VOA标准英语2011-Ban Ki-Moon Calls for ‘Clean Energy Rev

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon is pushing for an overhaul¹ of current energy consumption trends and for more investment in green technology.

Speaking at the fourth annual World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, Ban said renewable energy could help solve a number of the planet's most pressing problems.

"We need a global clean energy revolution, a revolution that makes energy available and affordable² for all. This is essential for minimizing climate risks, for reducing poverty and improving global health, for empowering women and meeting the Millennium³ Development Goals, for global economic growth, peace and security, and the health of the planet."

Ban warns global energy consumption is set to rise by 40 percent in the next two decades, with the highest growth expected in developing nations.

He also pointed⁴ out that more efficient power would greatly help people living in poorer countries.

"Investing in the green economy is not simply a luxury of the developed countries. It represents opportunity for job creation and economic growth in developing countries and prosperity for all."

Pakistan's president agrees. Speaking at the Abu Dhabi summit, Asif Ali Zardari described his country as "an example of the world's energy crisis""

Pakistan has been hit by a number of recent natural disasters and Zardari believes that they are at least somewhat connected to global warming caused by the burning of fossil fuels.

"Even the most cynical⁵ can no longer deny the unavoidable consequences of climate abuse. The question before us today, the great issue for our generation is whether we have the courage and determination and the vision to do whatever is necessary, to reverse the deadly process that is choking our children's future."

The World Future Energy Summit, which brings together world leaders and renewable energy experts to find solutions to global energy challenges, ends Thursday.

1 overhaul   

v./n.大修，仔细检查

参考例句：

• Master Worker Wang is responsible for the overhaul of this grinder.王师傅主修这台磨床。
• It is generally appreciated that the rail network needs a complete overhaul.众所周知，铁路系统需要大检修。

2 affordable   

adj.支付得起的，不太昂贵的

参考例句：

• The rent for the four-roomed house is affordable.四居室房屋的房租付得起。
• There are few affordable apartments in big cities.在大城市中没有几所公寓是便宜的。

3 millennium   

n.一千年，千禧年；太平盛世

参考例句：

• The whole world was counting down to the new millennium.全世界都在倒计时迎接新千年的到来。
• We waited as the clock ticked away the last few seconds of the old millennium.我们静候着时钟滴答走过千年的最后几秒钟。

4 pointed   

adj.尖的，直截了当的

参考例句：

• He gave me a very sharp pointed pencil.他给我一支削得非常尖的铅笔。
• She wished to show Mrs.John Dashwood by this pointed invitation to her brother.她想通过对达茨伍德夫人提出直截了当的邀请向她的哥哥表示出来。

5 cynical   

adj.(对人性或动机)怀疑的，不信世道向善的

参考例句：

• The enormous difficulty makes him cynical about the feasibility of the idea.由于困难很大，他对这个主意是否可行持怀疑态度。
• He was cynical that any good could come of democracy.他不相信民主会带来什么好处。