Cambridge 18 | Test 2 | Passage 3
An Ideal City
The Renaissance marked the transition from the 15th century
to modernity and took place after the spread of the plague in the 14th century, which caused a global crisis resulting in some 200 million deaths across Europe and Asia. Today, the world is on the cusp of a climate crisis, which is predicted to cause widespread displacement, extinctions and death, if left unaddressed. Then, as now, radical solutions were called for to revolutionize the way people lived and safeguard humanity against catastrophe.
on the cusp (idiom)
at the point when something is about to change to something else
She is on the cusp of being a star.
widespread (adjective)
/ˌwaɪdˈspred/
existing or happening in many places or among many people
The plan received widespread support throughout the country.
catastrophe (noun) [ C ]
/kəˈtæs.trə.fi/
a sudden event that causes very great trouble or destruction
The emigration of scientists is a catastrophe for the country.
