奇速英语官网—英语在线学习平台_让学英语更快乐_更快速

In 2025, the United Nations will launch the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, alongside establishing March 21 as the annual World Day for Glaciers. These initiatives, proposed by Tajikistan and adopted through a UN resolution, aim to raise global awareness about the vital role of glaciers, snow, and ice in Earth’s climate system. They emphasize the urgent need to address the impacts of melting glaciers on sea-level rise, water cycles, natural disasters, and human societies.

Glaciers, often called the “water towers of the world”, provide freshwater for billions of people. However, they are shrinking at unprecedented rates due to climate change, threatening water security, ecosystems, and economies. To tackle these challenges, UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in collaboration with member states and institutions like the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS), will organize international and national events throughout 2025. These activities will focus on sharing data, promoting glacier preservation strategies, and fostering adaptation measures.

A key event will be the first joint celebration of the World Day for Glaciers and World Water Day on March 20-21, 2025, hosted in Paris and New York. The high-level meeting at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris will highlight the consequences of glacier loss for downstream communities and stress the importance of cross-border cooperation, youth engagement, and reducing fossil fuel use. Additionally, the 2025 World Water Development Report, titled High Mountains and Glaciers, will be released during the event. This report will provide scientific insights into glacier-dependent water systems and offer guidance for sustainable management and climate adaptation.

The celebrations will also mark the start of the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034), a global effort to advance research on Earth’s frozen regions. By strengthening international collaboration in monitoring and studying glaciers, this decade aims to improve comprehension of cryosphere (冰冻圈) changes and support vulnerable regions in adapting to environmental shifts.

Through these initiatives, the UN calls for immediate action to protect glaciers — not only as critical climate indicators but also as irreplaceable resources for humanity’s survival. The success of these efforts relies on combining scientific knowledge, policy innovation, and public participation to secure a sustainable future.

1.1. Why does the author mention “water towers of the world” in Paragraph 2?

A To criticize human overuse of glacier resources.

B To compare glaciers with artificial water storage systems.

C To explain glaciers’ freshwater provision function.

D To emphasize the architectural value of glacial landscapes.

解析：选C。C 推理判断题。第二段首句中的“provide freshwater for billions of people”直接解释“water towers”的比喻含义，强调冰川作为人类淡水来源的重要性。故选C。

2.2. What specific action will be taken during the joint celebration in Paris?

A Carrying out new global carbon emission limits.

B Launching a scientific report on glacier-dependent water systems.

C Appointing youth representatives to UN climate committees.

D Establishing a fund for glacier research in developing nations.

解析：选B。 B 细节理解题。第三段明确提到活动期间将发布《2025年世界水发展报告》，选项B “Launching a scientific report”是原文“release”的同义转换，且紧扣“glacier-dependent water systems”的主题。故选B。

3.3. What can be inferred about the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences?

A It prioritizes commercial use of frozen regions.

B It ties the success to youth participation.

C It requires increasing scientific research budgets.

D It aims to enhance understanding of glacier-related risks.

解析：选D。D 推理判断题。第四段指出该十年行动旨在“advance research on Earth’s frozen regions”和 “support vulnerable regions in adapting to environmental shifts”，可推断，其目标是增强对冰川风险的理解。选项D的“enhance understanding”是原文“improve comprehension”的同义转换。故选D。

4.4. What is the article mainly about?

A The economic value of developing glacial tourism.

B UN efforts to address glacier preservation challenges.

C Historical changes in global climate patterns.

D Comparisons between different nations’ environmental policies.

解析：选B。B 主旨大意题。全文围绕联合国2025年发起的冰川保护倡议展开，包含具体措施（国际年、纪念日）、合作机制（UNESCO/WMO）、科学行动十年计划等核心要素。选项A、C、D均偏离“UN-led glacier preservation”这一主线。故选B。