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Climate change
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- 2. Target group: Studentsfrom 4º ESO. Vocabulary related to the topic: ozone layer, greenhouse effect, CFC gases, pollution, flooding, sea level, global warming, carbon dioxide, emissions, fossil fuels, atmosphere, weather, climate, drought, environment, glacier, ice cap, green issues. Some verbs: recycle, dispose (of), protect, use up, emit, give out, raise awarenesess, destroy.
- 3. 1- Definition. 2- Causes. 3-Effects. 4- Possible Solutions.
- 4. Definition: Climate change isthe term we use to refer to the statistical distribution of weather patterns over time . In modern times , the main driver is rising carbon dioxide levels from our fossil fuel burning and the main consequence is rising tempeture which in a medium/long term could lead to worrisome consequences for the earth and its inhabitants.
- 5. 2. Causes First ofall, it is worth noting that there are natural causes for the climate change, such as volcanic activity or solar output, however, since the Industral Revolution the effects of greenhouse gases emissions have diminished the importance of solar radiation. Currently, the main driver of Climate Change is CO2 emissions - among other greenhouse gases- that result from burning fuel.
- 6. GREENHOUSE GASES EMISSIONS Greenhousegases heat the earth when they are given out by our industries and means of transports. The atmosphere, whose major function is to protect us from solar radiation, prevents them from being released to outer space, and keeps them inside which leads to an increase in temperature. The main greenhouse gases are CO2, Methane, Nitrous Oxide and Fluorinated Gases.
- 7. GREENHOUSE GASES EMISSIONS WHEREDO GREENHOUSE GASES COME FROM? The largest share of emissions are the result of electricity production (it accounts for more than 30% of emissions). However, transportation and industry also have a huge impact on the amount of emissions to the earth.
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- 9. WEATHER PATTERNS Hurricanes: Warmerwater pumps more enery into tropical storms making them more devastating. There is evidence that hurricanes and tropical storms have greatly increased over the last 35 years, both in number and intensity. Drought and Wildfire: Warmer termperatures lead to greater evaporation, which in consequence leads to draught that increases the likelihood of wildfires. Intense Rainstorms: Warmer temperatures increase the energy of the climatic system and can lead to heavier rainfall in some areas
- 10. Health Heat waves arebecoming more and more frequent. Warmer temperatures may increase smog pollution and, therefore, worsen problems related to allergies and asthma. Warming temperatures, along with alternating periods of drought and deluges, may contribute to spread illnesses, such as malaria or dengue fever. It goes without saying that natural disasters triggered by warmer temperatures put people´s lives at risk, mainly in the poores countries.
- 11. Wildlife Changing temperatures pushto the extintion of the species unable to adapt to the new ecosystem. This would disrupt the ecosystem balance and trigger a domino effect with terrible consequences. There is mounting evidence that there is a great number of animal and plant species moving vertically to cooler areas.
- 12. Glaciers and SeaLevels Rising temperatures will speed up the melting of glaciers. As a consequence, floodings may increase. There is mounting evidence that the ice caps are retreating and that this could increase sea-levels and, therefore, lead to the loss of coastal regions.
- 13. 4. Possible Solutions Ourcivilisation is nourished by energy and in order to provide ourselves with energy, we need to burn it. Added to that, developing countries desire – and deserve- the same comforts we enjoy and this situation puts more pressure on the ecosystem. Therefore, we must admit that there are no easy solutions to the problem. However, there are many things that can make a difference and improve a situation that is not irreversible. First of all, it is of utmost importance to raise awareneness of the problem. Spain is not a country particularly concerned about the Environment, and social pressure may force political decisions towards eco-friendly solutions.
- 14. 4. Possible Solutions Investin renewable energies: We must force our governments to improve and develop clean energies given that nowadays are insufficient to cover our needs. Move closer to work: As it was stated before, the second source of pullution comes from burning fuel destined to transportation. Consume less meat: There is evidence that proves that meat-eating consumes more energy. We should have less children-maybe not in Spain- because he world is overpopulated. More people means more energy needed and, therefore, more pollution. Developing countries should campaing for contraceptive methods and family planning policy.
- 15. 4. Possible Solutions Internationalagreements: We need to reach international consensus about our emissions and reach agreements that should become rules and laws respected by all the partners. We cannot afford to act unilaterally given the enormity and the magnitude of the problem. We need to respect common rules to ensure fair play. In this respect, the Kyoto Protocol commits its partners to establish limits to the emissions of greenhouse gases. The protocol, which recognises that developed coountries are principally responsible for the high level of emissions, intends to curtail emission levels. It was adopted in Kyoto, Japan, on 11 December 1997 and entered into force on 16 February 2005. Its first commitment period started in 2008 and ended in 2012, when the “Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol” was adopted.
- 16. It is yourturn 1. Define Climate Change. 2. What was your opinion about the subject before and now? 3. What do you do in order to protect the Environment? Give examples. 4. Find out more information about the Kyoto Protocol. 5. Do you think scientist exaggerate the effect of Climate Change?
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