VOA标准英语2009-Pressure Mounting On Australia's Ambitious Carbo

Australia's bold plans for a carbon emissions¹ trading scheme are under threat after the conservative opposition² in Canberra hardened its stance against it. Critics of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's proposal say it would cost jobs and provoke economic uncertainty³ for the next 20 years.
　
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (file photo)

The prime minister wants the legislation - a proposal that would become the world's most sweeping⁴ emissions trading system - passed by the end of next month.

Under the bill, companies would have to buy permits for every ton of carbon they emit, a system designed to provide financial incentives⁵ for those that reduce their pollution. It would cover about 75 percent of emissions from Australia's 1,000 largest polluters.

Critics say that new, independent research proves the system will damage the Australian economy and cost jobs if it is introduced at a time of global recession.

Conservative lawmaker Andrew Robb says the government should delay its controversial plans.

"This report establishes very clearly that the government has got serious work to do to fix this deeply flawed scheme that they have put in place. Do not put in jeopardy⁶ tens of thousands of Australian jobs," said Robb.

The left-of-center Mr. Rudd wants the scheme to be working by July of next year.

The measures need the approval of the country's upper house of parliament, the Senate, which the government does not control.
　
Vehicles and a barn burn in bushfires 125 kilometers west of Melbourne, Australia, 07 Feb 2009

It needs the support of Greens Senators, who argue the scheme does not go far enough to protect the environment.

Climate Change minister Penny Wong is adamant⁷ she can convince skeptics to change their mind and that the plans will get parliamentary approval.

"All I can say is that we are determined⁸ to act in the national interest and the national interest means that we are determined to get this legislation through," said Wong.

Australia, one of the world's worst per capita emitters of greenhouse gases, warns that without tough environmental measures the country would lose jobs and key industries, including agriculture and tourism.

A long-standing drought, along with recent devastating⁹ bushfires and widespread floods have given some scientists more reason to think that the vast continent is likely to be one of the countries hardest hit by a shifting climate.

Skeptics argue, however, that rising temperatures and warmer oceans are part of a natural cycle and are not convinced the changes are a result of man's pollution.

1 emissions   

排放物( emission的名词复数 )； 散发物（尤指气体）

参考例句：

• Most scientists accept that climate change is linked to carbon emissions. 大多数科学家都相信气候变化与排放的含碳气体有关。
• Dangerous emissions radiate from plutonium. 危险的辐射物从钚放散出来。

2 opposition   

n.反对，敌对

参考例句：

• The party leader is facing opposition in his own backyard.该党领袖在自己的党內遇到了反对。
• The police tried to break down the prisoner's opposition.警察设法制住了那个囚犯的反抗。

3 uncertainty   

n.易变，靠不住，不确知，不确定的事物

参考例句：

• Her comments will add to the uncertainty of the situation.她的批评将会使局势更加不稳定。
• After six weeks of uncertainty,the strain was beginning to take its toll.6个星期的忐忑不安后，压力开始产生影响了。

4 sweeping   

adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的

参考例句：

• The citizens voted for sweeping reforms.公民投票支持全面的改革。
• Can you hear the wind sweeping through the branches?你能听到风掠过树枝的声音吗？

5 incentives   

激励某人做某事的事物( incentive的名词复数 )； 刺激； 诱因； 动机

参考例句：

• tax incentives to encourage savings 鼓励储蓄的税收措施
• Furthermore, subsidies provide incentives only for investments in equipment. 更有甚者，提供津贴仅是为鼓励增添设备的投资。 来自英汉非文学 - 环境法 - 环境法

6 jeopardy   

n.危险；危难

参考例句：

• His foolish behaviour may put his whole future in jeopardy.他愚蠢的行为可能毁了他一生的前程。
• It is precisely at this juncture that the boss finds himself in double jeopardy.恰恰在这个关键时刻，上司发现自己处于进退两难的境地。

7 adamant   

adj.坚硬的，固执的

参考例句：

• We are adamant on the building of a well-off society.在建设小康社会这一点上，我们是坚定不移的。
• Veronica was quite adamant that they should stay on.维罗妮卡坚信他们必须继续留下去。

8 determined   

adj.坚定的；有决心的

参考例句：

• I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
• He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。

9 devastating   

adj.毁灭性的，令人震惊的，强有力的

参考例句：

• It is the most devastating storm in 20 years.这是20年来破坏性最大的风暴。
• Affairs do have a devastating effect on marriages.婚外情确实会对婚姻造成毁灭性的影响。