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     Currently, the price of crude oil reaches a new high and demand for petroleum continues to grow, especially in emerging economies like China and India. As is depicted in the drawing above, in a big city, people would have to use oxen if there was not sufficient energy to power cars.
     There is no doubt that if the price of fuel continues to rise, alternative sources of energy must be found. Electric or hybrid cars are presently being developed and used in some countries, but as yet no viable alternative to petrol has been found. This is not to say that something will not be found in the future, but there is an obvious need for something to be done now about rising energy costs.
     Government incentives for the development and use of alternative energy play an important role in relieving energy shortages. Moreover, energy-saving practices of both individuals and companies should be backed with financial incentives. For instance, anyone who buys a hybrid car could be entitled to a tax rebate, and tax incentives could be given to companies who develop clean energy technologies.

     目前，原油价格创下了历史新高，石油需求继续增长，在中国和印度这样的新兴经济体更是如此。正如上图所描绘的，在一座大城市里，如果没有足够的能源来驱动汽车，人们将只能用牛来拉车了。
     毫无疑问，如果燃料的价格持续上涨，我们就必须找到替代能源。现在有些国家在开发和使用电动汽车或混合动力汽车，但到目前为止还没有找到切实可行的汽油替代品。这并不是说我们将来不会找到替代品，而是说很明显现在我们需要做些什么以应对不断上涨的能源价格。
     政府鼓励替代能源的发展和使用对缓解能源短缺起重要的作用。此外，个人和公司的节能做法都应有经济奖励作为支持。例如，任何购买混合动力汽车的人可以有权享受退税；还可以给开发清洁能源技术的公司税收优惠。

     crude oil 原油
     high 最高点，最高水平
     petroleum 石油
     emerging economy 新兴经济体
     ox 牛
     sufficient 足够的
     power 以动力驱动
     fuel 燃料
     alternative 替代的
     electric 使用电力的
     hybrid car 混合动力汽车
     viable 切实可行的
     energy cost 能源价格
     incentive 鼓励
     alternative energy 替代能源
     relieve 缓解
     energy shortage 能源短缺
     energy-saving 节能的
     back 支持
     financial incentives 经济奖励
     tax rebate 退税
     tax incentives 税收优惠
     clean energy technology 清洁能源技术

1　The media could play an active role in encouraging energy-efficient measures.
     媒体在鼓励节能举措方面可以发挥积极的作用。
2　Stop wasting energy and use renewable sources of energy such as solar energy and wind energy.
     不要再浪费能源，要使用太阳能、风能这样的可再生能源。