受氣候變化的影響，未來有更多的體育賽事可能不能如期舉辦，甚至會被取消。一份新的報告強調了全球變暖的后果，以及這對體育場地和場館的影響。本期 “隨身英語” 就此展開討論。

詞匯：sport 體育運動

For sports fans, there’s nothing better than watching a live event on TV or at a sports venue. But there’s nothing worse than that event being called off because of bad weather. Bad light, a waterlogged pitch or excessive heat can cause matches to be postponed. But according to the latest research, extreme weather might be disrupting the sporting calendar more than ever in the future.

In one sport, golf, major tournaments like The Open, are already predicted to be victims of our changing climate. In the UK, an organisation called The Climate Coalition says that golf courses such as St Andrews could be under water by the end of the century if sea levels rise even slightly. It told the BBC that its research predicts "cancelled football matches, flooded cricket grounds and golf courses crumbling into the sea."

The threat to sporting fixtures from climate change has been further highlighted in a new report, commissioned by the Rapid Transition Alliance. Writing about this for the BBC, Matt McGrath says that "By 2050, it's estimated that almost one in four English football league grounds can expect flooding every year." This will mean fewer matches played, less opportunity to watch the beautiful game and reduced revenue from ticket sales.

Cricket also faces huge challenges globally as temperatures rise in places like India, Australia and the West Indies. The report says that stadiums in Adelaide and Perth will see a 60% increase in days with temperatures over 40C over the next decade.

Of course, we know that the solution lies with reducing our carbon footprint. We could travel less to attend sports events, and reduce our waste when we do go. But this latest report finds that sports leaders are generally failing to address the issue seriously. However, because sport is universally popular and can be very influential, maybe it should be players, teams and their sponsors who promote a carbon-neutral message to help protect sporting venues - before it’s 'game over'.

詞匯表

fan 愛好者，…迷
event 項目
venue 場地
pitch 足球場，運動場地
match 比賽
sporting calendar 體育賽事日歷
golf 高爾夫球
tournament 錦標賽
The Open 英國高爾夫球公開賽
golf course 高爾夫球場
cricket ground 板球場
fixture 體育賽事，體育活動
football league 足球聯賽
the beautiful game 足球
stadium 體育場
player 運動員
sponsor 贊助商
game over 不可逆轉的，沒有希望的（原指 “比賽結束”）

測驗與練習

1.  閱讀課文并回答問題。

1. What exactly is the threat to golf tournaments as a result of climate change?

2. Why might revenue from football league ticket sales be reduced by 2050?

3. How might major cricket matches be affected by climate change?

4. True or false? The latest research found sports leaders take the effects of climate change very seriously.

5. According to The Climate Coalition, sea level rises by the end of the century would result in flooded golf courses. What level of rise would cause such a result?

2. 選擇意思恰當的單詞或詞組來完成下列句子。

1. We have had to _______ the school summer fair due to the bad weather.

postponed                     postponing                      postpone                 postponed

2. This year’s football _______ is set to be the best ever with some high-profile players taking part.

venue                           tournament                      kit                           sponsor

3. It’s _______ for the pick pockets outside the museum, thanks to the installation of some new high-tech security cameras!

game on                       game over                       game up                  gaming on   

4. As a beginner, you might find this golf _______ quite tricky, but practice makes perfect!

stadium                        fixture                               player                      course           

5.  Due to a _______ pitch, we have had to cancel this Saturday’s match.

waterlogged                 waterlogging                    waterlog                   waterloged

答案

1.  閱讀課文并回答問題。  

1. What exactly is the threat to golf tournaments as a result of climate change?
The Climate Coalition says that golf courses such as St Andrews, could be flooded by the end of the century.

2. Why might revenue from football league ticket sales be reduced by 2050?
Some football grounds are expected to be flooded by 2050 so fewer matches can be played and therefore reduced revenue from ticket sales.

3. How might major cricket matches be affected by climate change?
According to a report, cricket stadiums in Adelaide and Perth will get very hot – they will see a 60% increase in days with temperatures over 40C over the next decade.

4. True or false? The latest research found sports leaders take the effects of climate change very seriously.
False. This latest report study finds that sports leaders are generally failing to address the issue seriously.

5. According to The Climate Coalition, sea level rises by the end of the century would result in flooded golf courses. What level of rise would cause such a result?
The Climate Coalition says that golf courses could be flooded by the end of the century if sea levels rise even slightly.

2.  選擇意思恰當的單詞或詞組來完成下列句子。

1. We have had to postpone the school summer fair due to the bad weather.

2. This year’s football tournament is set to be the best ever with some high-profile players taking part.

3. It’s game over for the pick pockets outside the museum, thanks to the installation of some new high-tech security cameras!

4. As a beginner, you might find this golf course quite tricky, but practice makes perfect!

5. Due to a waterlogged pitch, we have had to cancel this Saturday’s match.