Step 1
Brainstorm words associated with ‘sustainable’ and ‘food systems’. Write them on the board or enter in the MentiMeter with the link shown below.
livecloud.online/join/JY5E
Step 2
The words and phrases below will appear in the text. Use the various Quizlet study modes to get used to the words. Enjoy!
Step 3
Listen to the audio, and fill in the blanks with today’s target vocabulary.Â
Step 4
Practice pronouncing the following vocabulary.
Step 5
Read the article in pairs and answer the questions.
A recent study suggests that changing how we produce food could help our planet and our wallets.
Right now, the way we make food is causing problems like climate change and health issues. But if we switch to more sustainable methods, we could see huge benefits.
The study says that the way we currently make food is doing more harm than good. It’s causing damage to the environment and making people sick. By changing to better methods, we can avoid these problems.
One big issue is that the way we produce food leads to a lot of greenhouse gases. These gases make the Earth hotter, which causes extreme weather and hurts crops. Plus, many people don’t have enough food, while others eat too much unhealthy food. This causes problems like obesity.
However, if we make changes, we could avoid these problems and save money. The study suggests giving support to small farmers who use methods that are good for the environment. Also, eating less meat, and investing in new technologies can help reduce emissions.
If we make these changes, fewer people would go hungry, and fewer would suffer from health problems. Plus, we could slow down global warming and reduce pollution from farming. All of this could be done without hurting the economy.
Researchers also found that the way we currently make food is causing a lot of damage to nature. This includes things like cutting down forests and using too much water. But by changing how we do things, we can help protect the environment.
The study was done by a group of experts from different organizations. They estimated that the hidden costs of our current food system are around $15 trillion. But if we switch to better methods, we could avoid a lot of these costs.
While changing our food system won’t be easy, it’s necessary. If we don’t act, the problems will only get worse. But by making changes now, we can make a better future for ourselves and the planet.
Overall, the study shows that changing how we produce food can have many benefits. It can help the environment, improve our health, and even save money. So, it’s something worth considering.
the Guardian Step 6
First and second conditionals: If …. will/would, can/could? Look at the following examples taken from the text. Work with a partner to decide on the rule in use.
- However, if we make changes, we could avoid these problems and save money.
- If we make these changes, fewer people would go hungry, and fewer would suffer from health problems.
- However, if we make changes, we could avoid these problems and save money.
- But if we switch to better methods, we could avoid a lot of these costs.
- If we don’t act, the problems will only get worse.
Step 7
Make a quiz for your partner. Write down five sentences that use either first or second conditionals. Read each sentence to your partner, but say *beep* instead of will/would. Your partner should guess either will or would. Give them 1 point for each correct answer. The person with the most points is the winner.
Step 8
Answer the short poll question.
Step 9
Combine sentence stems to make correct sentences.
Step 9
In small groups, discuss the following questions.
- How does the current way of producing food affect the environment and people’s health?
- What are some of the problems caused by the current food production methods?
- What are the benefits of switching to more sustainable methods of food production?
- Why is reducing greenhouse gas emissions important for the planet?
- How can supporting small farmers contribute to improving food production?
- What are some ways mentioned in the text to reduce health problems related to food?
- Why is it important to invest in new technologies for food production?
- What are the potential consequences of not making changes to our food system?
- How do researchers suggest we can protect the environment while producing food?
- What are some of the key findings of the study mentioned in the text?
Homework
Research which food based industries receive the most subsidies:
- Organic versus conventional.
- Meat-based versus plant-based.
Now, research which industry is more damaging (creates more greenhouse gases, pollution and deforestation).
Report your findings in the next class.