英語ニュース教材：Coalition plans to strip climate from energy operator’s objectives（Intermediate レベル）

🎧 Audio

📖 Script

In Australia, there is a new plan proposed by the Coalition, which includes the Nationals and Liberals, to change the objectives of the country’s energy operator. This plan suggests that reducing emissions should no longer be a key objective. Instead, the main focus should be on making energy more affordable and reliable for the public. This decision has sparked a lot of discussions and debates across the country, as it shifts the priorities from environmental concerns to economic and practical issues.

The Coalition’s plan aims to remove climate change considerations from the energy operator’s goals. This means that they want to focus less on reducing carbon emissions and more on ensuring that energy prices are low and that the supply is consistent. The idea is that by focusing on affordability and reliability, they can provide a stable energy supply that supports the economy and the daily needs of Australians. However, this move has raised concerns among environmentalists and climate activists who argue that ignoring emissions could have long-term negative effects on the environment.

Supporters of the plan argue that by prioritising affordability, it will help families and businesses manage their energy bills better. They believe that a stable energy supply is crucial for economic growth and that reducing costs will benefit everyone. On the other hand, opponents worry that this approach does not take into account the global need to address climate change. They argue that reducing emissions is essential to prevent further environmental damage and that Australia should be leading by example in its energy policies.

The debate highlights the ongoing tension between economic development and environmental sustainability. While some see this as a necessary step to ensure economic stability, others view it as a step backward in the fight against climate change. The outcome of this plan could have significant implications not only for Australia’s energy policy but also for its international commitments to reduce carbon emissions.

📝 Vocabulary

• emissions: the act of releasing something, especially gas or radiation（排出）
  例文: “The factory reduced its emissions to comply with environmental regulations.”
  Collocations／日本語の意味を見る

  • carbon emissions
  • reduce emissions
  • emissions target
• reliability: the quality of being trustworthy or performing consistently well（信頼性）
  例文: “The reliability of public transport is crucial for daily commuters.”
  Collocations／日本語の意味を見る

  • reliability of service
  • improve reliability
  • test reliability
• objective: a goal or purpose（目的）
  例文: “Our main objective this year is to expand our market share.”
  Collocations／日本語の意味を見る

  • main objective
  • achieve an objective
  • set objectives
• affordability: the quality of being affordable; cost-effectiveness（手頃さ）
  例文: “The affordability of housing is a major concern in urban areas.”
  Collocations／日本語の意味を見る

  • affordability of housing
  • improve affordability
  • assess affordability
• priority: something that is regarded as more important than others（優先順位）
  例文: “Education is a priority for the government this year.”
  Collocations／日本語の意味を見る

  • top priority
  • set priorities
  • priority list

✏️ Grammar Point

Infinitive of Purpose – “This plan suggests that reducing emissions should no longer be a key objective.”

文法の日本語補足を見る

目的を示すために不定詞を使用する構造

💡 使用場面

この構造は、何かの目的や意図を説明する際に使われます。ビジネスでも個人の計画でもよく用いられます。

📝 使用例文

“例: In a business meeting, you might say: ‘If we cut costs now, we can increase our profit margin next quarter.’”

❓ Listening Questions

1. True/False: The Coalition’s plan aims to keep emissions reduction as a key objective.
2. MCQ: What is the main focus of the Coalition’s plan according to the new proposal?
   a) Reducing emissions
   b) Increasing renewable energy
   c) Improving energy affordability and reliability
   d) Expanding energy exports
3. MCQ: Who supports the Coalition’s plan?
   a) Environmentalists
   b) Climate activists
   c) Some families and businesses
   d) International organizations

🔑 Listening Answersを見る

1. False
2. c) Improving energy affordability and reliability
3. c) Some families and businesses

📚 Reading Questions

1. What is the proposed change in the objectives of Australia’s energy operator?
2. Why do some people support the Coalition’s plan?
3. What does the word “priority” mean in the context of the script?

🔑 Reading Answersを見る

1. The proposed change is to remove emissions reduction as a key objective and focus on energy affordability and reliability.
2. Some people support the plan because they believe it will help manage energy bills and provide a stable energy supply.
3. Priority means something that is regarded as more important than others.

🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説

オーストラリアのエネルギー政策に関するこの議論は、経済と環境のバランスをどう取るかという問題を浮き彫りにしています。経済的には、エネルギー料金の低下と安定供給が企業活動や生活水準の向上に寄与することが期待されます。しかし、環境的には、気候変動への取り組みが遅れる可能性があり、国際的な批判を招くリスクもあります。将来的には、経済と環境の両立を図る政策が求められるでしょう。

Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-16/coalition-joint-net-zero-position-leaked-submission/106015290