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China has long been criticized for its environmental  <!--[if !vml]--> <!--[endif]-->record. Ever since the days of Mao, the country has sought to increase production and expand its economy, often at the expense of the environment. However, things are changing, and China deserves more credit for its efforts in producing clean energy.
中國長久以來因為其環保前科一直飽受批評。自從毛澤東時代開始，這個國家就在尋求增產並擴展經濟，通常會賠上環境。然而，情況開始不同了，中國在製造乾淨能源的努力需要被讚許。
When it comes to clean energy, we are mainly talking about energy derived from renewable resources, such as the sun, wind, and water. Energy from these sources produces far less pollution than energy from non-renewable resources such as oil and coal.
提到乾淨能源，我們主要討論可再生資源所產出的能源，如太陽、風力及水力。這些資源製造的能源比不可再生資源所製造出來的能源所造成的汙染少得多了。
In terms of solar energy, China produces nearly half of the world’s solar panels. Being such a large producer has also reduced the price of installing solar panels at home, so China is currently the world leader of solar energy production.
就太陽能來說，中國製造世界上將近一半的太陽能板。身為一位大型的製造商同時也降低了安裝太陽能板的價格，因此中國目前是世界上太陽能生產的龍頭。
 <!--[if !vml]--> <!--[endif]-->With regard to wind power, it’s the same story. China produces more energy from wind than any other nation, thanks in part to its long, windy coastline.
關於風力發電的情況是相同的。中國製造比世上其他國家產出的風力發電都還多，部分原因是因為中國冗長迎風的海岸線。
Last but not least, China’s hydropower stations produce more energy than any other renewable resource, accounting for 16% of the nation’s energy production, putting the country, again, in first place. China is also home to the world’s largest hydropower dam, the Three Gorges Dam.
最後但並非不重要的，中國的水力發電廠的產能比其他的可再生資源的產量都還大，佔中國能源產量百分之十六，這項紀錄就讓中國成為第一。中國也有世界上最大的水力發電壩，長江三峽大壩。
With all these impressive feats, why is China still criticized so much? Well, the country remains the world’s largest polluter in terms of CO2 emissions, producing twice as much pollution at the US, and nearly three times as much as the entire European Union. Also, some say that the main push behind China’s developments are financial, and not out of genuine concern for the environment. Still, when we look at the progress China is making, we can’t help but feel impressed.
有著這麼多令人驚豔的功績，為何中國依然被批評甚鉅？好吧，這個國家依然是世上最大的汙染國，中國所排放的二氧化碳是美國的兩倍，且是整個歐洲將近三倍。而且，有些人說中國的發展主要的背後推手是經濟，並不是真心為了環境保護而做。當我們看著中國的進步，我們仍不禁感到印象深刻。
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Vocabulary 好字精選
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1. credit (n) recognition for a success/money that you have available for borrowing 信用；光榮；讚揚；信譽、信任
John didn’t get much credit from his family or friends for his achievement, but he was still proud.
John的家人及朋友並沒有對他的成就大大地讚揚，但他依然很驕傲。
2. renewable (adj) constantly available, never runs out 可更新的；可再生的
Finally, most countries in the world are turning to renewable sources of energy.
終於，大部分的國家都轉向可再生能源。
3. coastline (n) the entire length of a country along the coast of the ocean 海岸線
Russia has the world’s longest coastline.
俄羅斯有著世界最長的海岸線。
4. feat (n) an impressive accomplishment 功績、業績
Jobs achieved many great feats in his lifetime.
Jobs在他一生中成就許多偉大的功績。
5. emissions (n) (always plural) the discharge of something, usually in gas form (光、熱、電子波等) 放射、傳播、發出
The US promised to cut its carbon emissions in half by 2050.
美國承諾要在2050年前將二氧化碳排放量減半。
6. genuine (adj) true, real 真正的、真實的、真誠的
This sofa is made of genuine leather.
這張沙發是真皮製成的。
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Phrases and Sentence Patterns句型解析
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1. at the expense of sth. (phr) with a negative effect on 犧牲…為代價
Taylor stays up late every night at the expense of his grades.
Taylor每晚都為了成績而唸書熬夜。
2. thanks in part to sth. (phr) partially because of sth. 部分是因為
Cory is such a good guy thanks in part to his great parents.
Cory是個好人有部分是因為他有很棒的父母親。
3. Last but not least, (phr, functions as a sentence adv) to introduce the last point, but emphasize that it is not the least important one 最後但並不是不重要的；最後但同樣重要的
I love Canada for many reasons. First, it is a clean country. Second, the people there are diverse and friendly. Last but not least, one can enjoy many winter activities there.
我喜歡加拿大有很多理由。首先，這是一個很乾淨的國家。第二，那裡的人們多元且友善。最後但也同樣重要的，你可以參與許多冬季活動。
4. one can’t help but + V (sentence pattern) to introduce a feeling or action that one can’t avoid doing 禁不住；忍不住
When I saw the last scene of the movie, I couldn’t help but cry.
當我看到電影最後一景，我忍不住哭了。
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