Rising sea levels – level 3

NASA reported that global sea levels rose more than expected in 2024. Scientists had predicted an increase of 0.43 cm, but instead, it reached 0.59 cm. This rise was mainly due to the warming of the oceans and melting glaciers.

2024 was also the hottest year on record, with global temperatures 1.6°C higher than in pre-industrial times. Experts warn that the speed of sea level rise is increasing, which could lead to serious consequences. Around two-thirds of the surge was caused by thermal expansion, where warmer water takes up more space. Meanwhile, melting glaciers and ice sheets contributed to the remaining third. Climate policies are crucial, but international efforts remain inconsistent. While some countries, like China, are investing in clean energy, others, such as the US, have weakened regulations. The situation is complex, but experts stress that global cooperation is necessary to slow down climate change and its effects.

Animal sanctuaries have problems – level 3

A recent survey revealed that animal sanctuaries across the United States are facing challenges due to inflation and decreased donations.

The survey found that most of the 45 sanctuaries reported high prices for essentials like hay and grain since the pandemic. Over a third of them experienced costs doubling. The Catskill Sanctuary is home to 200 rescued animals. They highlighted the significant rise in expenses for essential supplies and medical care. Simultaneously, donations have declined across all levels, from modest to substantial contributions.

Founder Kathy Stevens expressed concern that if sanctuaries continue closing down, many animals could face starvation or slaughter. There’s been a drop in the yearly rise of consumer prices however, many sanctuaries are still struggling to survive.

Brisbane may lose tennis matches for 2032 Olympics – level 3

Brisbane may lose the tennis matches for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to Melbourne if the city does not improve its facilities, warns Tennis Australia.

Tennis Queensland has proposed a 113-million-dollar plan to upgrade the Queensland Tennis Centre, including a new 3,000-seat arena and eight new courts. Currently, the venue doesn’t meet the required standards for the Games, so Tennis Queensland is asking for additional government funding. Without funding, the tennis events might be moved to Melbourne. Tennis Queensland’s CEO, Cameron Pearson, explained that the state lacks enough courts, seating, and proper player facilities. He expressed hope that the government would support infrastructure improvements.

The Queensland government is set to announce the final infrastructure plan by March 25. Queensland’s Tourism Minister has also emphasized the importance of creating long-term benefits from the Games, while some in Melbourne have suggested they could host the tennis matches.

I want to talk about my life in (the) UK. I went to study in the UK a few years ago. The most exciting experience is that I went to a host family for my Christmas holiday in December. I went there alone … on a train. It took me about one or two hours to get there, to York, and then I stayed there for one week. This was the first time that I spent time with a UK family, which I learned a lot from them. They treat (treated) me like a family member, they took me out to eat, to play and to see all the different interesting culture of their region. On Christmas Day, they even bought me some presents to celebrate the Christmas (celebrate Christmas). 

When I went back to Oxford, which was the place that I stayed for that year, I had the chance to teach in a Chinese school every Sunday. The kids are (were) about 14 years old and I taught them Chinese. They were very cute but they all speak (spoke) in English. I spent lots of time to encourage (encouraging) them to speak in Cantonese. 

During my study (studies) in the UK, I lived with (a) few other students from different countries. They are very nice and we used to cook on our own, just like a big family. Every day we will go to … every day we went to supermarkets to buy food and drinks and desserts. We cooked every day. I was not a good cook – normally I just put everything into (the) oven. And I’ve tried (I tried) to bake a cake before but failed and they all laughed at me. And every time when I bake(d) a cake, they never taste(d) it. We share(d) a flat together – we share(d) kitchen, bathrooms but we do (did) have our own sink and bedroom. The life (Life) in the UK is quite relaxing besides study because you can explore more and do different activities at school or even some other extracurricular activities. 

After I come (came) back (to) Hong Kong, I still keep in touch with all my friends in the UK, from different countries like Italy, Malaysia, Japan, UK and other countries. Sometimes we even send email(s) to each other, sometimes they may come to Hong Kong to visit and we will meet each other again. 

I really enjoy (enjoyed) the time in the UK. I hope you will also have the chance to explore more in other different countries in the future.