Conversation Two

　　W: You know, about 40 million people get water from the Colorado River for their daily use. But, sadly, the river may be drying up.

　　M: Drying up? You mean it’s running out of water?

　　W: Yes, it is a sad story. But, this is already taking place. Data shows that, during the droughty years from 2000 to 2017, the river has already lost 16% of its flow. That means the water flowing in the river is diminishing.

　　M: That’s awful! I know that, besides the 40 million people you mentioned, more than 5 million acres of farm land also depend on the river for water.

　　W: According to scientists, the river’s dwindling flow is caused by high temperatures. Warmer temperatures caused the severe drought which lasted from 2000 to 2017.

　　M: You’re referring to global warming?

　　W: Yes, the high temperatures caused droughty years and the loss of snowpack at the upper end of the 3 river. What’s worse, the trend is getting faster in recent years. Scientists predict that for each additional 1.8 degrees of warming, the river’s average flow is likely to drop by about 9%.

　　M: No wonder those western states from Wyoming to Southern California are reported to plan to build more reservoirs in the coming years. I think every one of us should join forces to help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

　　Questions 5 to 8 are based on the conversation you have just heard.

　　5. What happened to the Colorado River?

　　6. What did warmer temperatures lead up to during the years from 2000 to 2017?

　　7. How does the man feel about the current situation of the Colorado River?

　　8. According to the man, what did Southern California plan to do?

　　5. D 6. A 7. B 8. C