Learning English

Methane threatens global warming efforts

Measures to reduce greenhouse gases often target carbon dioxide. But a sudden increase in methane from farm animals could be even more dangerous than CO2.

Language challenge

How do Neil and Rob want to travel to the Learning English Christmas party?

a) Tube
b) Bus
c) Taxi

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The story

Scientists say they're worried about a surge in the levels of methane gas being released into the atmosphere.

US researchers say efforts to tackle climate change will be undermined unless methane emissions are brought under control.

Methane is far more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide and levels have recently increased sharply.

The reason is unclear but emissions from agriculture are likely to be to blame.

Key words and phrases

surge
sudden increase

undermining
making less effective 

spiked
increased and decreased suddenly

To do

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Language challenge - answer

b) Taxi.

End of Session 2

Join us in Session 3 for Lingohack - our video which teaches you words from the news using the latest BBC World News bulletins.