英语阅读_a small country in Central America

Costa Rica, a small country in Central America, has become a world leader in environmental protection.

哥斯达黎加，中美洲的一个小国，已经成为环境保护领域的世界领导者。

With a population of just over five million, this nation has achieved something that many richer countries can only dream of.

拥有刚刚超过五百万的人口，这个国家实现了一些许多更富裕的国家只能梦寐以求的事情。

Nearly 98% of its electricity comes from renewable sources.

其近 98% 的电力来自可再生能源。

How did they do it?

他们是如何做到的？

The answer lies in a combination of natural advantages and smart government policies.

答案在于自然优势和智慧政府政策的结合。

The country has been capitalising on its rich natural resources.

这个国家一直在利用其丰富的自然资源。

Its many rivers and mountains make hydropower a perfect choice.

它的许多河流和山脉使得水力发电成为一个完美的选择。

About 78% of the country's clean energy comes from hydroelectric dams.

这个国家大约 78% 的清洁能源来自水电站大坝。

But hydropower alone is not enough.

但是仅仅依靠水力发电是不够的。

During dry seasons, when rainfall decreases, Costa Rica turns to other renewable sources.

在旱季，当降雨量减少时，哥斯达黎加会转向其他可再生能源。

Geothermal energy is another important part of the mix.

地热能是这种（能源）组合中的另一个重要组成部分。

Because Costa Rica lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, it has many active volcanoes.

因为哥斯达黎加位于太平洋环火山地震带上，它拥有许多活火山。

The heat from these volcanoes can be used to generate electricity.

来自这些火山的热量可以被用来发电。

Wind and solar power have also been developed in recent years.

风能和太阳能近年来也得到了发展。

By using a variety of different energy sources, Costa Rica can keep its lights on all year round, even when the weather changes.

通过使用各种各样不同的能源，哥斯达黎加可以全年保持供电，即使在天气发生变化时。

In fact, the country has operated for over 300 consecutive days without using any fossil fuels at all.

事实上，这个国家已经在完全不使用任何化石燃料的情况下连续运行了 300 多天。

This is a remarkable achievement for any nation.

对于任何国家来说，这都是一项非凡的成就。

The government has also created programs that encourage landowners to protect forests instead of cutting them down.

政府还制定了鼓励地主保护森林而不是砍伐它们的项目。

Through the Payment for Environmental Services program, forest owners receive money for keeping their trees alive.

通过“环境服务付费”项目，森林所有者因保持他们的树木存活而获得资金。

Costa Rica's success shows that protecting the environment and developing the economy can go hand in hand.

哥斯达黎加的成功表明，保护环境和发展经济可以并行不悖。

The country has become a popular destination for eco-tourism, attracting visitors who want to see its amazing wildlife and beautiful landscapes.

这个国家已经成为一个热门的生态旅游目的地，吸引着想要看看它神奇的野生动物和美丽风景的游客。

Many experts believe that Costa Rica is a role model for other countries that want to build a greener future.

许多专家认为，对于其他想要建设一个更绿色未来的国家来说，哥斯达黎加是一个榜样。

With its strong commitment to sustainability, this small nation proves that size does not matter when it comes to saving the planet.

凭借其对可持续性的坚定承诺，这个小国证明了当谈到拯救地球时，国家大小并不重要。

Full English Text

Costa Rica, a small country in Central America, has become a world leader in environmental protection. With a population of just over five million, this nation has achieved something that many richer countries can only dream of. Nearly 98% of its electricity comes from renewable sources. How did they do it? The answer lies in a combination of natural advantages and smart government policies.

The country has been capitalising on its rich natural resources. Its many rivers and mountains make hydropower a perfect choice. About 78% of the country's clean energy comes from hydroelectric dams. But hydropower alone is not enough. During dry seasons, when rainfall decreases, Costa Rica turns to other renewable sources.

Geothermal energy is another important part of the mix. Because Costa Rica lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, it has many active volcanoes. The heat from these volcanoes can be used to generate electricity. Wind and solar power have also been developed in recent years. By using a variety of different energy sources, Costa Rica can keep its lights on all year round, even when the weather changes.

In fact, the country has operated for over 300 consecutive days without using any fossil fuels at all. This is a remarkable achievement for any nation. The government has also created programs that encourage landowners to protect forests instead of cutting them down. Through the Payment for Environmental Services program, forest owners receive money for keeping their trees alive.

Costa Rica's success shows that protecting the environment and developing the economy can go hand in hand. The country has become a popular destination for eco-tourism, attracting visitors who want to see its amazing wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Many experts believe that Costa Rica is a role model for other countries that want to build a greener future. With its strong commitment to sustainability, this small nation proves that size does not matter when it comes to saving the planet.