This table is made from an upcycled tractor. TUCHONG
Each year, the Cambridge Dictionary chooses its Word of the Year to reflect “the annual mood”. The winning word for 2019 is related to environmental protection – “upcycling”.
每年剑桥词典都会选出能够反映“年度情绪”的年度词汇。今年选出的词汇与环保相关 —— “升级回收”。
It’s defined as “the activity of making new items out of old or used things”.
这个词指的是“用旧的或使用过的东西制造新物品的活动”。
“Upcycling” was first added to the online dictionary in December 2011. Since then, searches for the word have risen by 181 percent.
“升级回收”一词于2011年12月首次被收入剑桥词典网站。自那时起，该词的查询量增长了181%
“We think it’s the positive idea behind upcycling that appeals more than the word itself,” said Wendalyn Nichols, Publishing Manager of the Cambridge Dictionary. “Lookups of upcycling reflect the momentum around individual actions to combat climate change.”
“我们认为‘升级回收’一词背后值得肯定的理念比词语本身更吸引人，”剑桥词典的出版经理温德林·尼克尔斯说道。“查询该词反映了用个人行动对抗气候变化的趋势。”
It’s true that human societies won’t stop the progression of climate change, but that doesn’t mean we should leave it alone and do nothing.
人类社会的确无法阻止气候变化的进程，但这并不意味着我们应当袖手旁观，不管不顾。
Many people are trying to save Earth in their own ways. For example, Swedish high school student Greta Thunberg organizes student protests to stir action on climate change. Many young people choose vegan diets and some fashion designers upcycle clothes to create new styles.
许多人都努力用自己的方式拯救地球。比如，瑞典高中生格蕾塔·桑伯格发起学生活动，呼吁对气候变化做出行动。不少年轻人都选择素食，还有一些时尚设计师升级回收旧衣来创造新风格。
Whatever future awaits us, “upcycling is a concrete action a single human being can take to make a difference,” the Cambridge Dictionary website noted.
不论什么样的未来在等待着我们，“‘升级回收’是每个人都能带来改变的切实行动”剑桥词典网站表示。
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