The Indian capital, Delhi, has been grappling with severe air pollution for several days. In an attempt to combat this issue, the city’s environment minister has proposed cloud seeding, a technique that creates artificial rain. However, experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness and long-term environmental impact of this method. Despite the uncertainties, political leaders are eager to find a solution to Delhi’s pollution problem.
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which measures the level of fine particulate matter in the air, has consistently exceeded the acceptable limit over the past two weeks. The city’s pollution is exacerbated in winter due to factors such as crop burning and low wind speeds. The Delhi government has taken measures such as early school breaks and construction bans to address the issue. It is now seeking approval from the Supreme Court to implement cloud seeding.
Cloud seeding involves spraying particles of salt, such as silver iodide or chloride, onto clouds to induce rain. However, the success of this technique depends on specific atmospheric conditions, including moisture, humidity, and wind speeds. The salt particles need to be sprayed into vertically growing clouds. Cloud seeding has been used in various countries to boost rainfall or combat drought, but its effectiveness in reducing pollution is uncertain.
While rainfall can temporarily improve air quality by washing away pollutants, experts argue that cloud seeding may only provide short-term relief. They believe that diverting resources towards an activity with uncertain and temporary effects is not a sustainable solution. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive and well-discussed policy to address air pollution, involving experts from various fields.
Some experts also express concerns about the lack of empirical evidence and the potential limitations of cloud seeding. They argue that addressing air pollution requires more concerted efforts and comprehensive strategies, rather than scattered experiments. It is important to consider the long-term effects and potential risks of altering natural processes.
In conclusion, the proposal to use cloud seeding to combat air pollution in Delhi has sparked both hope and skepticism. While it may provide temporary relief, experts emphasize the need for a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to address the city’s pollution problem.
Original news source: Delhi AQI: Can artificial rain fix toxic air in India’s capital? (BBC)
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Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– News Reporter Role-play
Instructions: Students are divided into pairs, with one student taking on the role of a news reporter and the other being an environmental expert. The reporter will interview the expert about the situation in Delhi, asking about the pros and cons of cloud seeding, its potential effectiveness, and alternative solutions to the pollution problem. Afterward, students switch roles and repeat the exercise.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Create a list of statements related to the article, such as “Cloud seeding is an effective long-term solution for pollution,” and “The government should prioritize long-term environmental policies over temporary fixes.” Students go around the room and poll their classmates to agree or disagree with each statement. After collecting the data, have a class discussion to analyze the results and discuss different opinions.
– Word Association
Instructions: Write the phrase “Air Pollution in Delhi” on the board. Students take turns coming to the board to write a word or phrase that they associate with the main topic. After the exercise, discuss the words and phrases, how they relate to the article, and any new vocabulary that may have arisen.
– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups. One group will list the pros of using cloud seeding as a method to combat air pollution, while the other group will list the cons. Each group will then present their points, and a debate can be facilitated to discuss the merits and drawbacks of the method in detail.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask students to imagine they are 10 years in the future and write a short article or news report detailing the state of Delhi’s air quality. They should consider whether measures like cloud seeding have been successful and predict the long-term effects of such interventions on the environment and public health. Students can share their predictions with the class and discuss the potential realities of those scenarios.
Comprehension Questions:
1. What technique has the Delhi environment minister proposed to combat severe air pollution in the city?
2. What are experts concerned about regarding the proposed cloud seeding method?
3. What factors have contributed to the worsening of air pollution in Delhi during the winter season?
4. What measures has the Delhi government already taken to address the pollution issue?
5. On what atmospheric conditions does the success of cloud seeding depend?
6. What are the potential benefits of rainfall in improving air quality, according to the article?
7. Why do some experts believe that cloud seeding may not be a sustainable solution for air pollution?
8. What do experts suggest is necessary in terms of policy to effectively address air pollution, as mentioned in the article?
Go to answers ⇩
Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
The Indian (1)______, Delhi, has been grappling with severe air pollution for several days. In an attempt to combat this issue, the city’s environment minister has proposed cloud seeding, a technique that (2)______ artificial rain. However, (3)______ have raised concerns about the effectiveness and long-term environmental impact of this method. Despite the uncertainties, political leaders are eager to find a solution to Delhi’s pollution problem.
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which (4)______ the level of fine particulate matter in the air, has consistently exceeded the acceptable limit over the past two weeks. The city’s pollution is exacerbated in winter due to factors such as crop burning and low wind (5)______. The Delhi (6)______ has taken measures such as early school breaks and (7)______ bans to address the issue. It is now seeking approval from the Supreme Court to implement cloud seeding.
Cloud seeding involves spraying particles of salt, such as silver iodide or chloride, onto clouds to induce rain. However, the success of this technique depends on specific atmospheric conditions, (8)______ moisture, humidity, and wind speeds. The salt particles need to be sprayed into vertically growing clouds. Cloud seeding has been used in (9)______ countries to boost (10)______ or combat drought, but its effectiveness in reducing pollution is uncertain.
