Uruguay recently opened one of the world's biggest pulp mills, the UPM Paso de Los Toros facility. This happened during the country's worst-ever drought, which made people start talking about how much water the industry uses. The mills turn wood into cellulose, which is then sent out to make paper. The new facility is expected to double Uruguay's total cellulose output, which has people worried about how it will affect water resources.
UPM says it's using new technologies to save water. For example, the company reuses water many times before treating and putting it back into the river. But some people are worried that the treated waste water might pollute the water and harm the local environment.
People are also worried about how eucalyptus and pine tree plantations affect water levels and biodiversity. While industry experts say there's no proof that the plantations lower water levels, environmental scientists warn that the plantations could change the soil and reduce biodiversity.
Even though the industry is trying to use less water and be better for the environment, we need to keep checking on it to make sure it's doing things in a sustainable way and not harming the environment too much.
Original news source: Does the paper industry need to cut its water usage? (BBC)
π Vocabulary:
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– News Summary
Instructions: Pair up with a classmate and take five minutes to discuss the article and summarize it in your own words. Focus on the main points: the paper industry's water usage, the new pulp mill in Uruguay, concerns about water resources, and the measures being taken to address these issues.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: I will read a series of statements related to the article. On a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), rate your opinion on each statement. We will then discuss the results as a class and compare our views on the sustainability of the paper industry.
– Sketch It
Instructions: Individually, you will draw a simple diagram that illustrates the process of paper production and the potential environmental impacts mentioned in the article. Include the water cycle in the paper industry and any measures to mitigate environmental damage. Share your diagram with a partner and explain it in English.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: You will be divided into two teams. One member from each team will come to the front and be given a word or phrase related to the article (e.g., cellulose, biodiversity, sustainable). Without speaking, the player must draw the word while their team tries to guess it within a time limit.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: In groups, discuss and write down your predictions about the paper industry based on the article. Consider the advancements in technology, environmental concerns, and resource management. Share your predictions with the class and discuss the likelihood and implications of these future scenarios.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
The paper industry is using a lot of water, which is a big problem, especially with climate change causing more droughts.
People usually think paper is better for the environment than plastic.
The opening of the UPM Paso de Los Toros pulp mill, one of the world's biggest, during a severe drought has made people notice how much water the paper industry uses.
The facility turns wood into cellulose, which is then used to make paper.
The new mill might use a lot of water, which is concerning because it could affect the already limited water resources.
UPM says it's using new tech to save water by reusing it many times and then treating it before putting it back into the river.
People worry that these tree plantations might lower water levels and hurt biodiversity.
It's important to keep an eye on the industry to ensure it's being sustainable and not damaging the environment too much.
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
The paper industry is under scrutiny for using a lot of water. Even though paper is seen as better for the environment than , making paper uses a ton of water. With the changing, people are worried that the industry isn't moving fast enough to use less water. recently opened one of the world's biggest pulp , the UPM Paso de Los Toros facility. This during the country's worst-ever , which made start talking about how much water the industry uses. The mills turn wood into cellulose, which is then sent out to make paper. The new facility is expected to double Uruguay's total cellulose , which has people worried about how it will affect water resources. UPM says it's using new technologies to save water. For , the company reuses water many times before treating and putting it back into the river. But some people are worried that the treated waste water might pollute the water and harm the local . People are also worried about how eucalyptus and pine tree plantations affect water levels and . While industry say there's no proof that the plantations lower water levels, scientists warn that the plantations could change the soil and reduce biodiversity. Even though the is trying to use less water and be better for the environment, we need to keep on it to make sure it's doing things in a way and not harming the environment too much.
π¬ Discussion Questions:
1. What is one thing you use every day that is made of paper?
2. How would you feel if we ran out of water because industries use too much?
3. Do you think it's better to use paper bags or plastic bags when you shop? Why?
4. What are some ways you can save water at home or school?
5. Do you like the idea of big factories in your town? Why or why not?
6. How important is it to you that companies care about the environment?
7. What is biodiversity, and why do you think it might be important?
8. Do you think planting lots of trees could ever be bad for the environment? Why or why not?
9. Have you ever seen a river or lake get polluted? What happened?
10. What is one thing you think factories could do to use less water?
11. How would you feel if a new factory opened near where you live?
12. Do you think your country should make rules for how much water industries can use?
13. What is climate change, and how do you think it could affect our water supply?
14. Can you think of any products that could replace paper and be better for the environment?
15. Do you believe that big companies usually tell the truth about how they protect the environment? Why or why not?
Individual Activities
ππ Vocabulary Meanings:
Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.
Words
Meanings
π‘ Multiple Choice Questions:
π΅οΈ True or False Questions:
π Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
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