Scientists predict that one of the world's coldest countries could be covered by thick forests instead of frozen ice sheets by the end of the century, as climate change brings about the “greening of Greenland”.
Today only four types of trees grow on the island, limited to small areas in the south. More than threequarters of Greenland is covered by ice.
But by the year 2100, “Greenland could become a lot greener, ”says Professor Smith from Aarhus University in Denmark.“Pine tree forests like those in Alaska and Canada will be able to spread over most of Greenland. And it will provide new opportunities for local people.”
The research published in the Journal of Biological Sciences shows that, with expected levels of warming, many North American and European trees and bushes will be able to thrive in now icecovered areas of central and northern Greenland. The speed of forest growth will increase as the planet warms and new trees could cover more than 400, 000 square kilometres—an area almost the size of Sweden—by the end of the century.
The change is likely to alter Greenland's environment greatly, leading to the loss of Arctic animals and plants.
On the other hand, there could be significant commercial benefits for farming and tourism. Humans could play an active role in the greening of Greenland by helping to spread new plant types, says Prof.Smith.
“People love growing plants, whether for food or beauty；it's human nature, ” he says.“This could help plant life spread throughout Greenland more quickly. This certainly has positive aspects for local industry and the economy.”
However, Prof.Smith warns that, besides all these benefits, there are also risks involved in introducing new plants and animals.“If it is not done carefully, the new life forms could spread in an uncontrolled way as no animals or competing plants have evolved to keep their spread in check.”
62. According to the passage, in what direction is the “greening of Greenland” most likely to occur?
63. Which of the following is mentioned as a likely result of the “greening of Greenland”？
A. Fewer people will be able to live there.
B. There will be more Arctic animals living there.
C. The local tree types will die out at a high speed.
D. New forests about the size of Sweden will appear.
64. Prof.Smith's attitude towards the expected changes in Greenland's environment can be described as ________.
A. positive B. negative C. objective D. disappointed
65. The topic of the passage is ________.
A. the effect of global warming on Greenland B. ways people can expand Greenland's forest
C. the promotion of tourism in Greenland D. the Arctic wildlife living in Greenland