Lesson
Wild Deer and Methane Emissions
Read this news story in English at three levels, easy, standard, and advanced (B1–C1) — with vocabulary and a comprehension quiz.
A study reveals that wild deer release millions of tonnes of methane each year, but their contribution is small compared to domesticated livestock.
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Standard — Natural English
68 words · ~1 min readEasy version (A2–B1)
Wild deer, like cows, produce methane gas. A study shows that deer release about 3 million tonnes of methane each year. This is much less than the methane from farm animals. Most of the methane from deer comes from six types of deer. Methane is a gas that warms the planet.Standard version (B1–B2)
A recent study indicates that wild deer contribute significantly to methane emissions, releasing approximately 3 million tonnes annually. This amount is small compared to the 600 million tonnes emitted by domesticated livestock. The research, conducted by Theresia Yazbeck and her team, highlights that over half of the methane from wild ruminants comes from just six deer species. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.Advanced version (C1–C2)
Recent research conducted by Theresia Yazbeck and colleagues at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry reveals that wild ruminants, particularly deer, release around 3 million tonnes of methane into the atmosphere each year. This figure, while significant, represents a mere fraction of the more than 600 million tonnes of global methane emissions attributed to domesticated livestock. The study emphasizes that over half of the methane produced by wild ruminants originates from just six species of deer. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has been increasing rapidly in recent years, contributing to the ongoing climate crisis.Lesson audio
Standard level
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Test your understanding
01How much methane do wild ruminants release annually?
02What fraction of global methane emissions do wild deer contribute?
03Which type of animal is mentioned as a wild ruminant?
04Who conducted the study on methane emissions from wild deer?
Discussion
What measures can be taken to reduce methane emissions from both wild and domesticated animals?
Vocabulary
methane word
A gas that contributes to global warming.
“Cows and deer release methane when they digest food.”
ruminants word
Animals that digest food in multiple stomachs.
“Deer and cows are examples of ruminants.”
emissions word
Gases released into the atmosphere.
“The emissions from livestock contribute to climate change.”
species word
A group of living organisms that can reproduce.
“There are many species of deer around the world.”
contribution word
The part played by a person or thing in bringing about a result.
“Wild deer have a small contribution to methane emissions.”