6 Minute English Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Host: Neil and Sam
• Topic: Climate change and its impacts
• Quote from Greta Thunberg: "No one is too small to make a difference."
• Importance of acting on climate change

Key Events and Data

• Record-breaking temperatures in Canada and the U.S. (July 2021)
• Wildfire in Lytton, Canada, linked to climate change
• Wake-up calls: Shocking events prompting action

Climatologist Insights

• Gert-Jan van Oldenburg: Led research on heatwave impacts
  • Expected gradual changes but observed sudden temperature increases
  • Heatwave in Lytton: Temperatures jumped by 5 degrees
  • Lack of understanding about extreme climate changes worries researchers

Vocabulary

• Wildfire: Out-of-control fire burning countryside
• Wake-up call: An event prompting realization/action needed
• Heatwave: Extended period of excessively hot weather
• Jump: Sudden increase
• Gradual: Occurring slowly over time
• Shakes your confidence: Doubting previously held beliefs

Renewable Energy and Smart Technology

• Discussion on smart tech's role in fighting climate change
• Renewable energy: Marked by limitations due to reliance on weather
• Dr. NS Abohamed: Working on energy storage solutions
  • Renewable energy is intermittent (not constant)
• Greya Jackson: Use of digital twin technology for efficiency in wind turbines

Quiz Questions

1. Highest temperature in Lytton, Canada: 49.6 degrees Celsius
2. Human carbon emissions: Estimated at 40 billion tonnes annually

Climate Change and Global Response

• USA and China: Big polluters working towards climate initiatives
• Biden's clean energy goals: Achieve 100% clean energy by 2050
• Vincent Ni: Discusses China's paradox of leading green initiatives while being a significant polluter
• Call for global cooperation to address climate issues

Vocabulary Recap

• Emitters: Countries or industries producing harmful substances
• Ambition: Goal to achieve something challenging
• Paradox: Situation with opposing factors
• Alleviate: To lessen severity
• Humility: Quality of being humble; recognizing limitations
• Flaws: Faults or mistakes

Conclusion

• Summary of key points discussed on climate change and technology
• Importance of awareness and action regarding climate impact.