While rainfall can temporarily improve air quality by washing away pollutants, experts argue that cloud seeding may only provide short-term relief. They believe that diverting resources towards an activity with uncertain and temporary (11)______ is not a sustainable solution. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive and well-discussed (12)______ to address air pollution, involving experts from various fields.
Some experts also express concerns about the lack of empirical evidence and the potential limitations of cloud seeding. They argue that (13)______ing air (14)______ requires more concerted efforts and comprehensive strategies, rather than scattered experiments. It is important to (15)______ the long-term effects and potential (16)______ of altering natural processes.
In conclusion, the proposal to use cloud seeding to combat air pollution in Delhi has sparked both hope and skepticism. While it may provide temporary relief, experts emphasize the need for a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to address the city’s pollution problem.
Go to answers ⇩
Discussion Questions:
Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.
1. What is your understanding of air pollution and its causes in major cities?
2. How would you feel if your own city had an air quality as poor as Delhi’s?
3. Do you think cloud seeding is an ethical way to manipulate weather patterns? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever experienced any adverse health effects due to poor air quality? Can you describe them?
5. In your opinion, what are some effective long-term solutions for combating air pollution?
6. Do you believe that technological interventions like cloud seeding should be prioritized over changing human behavior to combat pollution? Why or why not?
7. How do you think governments should balance immediate relief with long-term environmental sustainability when addressing issues like air pollution?
8. Can you think of any examples where altering natural processes has led to negative consequences?
9. What role do you think experts from various fields should play in creating policies to address environmental issues?
10. Do you think that the media plays an important role in raising awareness about air pollution? How so?
11. How would you propose educating the public about the health risks associated with poor air quality?
12. Do you think that individual actions can make a difference in improving air quality? Can you give an example?
13. What is your opinion on the use of bans, like construction stops, as a measure to reduce pollution levels?
14. Can you discuss a time when your local government took action to improve air quality? Was it effective?
15. Do you think that countries with severe pollution problems should receive international aid or support to help solve them? Why or why not?
Individual Activities
Vocabulary Meanings:
Match each word to its meaning.
Words:
1. cloud seeding
2. artificial rain
3. pollution
4. effectiveness
5. long-term
6. comprehensive
7. sustainable
8. air quality
Meanings:
(a) Relating to or involving a longer period of time
(b) Contamination of the environment with harmful substances
(c) Including or dealing with all or nearly all aspects of something
(d) The technique that creates rain artificially
(e) Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
(f) Rain that is created artificially
(g) The level of pollution in the air, measured by various factors
(h) The degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result
Go to answers ⇩
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What is the proposed solution to combat air pollution in Delhi?
(a) Construction bans
(b) Cloud seeding
(c) Early school breaks
(d) Crop burning
2. What is the Air Quality Index (AQI) used to measure?
(a) Wind speeds
(b) Moisture levels
(c) Humidity levels
(d) Fine particulate matter in the air
3. Why is Delhi’s pollution worse in winter?
(a) Low wind speeds
(b) Construction bans
(c) Early school breaks
(d) Crop burning
4. What do experts say about the effectiveness of cloud seeding in reducing pollution?
(a) It is uncertain
(b) It is ineffective
(c) It is effective
(d) It is temporary
5. What do experts argue is needed to address air pollution?
(a) Cloud seeding
(b) A comprehensive and well-discussed policy involving experts from various fields
(c) Construction bans
(d) Early school breaks
6. What concerns do experts have about cloud seeding?
(a) Lack of empirical evidence and potential limitations
(b) Lack of political support
(c) Lack of funding
(d) Lack of public awareness
7. What do experts say about diverting resources towards cloud seeding?
(a) It is a sustainable solution
(b) It is a long-term solution
(c) It is not a sustainable solution
(d) It is a comprehensive solution
8. What is the overall conclusion about using cloud seeding to combat air pollution in Delhi?
(a) It is the most effective solution
(b) It is the only solution
(c) It may provide temporary relief, but a more comprehensive approach is needed
(d) It is a sustainable solution
Go to answers ⇩
True or False Questions:
1. The city’s environment minister has proposed cloud seeding as a solution to combat air pollution.
2. Experts argue that cloud seeding may provide long-term relief and a more focused approach is needed to address air pollution.
3. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has consistently met acceptable limits over the past two weeks.
4. Factors such as crop burning and high wind speeds exacerbate Delhi’s pollution in winter.
5. Delhi has been experiencing moderate air pollution for several days.
6. Experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness and long-term environmental impact of cloud seeding.
7. Cloud seeding involves spraying particles of salt onto clouds to induce rain.
8. The Delhi government has implemented measures such as early school breaks and construction bans to address air pollution.
