Learning English Podcast - December 18, 2024
VOA Learning English Podcast - VOA Learning English
Deep Dive
Why is geothermal energy facing barriers in Southeast Asia?
Geothermal energy development is slowed by financial challenges, government regulations, and community protests. Companies find it costly and risky to explore and drill for geothermal reservoirs, leading to difficulties in securing funding.
What are the benefits of geothermal energy?
Geothermal energy provides clean, reliable power 24/7, requires minimal maintenance, and can operate for many years. It is considered a sustainable energy source due to its efficiency and longevity.
How much is geothermal energy production expected to increase in Southeast Asia by 2050?
Geothermal energy production in Southeast Asia is projected to grow 10 times from 2020 to 2050, reaching 276 million megawatt hours, according to the International Energy Agency.
What percentage of Indonesia's power supply comes from geothermal energy?
Geothermal energy accounts for six percent of Indonesia's power supply, despite the country having large reserves of geothermal resources.
How did Nigel Richards win the Spanish Scrabble Championship without speaking Spanish?
Nigel Richards memorized the entire Spanish Scrabble word list a year before the competition. He used a visual memory technique to recall thousands of words, despite not understanding their meanings.
What is the main financial concern for adults in sub-Saharan Africa?
School fees are the biggest financial worry for 54% of adults in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Bank. In Uganda, 40% of people rank school costs higher than medical or other expenses.
What is the cost of attending a top government-supported school in Uganda for a three-month term?
A three-month term at a top government-supported school in Uganda costs $700, which is a significant expense in a country where annual economic activity per person was $864 in 2023.
What is the main reason for children dropping out of secondary school in Uganda?
Financial difficulty is the primary reason for children dropping out of secondary school in Uganda, with attendance rates falling from 68% in early grades to 22% in secondary school.
What is the lesson of the day about?
The lesson of the day discusses look-alikes and how two people who look similar may not act alike. It emphasizes the importance of not judging others based on appearance and being considerate of others' feelings.
- Indonesia and the Philippines aim to increase geothermal energy use.
- Financial issues, regulations, and community protests slow development.
- Indonesia and the Philippines are among the world's largest users of geothermal energy but utilize only a fraction of their reserves.
- Community pushback and safety concerns hinder project development.
Shownotes Transcript