Most modern cities have taken action to reduce traffic jams (交通阻塞) and improve air quality. But if they want to become more livable, they should think about more ambitious goals.

Amsterdam, the Dutch capital, has set a good example. It has planned to ban (禁止) gasoline and diesel vehicles, leaving only electric ones by 2030. The ban is part of the Clean Air Action Plan. The plan started in 2020 when all diesel cars built before 2005 were banned from entering the city center. In 2022, public buses that cause pollution were banned. Finally all vehicles that use engines powered by gasoline and diesel will no longer be allowed into the city by 2030.

The advantages of such bans are clear. Traffic jams waste large amounts of fuel and time each year. Pollution from cars makes climate change more serious. It is also bad for people’s health. Amsterdam’s government says car pollution reduces the life expectancy of its citizens (市民) by more than a year.

But will everyone support such plan? For most people, giving up driving means life will become less convenient. Perhaps Amsterdam can help make this change to electric cars easier. For example, it can think about improving public transportation. It can also create a larger number of attractive public spaces for pedestrians. People who drive electric cars may be given discounts (折扣) on parking fees. And it can be more open to new ways of getting around, such as bike-sharing.

Saying no to non-electric vehicles is hard. But let’s think seriously about our well-being and that of our planet. Making our cities more livable has to become an urgent goal.

①improving bus and subway services

②giving electric car buyers some discounts

③allowing electric car drivers to park for free

④introducing bike-sharing and other new ways to get around

A．

B．

C．

D．

Things to do in London

【小题1】

You can choose between a hackney cab, a double-decker or the tube. A hackney cab is one of the 18,000 famous black taxis in London. A double-decker is another name for the red buses in London. And the tube is the London subway.

【小题2】

The Thames runs through the city. Take a boat ride and see all the famous sights (景点), like Big Ben, the Tower of London or St. Paul’s Cathedral. It’s also the best way to see the bridges: London Bridge, Tower Bridge, etc.

【小题3】

You can’t visit London and not go to the British Museum. Also, the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square has the best collection of European paintings in the world. Then there’s the Tate Modern. It’s full of art from Matisse to Miro. Of course, you can’t miss Madame Tussauds. Here you can see wax models (蜡像) of famous people, like David Beckham.

【小题4】

There are lots of London soccer teams. Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal are the biggest. For tennis, you can visit Wimbledon, of course. Also, every April there’s the London Marathon with about 30,000 runners.

【小题5】

Do you like movies? Get down to Leicester Square then. It’s full of movie theaters with all the latest movies. Or, you can watch a show like The Phantom of the Opera in the West End. Are you looking for restaurants? Well, there are lots to choose from!