英語学習

【Asia Business English】Commentary: Malaysia has diplomatic leverage in tackling transboundary haze（B1–B2）

 

Contents

🎧 Audio

📖 Script

Transboundary haze is a significant environmental issue that affects several countries in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Indonesia. The haze is mainly caused by forest fires, which are often started deliberately to clear land for agriculture. This issue recurs almost every year, impacting public health, the environment, and economies in the region. Oh Ei Sun from the Pacific Research Center of Malaysia highlights that Malaysia has a unique position to handle this problem through diplomatic means.

The haze issue can be predicted and managed with careful preparation and cooperation among affected countries. Malaysia, with its strategic diplomatic relationships and regional influence, can take a leading role in tackling this problem. By engaging in dialogue and negotiations with neighboring countries like Indonesia, Malaysia can work towards joint solutions to prevent and control the fires that cause haze.

One of the key strategies is to establish early warning systems and share information about potential fire hotspots. This data can help countries prepare and respond quickly to minimize the impact of haze. Additionally, Malaysia can advocate for sustainable agricultural practices and stricter enforcement of environmental laws to reduce the incidents of illegal burning.

Diplomatic efforts could also involve regional agreements, where countries commit to specific actions to mitigate haze. For instance, ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, has frameworks that encourage member countries to collaborate on environmental issues. Malaysia’s leadership in these discussions could lead to more effective regional policies.

The impact of transboundary haze extends beyond environmental concerns. It affects air travel, tourism, and overall quality of life. Schools and businesses often have to close due to poor air quality, leading to economic losses. By taking proactive steps, Malaysia can not only protect its own environment and economy but also contribute to greater regional stability and prosperity.

📝 Vocabulary

  • haze: a thin mist, smoke, or dust in the air
    例文: “The haze made it difficult to see the mountains clearly.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • thick haze
    • reduce haze
    • haze problem
    かすみ、もや
  • diplomatic: related to managing international relations
    例文: “Diplomatic efforts are essential to resolve the conflict.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • diplomatic relations
    • diplomatic solution
    • diplomatic channel
    外交の
  • regional: relating to a specific geographic area
    例文: “The regional meeting focused on environmental issues.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • regional cooperation
    • regional development
    • regional conflict
    地域の
  • enforcement: the act of making sure laws are followed
    例文: “Strict enforcement of the new law is necessary.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • law enforcement
    • strict enforcement
    • enforcement agency
    執行、施行
  • sustainable: able to be maintained or continued without harming the environment
    例文: “Sustainable practices are important for the future of our planet.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • sustainable development
    • sustainable agriculture
    • sustainable energy
    持続可能な

✏️ Grammar Point

Modal Verbs – “Malaysia can work towards joint solutions to prevent and control the fires that cause haze.”

文法の日本語補足を見る
可能性や能力を示す助動詞の使用例

💡 使用場面

助動詞「can」は、会話やビジネスの場面で可能性や能力を示す際に使用されます。

📝 使用例文

“例: In a business meeting, you might say: ‘We can increase our market share by introducing a new product line.’”

❓ Listening Questions

  1. True/False: Malaysia is unable to manage the haze issue diplomatically.
  2. MCQ: What is one of the main causes of the haze in Southeast Asia?
    a) Air pollution from factories
    b) Traffic emissions
    c) Forest fires started to clear land
    d) Natural climate changes
  3. MCQ: What role can Malaysia play in addressing the haze problem?
    a) Ignoring the issue
    b) Leading regional diplomatic efforts
    c) Increasing its agricultural land
    d) Reducing tourism
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
  1. False
  2. c) Forest fires started to clear land
  3. b) Leading regional diplomatic efforts

📚 Reading Questions

  1. What is the main cause of the haze in Southeast Asia mentioned in the script?
  2. Why might Malaysia be in a good position to lead efforts to manage the haze issue?
  3. What is the meaning of “sustainable” as used in the script?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
  1. Forest fires started deliberately to clear land for agriculture.
  2. Malaysia has strategic diplomatic relationships and regional influence.
  3. Able to be maintained or continued without harming the environment.

🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説

東南アジアにおける越境煙霧問題は、公共の健康への影響や経済的損失を伴う深刻な環境問題です。特にマレーシアは、外交的手段を通じてこの問題に対処する特異な立場にあります。ASEANの枠組みを活用して、地域全体の環境政策を強化することが可能です。持続可能な農業の推進や環境法の厳格な施行が、将来的な解決策として期待されます。国際的な協力を通じて、地域の安定と繁栄に貢献できるでしょう。

Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/haze-malaysia-indonesia-emergency-asean-6427126

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