Go to answers ⇩
Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Writing Questions:
Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
1. What measures has the Delhi government already taken to mitigate the city’s air pollution problem?
2. Why are experts skeptical about the effectiveness of cloud seeding as a solution to Delhi’s pollution issues?
3. What specific atmospheric conditions are required for cloud seeding to be successful?
4. What are some of the potential long-term environmental impacts of cloud seeding that experts are concerned about?
5. Why do experts believe that a comprehensive and well-discussed policy is necessary to address air pollution in Delhi?
Answers
Comprehension Question Answers:
1. What technique has the Delhi environment minister proposed to combat severe air pollution in the city?
The Delhi environment minister has proposed cloud seeding, a technique that creates artificial rain, to combat severe air pollution.
2. What are experts concerned about regarding the proposed cloud seeding method?
Experts are concerned about the effectiveness and long-term environmental impact of cloud seeding. They question its efficacy in reducing pollution and emphasize the uncertainty of its long-term effects.
3. What factors have contributed to the worsening of air pollution in Delhi during the winter season?
Factors such as crop burning and low wind speeds have contributed to the worsening of air pollution in Delhi during the winter season.
4. What measures has the Delhi government already taken to address the pollution issue?
The Delhi government has taken measures such as early school breaks and construction bans to address the pollution issue.
5. On what atmospheric conditions does the success of cloud seeding depend?
The success of cloud seeding depends on specific atmospheric conditions, including moisture, humidity, and wind speeds. The salt particles need to be sprayed into vertically growing clouds.
6. What are the potential benefits of rainfall in improving air quality, according to the article?
Rainfall can temporarily improve air quality by washing away pollutants.
7. Why do some experts believe that cloud seeding may not be a sustainable solution for air pollution?
Some experts believe that cloud seeding may not be a sustainable solution for air pollution because it may only provide short-term relief and involves diverting resources towards an activity with uncertain and temporary effects.
8. What do experts suggest is necessary in terms of policy to effectively address air pollution, as mentioned in the article?
Experts suggest that a comprehensive and well-discussed policy is necessary to effectively address air pollution, involving experts from various fields and focusing on long-term solutions rather than scattered experiments.
Go back to questions ⇧
Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:
(1) capital
(2) creates
(3) experts
(4) measures
(5) speeds
(6) government
(7) construction
(8) including
(9) various
(10) rainfall
(11) effects
(12) policy
(13) address
(14) pollution
(15) consider
(16) risks
Go back to questions ⇧
Vocabulary Meanings Answers:
1. cloud seeding
Answer: (d) The technique that creates rain artificially
2. artificial rain
Answer: (f) Rain that is created artificially
3. pollution
Answer: (b) Contamination of the environment with harmful substances
4. effectiveness
Answer: (h) The degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result
5. long-term
Answer: (a) Relating to or involving a longer period of time
6. comprehensive
Answer: (c) Including or dealing with all or nearly all aspects of something
7. sustainable
Answer: (e) Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
8. air quality
Answer: (g) The level of pollution in the air, measured by various factors
Go back to questions ⇧
Multiple Choice Answers:
1. What is the proposed solution to combat air pollution in Delhi?
Answer: (b) Cloud seeding
2. What is the Air Quality Index (AQI) used to measure?
Answer: (d) Fine particulate matter in the air
3. Why is Delhi’s pollution worse in winter?
Answer: (d) Crop burning
4. What do experts say about the effectiveness of cloud seeding in reducing pollution?
Answer: (a) It is uncertain
5. What do experts argue is needed to address air pollution?
Answer: (b) A comprehensive and well-discussed policy involving experts from various fields
6. What concerns do experts have about cloud seeding?
Answer: (a) Lack of empirical evidence and potential limitations
7. What do experts say about diverting resources towards cloud seeding?
Answer: (c) It is not a sustainable solution
8. What is the overall conclusion about using cloud seeding to combat air pollution in Delhi?
Answer: (c) It may provide temporary relief, but a more comprehensive approach is needed
Go back to questions ⇧
True or False Answers:
1. The city’s environment minister has proposed cloud seeding as a solution to combat air pollution. (Answer: True)
2. Experts argue that cloud seeding may provide long-term relief and a more focused approach is needed to address air pollution. (Answer: False)
3. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has consistently met acceptable limits over the past two weeks. (Answer: False)
4. Factors such as crop burning and high wind speeds exacerbate Delhi’s pollution in winter. (Answer: False)
5. Delhi has been experiencing moderate air pollution for several days. (Answer: False)
6. Experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness and long-term environmental impact of cloud seeding. (Answer: True)
7. Cloud seeding involves spraying particles of salt onto clouds to induce rain. (Answer: True)
8. The Delhi government has implemented measures such as early school breaks and construction bans to address air pollution. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧
