El Vaticano se vuelve verde

Pope Benedict is a keen environmentalist

Vatican goes green

The Vatican is going green today. It's activating a new solar energy system to power several key buildings. Pope Benedict has already made numerous appeals for the protection of the environment. From Rome Duncan Kennedy reports:

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The first building to get the green go-ahead is the famous Nervi Hall, next to St Peter's Basilica, where the Pope holds general audiences. 2,400 solar panels have been fixed to its roof.

The new system will provide the energy needs of the Hall and several surrounding buildings all year round. It'll also allow the 108 acre site of the Vatican City to cut its carbon dioxide emissions by about 225 tons a year. The panels are not visible from below, and officials say the famous Vatican City skyline, including St Peter's, will remain untouched.

The Vatican plans to install more renewable energy sources to provide 20% of its needs by 2020, roughly in line with European Union goals.

Pope Benedict is a keen environmentalist. The Vatican has hosted a scientific conference to discuss global warming and climate change. Last year the Pope urged the human race to listen to the voice of the earth or risk destroying the planet.

Duncan Kennedy, BBC News, Rome

 Listen to the words

to get the green go-ahead
recibir la luz verde

solar panels
paneles solares

fixed to
sujetados a

to cut
cortar (o reducir, como en este ejemplo)

carbon dioxide emissions
emisiones de dióxido de carbono

The panels are not visible
los paneles no se pueden ver

skyline
el horizonte

untouched
intacto

roughly in line with
casi al parejo de

a keen environmentalist
un ecologista entusiasta

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