Ejercicio B.1 - B.2 · Inglés PAU Madrid Ordinaria (2ª lengua) 2022

TEXTO B

Economists ‘Grossly Undervalue Young Lives’

Many economic assessments of the climate crisis “grossly undervalue the lives of young people and future generations,” Professor Stern warned, before the climate summit in Glasgow. Economists have failed to take into account the “immense risks and potential loss of life” that could occur as a result of the climate crisis, he said, as well as badly underestimating the speed at which the costs of clean technologies, such as solar and wind energy, have fallen.

Stern said the economics profession had also misunderstood the basics of “discounting”, the way in which economic models value future assets and lives compared with their value today. “It means economists have grossly undervalued the lives of young people who are most at threat from the devastating impacts of climate change,” he said. “Discounting has been applied in such a way that it is effectively discrimination by date of birth.”

Youth protests around the world, sparked by the school strike of Greta Thunberg, have been a key factor in increasing demands for action in recent years, along with rising extreme weather events. Recent research shows people born today will suffer many times more extreme heatwaves and other climate disasters over their lifetimes than their grandparents.

However, Stern said: “The move to net zero emissions can be the great driver of a new form of growth – the growth story of the 21st century. This growth will be more resource-efficient, more productive, and healthier, and will offer greater protection to our biodiversity.” Renewable energy costs have fallen dramatically, and the use of electric cars is increasing. Meanwhile, 75% of global emissions are now covered by national commitments to net zero emissions by the middle part of the century.

Adapted from “Climate crisis: economists ‘grossly undervalue young lives’, warns Stern,” The Guardian, October 26, 2021. <https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/oct/26/climate-crisis-economists-grossly-undervalue-young-lives-warns-stern>

QUESTIONS

B.1.- Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Copy the evidence from the text. Use a complete sentence. No marks are given for only TRUE or FALSE. (Puntuación máxima: 2 puntos)

a)

Youth demonstrations and extreme weather have triggered action to address the climate emergency.

TRUE

FALSE

b)

There has been a slight decrease in energy costs and use of electric cars.

TRUE

FALSE

B.2.- In your own words and based on the ideas in the text, answer the following questions. Do not copy from the text. (Puntuación máxima: 2 puntos)

a)

According to recent studies, how will extreme weather conditions affect people in the near future?

b)

According to Stern, what are the consequences of moving to zero emissions?