Global Warming

just above

Papua New Guinea is just above Australia.

In this case 'just above' means a short distance north of Australia.  We use the word 'just' to show a small distance or period of time and 'above' indicates an upward or northern direction. Notice the following:

1. Ecuador is just above us.
   
2. Argentina is just below Brazil.
   

about

Papua New Guinea to Australia takes about an hour and a half by boat.

You can use 'about' before a measurement of time, distance or number to show the information being given is approximate.  Maybe it takes little more than an hour or maybe a little less. Notice the following:

1. I think he's about 60.
   
2. My new camera was about $200.
   

based

Most of our coastal villages are based there.

In this case, 'based' is similar in meaning to 'located.' Notice the following:

1. I'm based out of Colorado now.
   
2. She has been based in Asia for about five years now.
   

global warming

What do you think about global warming?

'Global warming' is the idea that the overall temperature on the planet is increasing every year because of pollution and negative effects that humans have on the earth. Notice the following:

1. The earth has changed a lot because of global warming.
   
2. Global warming has caused a lot of problems for animals in cold climates.
   

rather than

We need to something about it rather than wait.

We use 'rather than' to compare two options and show which one we prefer.  The option that is not preferred always comes immediately after 'rather than.' Notice the following:

1. It's always better to tell the truth rather than lie.
   
2. Rather than go to a restaurant, I would prefer to eat at home.