Facing water shortages and escalating fertilizer costs, farmers in developing countries are using raw sewage to irrigate and fertilize nearly 49 million acres of cropland, according to a new report—and it may not be a bad thing.
2016年6月六级真题（第二套）阅读 Section C
Now, Africa's largest economy is facing a food crisis as major tomato fields have been destroyed by an insect, leading to a nationwide shortage and escalating prices.
2017年12月六级真题（第一套）阅读 Section A
柯林斯高阶英汉双解学习词典释义
V-ERG
（使）扩大;（使）恶化;（使）升级
If a bad situation escalates or if someone or something escalates it, it becomes greater in size, seriousness, or intensity.