report also warns of possible health risks to people. As new kinds of wildlife move into the Arctic, animal diseases that can infect people may spread. And, northern freshwater fisheries that supply the native people with food could suffer. The report says melting ice would add more freshwater to the Arctic Ocean. (4)  As the frozen ground warms, many existing buildings in the Arctic, roads and industrial areas could be damaged.

The report notes some possible improvements as a result of rising temperatures. For example, the melting ice will increase the ability of fish and other sea creatures to use Arctic resources. (5)  And, reduced ice is likely to extend the period when ships can travel in the area.

source: voanews