申論題

IV.Writing and Test design

Please design     five     reading comprehension questions for SLSH 11th graders, with 混合題 being the last two questions. They should be suitable for the new General Scholastic Ability Test (新型學測 混合題型). Answer keys need to be provided.

    When people envision the consequences of climate change, they often picture melting glaciers, coastal flooding, and increasingly intense storms. However, one of the more unsettling and lesser-known indicators of environmental disruption is the emergence of ghost forests. These haunting landscapes, filled with the skeletal remains of once-thriving trees, are not merely eerie sights; they are vivid symbols of ecosystems in decline. Although still unfamiliar to many, ghost forests represent a growing ecological phenomenon, offering stark evidence that climate change is not a distant threat but a process already reshaping our planet. 

    Ghost forests form in low-lying coastal areas where saltwater intrusion disrupts the delicate balance of freshwater ecosystems. As sea levels rise, saltwater infiltrates soil that native trees cannot tolerate. Unable to absorb water through salt-saturated roots, the trees slowly die, their trunks remaining upright for years, slowly weathered into pale, barkless columns. This process is not confined to a single region; it is occurring across the eastern United States, parts of Canada, and regions in Southeast Asia. In places like Maryland and North Carolina, ghost forests have rapidly expanded in the past two decades, replacing vibrant green woodlands with barren, silent swamps. 

    The primary driver behind this transformation is anthropogenic climate change. Rising global temperatures accelerate polar ice melt, contributing to a gradual but relentless rise in sea levels. Combined with stronger coastal storms, this allows saltwater to reach farther inland than ever before. Historically, natural barriers such as wetlands and marshes absorbed much of this intruding water. However, human activities, such as wetland drainage, road construction, and agricultural development, have degraded these protective systems, allowing saltwater to spread unchecked into areas previously shielded from such exposure. 

    Ghost forests do not simply mark environmental loss; they also amplify the problem. Healthy forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When trees die and decompose, they release that stored carbon back into the air, contributing to the greenhouse effect. At the same time, the collapse of forest ecosystems results in the loss of habitat for countless species, like birds, insects, mammals, and microbes that once depended on those trees for survival. Additionally, the death of these coastal forests weakens natural defenses against erosion, flooding, and storm surges, leaving nearby human communities more exposed to climate risks. 

    In response to these challenges, scientists and environmentalists are developing both preventative and adaptive strategies. One effective approach involves restoring wetlands, which act like ecological sponges—absorbing water, filtering salt, and reducing storm impact. In some regions, conservationists are building living shorelines composed of native plants, oyster reefs, and biodegradable structures. These not only stabilize coastlines but also provide habitat for marine life. Others are experimenting with planting salt-tolerant tree species, aiming to establish more resilient forests in threatened areas. Yet, as promising as these local efforts are, they must be accompanied by broader global action, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting existing forests, and promoting sustainable land use. Public awareness is equally crucial. Many people remain unaware of ghost forests and the climate-driven processes behind them. These quiet forests tell a powerful story: one of ecological vulnerability, human impact, and the urgent need for change. By educating communities, students, and decision-makers about these shifting landscapes, we create opportunities for more informed and timely responses. 

    In conclusion, ghost forests are more than a visual oddity; they are living (and dying) evidence of a rapidly changing climate. Their presence speaks volumes about the health of our planet’s ecosystems and the unintended consequences of human activity. As climate change continues to transform familiar landscapes into ghostly reminders of what once was, it also calls us to rethink how we interact with nature. Whether we view ghost forests as tragic endpoints or warnings that inspire action may well determine how many more forests suffer the same fate.