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考点规范练22(选修8 Unit 22) .阅读理解 A (2016湖北荆州质检) Australia has promised to introduce the most comprehensive(全面的)carbon trading program outside Europe in 2010.The government in Canberra plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions (排放) by at least five percent by 2020,but it could make bigger reductions if other countries agree to tougher targets. The Australian government warns that without tough environmental measures the country could lose key industries and jobs.Climate Change Minister Penny Wong says the economy is under threat and decisive action is needed. Central to the government’s climate change plan is a carbon emissions trading program that will be introduced within two years.It would involve one thousand of the nation’s biggest companies and would cover about three-quarters of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. Many scientists believe that greenhouse gases,such as carbon dioxide and methane,contribute to global warming.Many of them are released by burning fuels such as coal and oil. Companies will be required to buy permits for each ton of carbon they emit,although big polluting exporters will receive up to 90 percent of their carbon licenses free. Many business leaders want the government to delay the plan because of the current global financial crisis,which is slowing the Australian economy.Peter Anderson from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry says it is irresponsible to bring in a carbon trading plan now. | 
