13 - 英語課程13: 吉里巴斯與氣候變遷

今天的文化角要再次帶大家來到位於太平洋上的島國吉里巴斯（Kiribati）。由於許多島嶼地勢非常低平，吉里巴斯正面臨海平面上升、海岸侵蝕、淡水鹽化與極端天氣等氣候變遷帶來的嚴峻挑戰，也因此常被視為全球暖化最前線的國家之一。

面對這些問題，吉里巴斯並沒有只是被動等待，而是透過不同方式努力調適與應對。政府推動海岸保護工程、改善淡水資源管理、加強防災與社區韌性，也積極參與國際氣候會議，希望讓更多國家重視低海拔島國所面臨的危機。同時，當地也透過環境教育、永續發展計畫與國際合作，尋找可以保護家園與未來生活的方法。

吉里巴斯的故事提醒我們，氣候變遷並不是遙遠的議題，而是已經影響許多人生活的現實問題。今天就讓我們一起看看這個太平洋島國如何面對改變、保護土地，也為下一代尋找新的希望。

今天的「道地英語怎麼說」要學習和 change 有關的慣用語及俚語。英文裡的 change 不只是「改變」，還可以用來形容轉折、重新開始、適應新環境以及人生出現新的方向。一起來學幾個實用又道地的英文說法吧！

課程13文稿:

文化角:

Hello again! I’m Lem, and welcome back to Intercultural Corner! Today we are talking about a serious challenge — how Kiribati is trying to protect itself from rising sea levels.

Kiribati is one of the countries most affected by climate change. As sea levels rise, ocean water can flood homes and farmland. Salt water also damages drinking water and crops, making life harder for local people.

To protect the islands, Kiribati is building sea walls and planting mangrove trees along the coast. Mangroves help stop waves and protect the land. The government also works with other countries to ask for help and raise awareness.

Kiribati is also preparing for the future. Some people are learning new skills, and the government has even bought land in another country as a backup plan. Their goal is to protect people and culture, no matter what happens.

Kiribati’s story reminds us that climate change affects real people and real places. By working together, we can help protect island nations like Kiribati. Thanks for listening, and see you next time on Intercultural Corner!

道地英語怎麼說(change)

1. turn over a new leaf

2. start from scratch

3. a breath of fresh air

4. break new ground

5. break the mold

6. a sea change

7. turn the tables

8. turn the tide

9. shift gears

10. a new lease on life