ESL WORKSHEET - Environmental barriers

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

ENVIRONMENTAL BARRIERS

LinguaHouse

Apr. 7, 2025

Level: Upper-intermediate (B2-C1)
Type of language: General English
Tags: Environment and Nature; Environment and Pollution; People and Places; Explaining and Speculating; Article Based; Vocabulary and Grammar; Modal Verbs; Passive Voice; 13-15 Years Old; 16-18 Years Old; 18+ Years Old
Publication date: 04/07/2025

A general English lesson about environmental barriers, with a podcast in which renewable and traditional energy options are discussed, and a reading activity detailing four barriers to environmental action. Students will learn related vocabulary, practice reading and listening skills and reinforce their new vocabulary with conversation practice. (by David J Marriott)

• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in British English.

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT

Host: Welcome to our latest edition of Green View. Today, we’re going to talk about solutions and obstacles to the climate crisis. I’m joined by Mack Stephens, who runs a clean energy initiative, and Jill Bellows, an advocate for a fossil fuel think tank. Jill – how do you defend fossil fuels? Are they still safe to use?
Jill: Well, let me start by saying hello to everyone, and of course, I understand your reticence. Let me just correct you if I may – our group has been set up to find ways to make all forms of energy viable going forward, not just fossil fuels.
Host: Of course. My apologies.
Jill: The thing is, we do rely on oil, coal, petrol and the like. In many countries, the existing infrastructure was set up with these forms of energy production in mind. Moving from a grid run through fossil fuels to one powered by wind, water or solar power is going to be quite an undertaking.
Mack: Sorry, just to cut in – are you saying that we shouldn’t transition to greener methods because it would take too much effort?
Jill: If you would just let me finish, of course that’s not what I’m saying, thank you. It does mean, though, that there is an economic element to consider. Some countries may not be able to make the switch overnight, or even at all unless richer nations subsidize them.
Host: So, what you’re saying is that not only would it cost a lot of money to change to renewable energy sources, but it would require mutual cooperation.
Jill: Not only that – who’s going to foot the bill? A lot of people are struggling at the moment, and the last thing on their minds is swapping to a more environmentally friendly method of fuel consumption. What we have at the moment is reliable, secure, and it works.
Mack: Is it secure, though? All it takes is a war to break out and, if one nation is controlling the supply of gas, for example, it can hold others hostage. Prices can skyrocket. What we’re suggesting, instead of everybody being tied to a fluctuating oil market, is countries producing their own energy through renewable means.
Host: Could you give us some examples?
Mack: Well, we all know the obvious ones. Wind farms are comprised of dozens or even a hundred turbines. These can be offshore, or located in the countryside. Solar power, which is relatively inexpensive to install, and, you know, you can have panels fitted on your own house. Then we have hydroelectric power.
Host: Moving water in order to generate energy?
Mack: Yes, Alex, exactly, using dams, for example, which can be built across rivers. We’ve been using this form of energy for thousands of years. I’d call that reliable and secure, wouldn’t you?
Jill: Yes, perhaps on a small scale, but it has its own environmental impact, doesn’t it? Entire communities are displaced, sometimes, we’ve seen villages, even towns disappear to make way for a reservoir or a dam. As for solar power, it might work in sunny Spain, but here in England?
Mack: We’re not pushing for any one silver bullet, here. We want to use all available green methods in conjunction with each other. Of course, there are drawbacks. You didn’t mention the cost, which surprised me, but it can be expensive to set up a hydroelectric power station. I think it’s worth it, though. Any cost in pounds, dollars, whatever, is worth it compared to the cost of fossil fuels to the environment.
Host: On that note, we’re going to take a quick break. Thank you Jill, Mack.

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/environmental-barriers. Accessed on April 11, 2025. LinguaHouse.com © 2008–2025. All rights reserved.