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Indonesia’s Disappearing Snow on Mountains

Glaciers in Papua are disappearing due to global warming.
Try this article at a different level?

Papua is a region in Indonesia that has tall mountains with snow. The snow is called 'eternal snow' because it has been there for many years. Recently, most of the snow has melted, and soon, there might not be any left. This is happening because of climate change.

Climate change is caused by human activities like driving cars and running factories, which make the earth warmer. People who live near these mountains are sad about the loss of snow. To them, the snow is important and they hope it will stay forever. It is a big part of their culture and life.

There are other changes happening in the area too. Mining for gold and copper has changed the land a lot. Some people are happy because mining gives jobs, but others think it is bad for the environment. This situation makes it hard to decide what is better for the future of the people and the land.

Original news source: Indonesia Carstensz Pyramid: Papua's 'eternal snow' on Puncak Jaya is about to disappear forever – BBC News (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

📖 Vocabulary:

1. region
2. eternal
3. recently
4. climate
5. activities
6. sacred
7. transformed
8. environment
9. mining
10. copper
11. provides
12. harm

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

1. Discuss what you know about climate change.
2. Talk about how weather has changed in your lifetime.
3. Describe the importance of mountains to different cultures.
4. Share the jobs available in your community and their impact.
5. Brainstorm ways we can protect the environment.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the term used for the snow in Papua's mountains?

2. Why is the snow disappearing?

3. What activities contribute to climate change?

4. How do people living near the mountains feel about the snow melting?

5. What is happening to the land in Papua due to mining?

6. What are the positive and negative effects of mining?

7. What makes it difficult for people in Papua to decide about the future?

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

is a region in Indonesia that has tall mountains with . The snow is called 'eternal snow' because it has been there for many years. Recently, most of the snow has melted, and soon, there might not be any . This is happening because of climate . Climate change is caused by activities like driving cars and running factories, which make the earth warmer. People who live near these mountains are sad about the loss of snow. To them, the snow is important and they hope it will stay forever. It is a big of their and life. There are changes happening in the area too. Mining for gold and copper has changed the land a lot. Some people are happy gives jobs, but others think it is bad for the . This situation makes it hard to decide what is better for the future of the people and the land.

💬 Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think about the melting snow in Papua?
2. How does climate change affect your area?
3. Why do you think the snow is sacred to the people in Papua?
4. Have you ever seen snow? Describe your experience.
5. What are the benefits and drawbacks of mining?
6. How can we reduce the effects of climate change?
7. What are some activities you do that could impact the environment?
8. Is it possible to balance jobs and environmental protection?
9. What is one thing your family does to help the planet?
10. Why do you think some people don't believe in climate change?
11. How would you feel if a natural landmark near you disappeared?
12. Do you think it's important to save natural snow? Why?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.

Words

1. region
2. eternal
3. recently
4. climate
5. activities
6. sacred
7. transformed
8. environment
9. mining
10. copper
11. provides
12. harm

Meanings

(A) gives or supplies
(B) the usual weather conditions in a place
(C) changed completely
(D) lasting forever
(E) very important to a culture or religion
(F) damage or hurt
(G) not long ago
(H) digging in the earth for resources like coal or gold
(I) a metal found in the ground, reddish and used in wiring
(J) an area or part of a country
(K) the natural world around us
(L) things people do

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is 'eternal snow'?
(a) Snow that melts quickly
(b) Snow in warm places
(c) Snow made by machines
(d) Snow that lasts for many years
2. Why is the snow melting?
(a) Because people are taking it
(b) Because of climate change
(c) Because of heavy rain
(d) Because of animal activity
3. What is causing climate change?
(a) The sun getting hotter
(b) More forests burning
(c) Human activities like using cars
(d) Less rain falling
4. How do people living near the mountains feel about the snow?
(a) They don't care about it
(b) They feel sad it's melting
(c) They are happy it's leaving
(d) They plan to collect it
5. What else is affecting the area besides snow melting?
(a) New forests growing
(b) More animals arriving
(c) Less wind blowing
(d) Mining for gold and copper
6. How do some people feel about the mining?
(a) Everyone agrees it's good
(b) People don't have any feelings about it
(c) Some think it harms the environment
(d) All believe it's harmful
7. Why are some people happy about the mining?
(a) It provides jobs
(b) It stops pollution
(c) It brings more snow
(d) It makes the earth colder
8. What is a challenge faced by the people in Papua?
(a) Deciding what is better for the future
(b) Having too much snow
(c) Too many animals
(d) A lack of water

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Most of the snow has frozen recently.
2. Papua is in Indonesia.
3. Mining creates unemployment but can protect the environment.
4. Mining has preserved the land in Papua.
5. Human activities are making the earth warmer.
6. The snow on the mountains is called 'temporary snow.'
7. Climate change is causing the snow to disappear.
8. The snow is sacred to the people living near the mountains.

Writing Questions:

1. Write about how you would feel if an important part of your culture was disappearing.
2. Describe a place where you have seen snow and what it was like.
3. Explain what you understand about climate change and its effects.
4. Discuss the importance of protecting the environment in your own words.
5. Imagine you are in Papua. Write a letter to a friend explaining what is happening with the snow.

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