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Gulf war raises risk of long-term pollution (Level A1) — Industrial structures on the coast with the ocean.

Gulf war raises risk of long-term pollutionCEFR A1

23 Mar 2026

Adapted from Mohammed El-Said, SciDev CC BY 2.0

Photo by Po-Hsuan Huang, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
73 words
  • There is a war in the Gulf region.
  • The war causes big fires and heavy smoke.
  • Fires burn oil tanks and industrial sites nearby.
  • Black smoke moves over cities and towns nearby.
  • Smoke can make children and old people sick.
  • Oil and chemicals can reach soil and rivers.
  • Sea water and fish can be damaged too.
  • Desalination plants may clog and stop working quickly.
  • Experts warn of long damage to nature and people.

Difficult words

  • desalinationprocess that removes salt from sea water
  • industrialrelated to factories and large machines
  • expertperson with special knowledge or skill
    Experts
  • chemicalsubstance made or used in factories
    chemicals
  • soiltop layer of earth where plants grow
  • clogto block a pipe or machine

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Have you ever seen big fires or heavy smoke near your town?
  • Do you worry about rivers or sea water after fires?
  • Would you listen to an expert who warns about danger?

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