Greenland has always been a harsh place to live. Although it is the biggest island in the world, the enormous ice sheet covers 75% of its surface. (26) ________, that could be changing. As a result of global warming, Greenland's ice is melting. Huge chunks of ice, some measuring as much as 120 km2, have been breaking off Greenland's glaciers and drifting off to the ocean. Warmer weather is also bringing more rain, (27) ________ is slowly melting the ice of the interior.
The real question is, what is underneath the ice? (28) ________ mining experts say Greenland could hold massive deposits of gold, precious stones, rare earth, metals and even oil. The government is encouraging companies to come and set up mines, but many Greenlanders worry that the mining industry will not (29) ________ their lives. They fear its (30) ________ on the environment in one of the last unpolluted places on Earth.
(Adapted from On Screen)

Often called the 'Venice of the North', Amsterdam has over 100 kilometres of canals and over 1,500 bridges. A canal cruise offers the perfect way to enjoy the city, taking you on a journey along the main waterways and also the many smaller canals, to discover hidden corners of the city. Many boats offer a Hop-On Hop-Off option, allowing you to get off and visit famous sights as you pass them before continuing your trip.
The Rijksmuseum is one of Amsterdam's must-see attractions. The museum first opened its doors to the public in 1800, and now has a magnificent collection of more than 8,000 works of art, including works by artists such as Rembrandt and Rubens.
The Albert Cuyp Market is one of the best-known and busiest street markets in Europe. It began trading in 1904, and now over 300 stalls line the street, selling everything from fruit, vegetables, cheese and fish to clothes and cosmetics.
Rembrandtplein in the heart of the old city is lined with cafés, restaurants and hotels, making it a magnet for tourists. In the summer, the seats outside cafés are packed with people enjoying a drink, chatting or just watching the world go by.
(Adapted from Open World)

Living coral reefs are amazing ‘cities beneath the sea’ that are full of life. The reefs develop well in the warm oceans near the Equator. The Great Barrier Reef, in Australia, is the largest reef in the world. It is 2,000 kilometres long. Each year, thousands of visitors come to see this remarkable world beneath the waves. However, there are rules - visitors can only visit 5% of the reef. In this way, they can still enjoy the reef while it remains protected for future generations.
In recent years, a number of dangers have threatened coral reefs and the life that depends on them. One of the biggest threats is an illegal way of fishing that explodes bombs in the water to kill as many fish as possible. It kills most living things and causes great lamage to the reef's structure.
Fishing with an extremely dangerous chemical called cyanide is another threat to reefs, particularly in the Philippines. Fishermen put this poisonous chemical into the reef water because it stuns the fish and they can't move. They catch the fish easily and then sell them for big money to aquariums or restaurants. The chemical they use kills coral polyps, and causes large areas of the reef to die. Water pollution also damages reefs. In addition, warmer water in the oceans has been causing many areas of reefs to turn white. Biologists are worried that further warming may damage coral reefs even more.
Threats to coral reefs are serious, but there is reason to hope that they will survive. Coral reef conservation can help these tiny coral polyps, which have survived natural threats for millions of years, to rebuild the damaged reefs that so many ocean creatures and plants depend on.
(Adapted from Close-up)