Plane Crash in Brazil Kills Yu Kongjian and OthersCEFR B1
29 Sept 2025
Adapted from Global Voices Brazil, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Ian Talmacs, Unsplash
AI-assisted adaptation of the original article, simplified for language learners.
On September 23, 2025, a plane crash in Brazil led to the death of Yu Kongjian, a prominent Chinese landscape architect known for his work on "sponge cities." These cities are designed to manage water more effectively and enhance urban resilience. Along with him, three others, including a pilot and two filmmakers, lost their lives while working on a documentary project.
The crash occurred in the Pantanal region, one of the world's largest wetlands, and is currently under investigation to determine its cause. The news has drawn significant attention, highlighting Yu’s influential role in architecture and environmental sustainability.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed condolences via social media, acknowledging Yu's significant contributions to urban planning and the urgent need for solutions to climate change. Yu’s legacy continues to inspire discussions on how to integrate nature with urban environments.
Difficult words
- architect — A person who designs buildings and spaces.
- sponge — A material that absorbs water.
- investigation — The process of finding out what happened.
- urban — Related to a city or town.
- contributions — Things given to help something or someone.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can cities improve their resilience to climate change?
- What do you think is the role of architects in urban planning?
- In what ways can nature be integrated into city design?
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