This document contains a lesson plan for teaching 4th grade students about climate change. The plan is divided into 7 sections that will take 1-2 hours total to cover. Section 1 introduces climate change and recent climate history. Section 2 explains the greenhouse effect. Section 3 discusses human activities that cause climate change like burning fossil fuels. Section 4 covers why climate change matters and what can be done. Sections 5-6 discuss solutions at the government and individual level. Section 7 is a summary. Accompanying the lesson plan are downloadable images and teacher notes to explain key concepts.
This lesson plan aims to teach 4th grade students about climate change, the greenhouse effect, their carbon footprint, and actions they can take to reduce it. The plan is structured in 7 sections over 1-2 hours covering topics such as the causes and impacts of climate change, the greenhouse effect, human contributions including burning fossil fuels, and individual actions. It includes a PowerPoint presentation and downloadable images to illustrate concepts like rising global temperatures and melting glaciers based on scientific reports.
Global warming is associated with climate change that may have natural or human-caused factors. The main effect of global warming is the greenhouse effect, where gases like CO2 in the atmosphere absorb and retain heat radiated from the Earth's surface due to solar warming.
Disclaimer -
The Content belongs to IPCC (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). Sharing here is just to spread awareness about Climate Change.
https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/downloads/outreach/IPCC_AR6_WGI_SPM_Basic_Slide_Deck_Figures.pdf
Recent changes in the climate ... Climate change is already affecting every inhabited region. This is important to take this issue seriously now, in the coming years the problem will be huge. The world is changing rapidly, Climate Change is the biggest challenge now, technology like carbon capture, artificial photosynthesis, Solar CSP, Green Hydrogen, and many more can be helpful. Teachers must work on teaching climate change issues and their solutions to students to inspire them to work and invent new solutions to climate change problems.
-- BY SHIVAM PARMAR (Designer)
The document discusses the differences between global warming and climate change. It defines global warming as the long-term rise in Earth's average surface temperature due to human emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. Climate change refers more broadly to long-term shifts in weather patterns due to both human and natural factors. While the terms are often used interchangeably, climate change includes both human-caused warming and its effects on the planet. The document also provides some key facts about global warming, noting its causes as increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities like burning fossil fuels since the Industrial Revolution.
This document outlines notes on global climate change from an environmental science class. It covers topics like defining weather and climate, the composition and layers of the atmosphere, the greenhouse effect, evidence of global warming from temperature increases and IPCC reports, impacts on hurricanes and ocean currents, and potential solutions to address climate change through prevention and mitigation strategies. The notes provide context and discussion points for a PowerPoint on global climate change.
The document discusses global climate change, including its causes from increasing greenhouse gases, effects such as rising sea levels and changes in precipitation patterns, and ways to deal with it through mitigation and adaptation. It provides evidence that climate change is occurring, such as rising global temperatures and retreating glaciers. Predictions include ranges of plant and animal species shifting. Solutions involve reducing carbon emissions through actions like using less fossil fuels, insulating homes, and developing renewable energy.
The document discusses climate change and global warming. It defines climate change as long-term shifts in weather patterns due to natural and human causes that lead to changes in temperature, precipitation, and other factors. The natural causes are listed as solar output, volcanic activity, and variations in Earth's orbit. The human causes are identified as the increased burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, which raise carbon dioxide levels. The document outlines the debate around whether global warming poses a serious threat or is a natural phenomenon, and suggests student activities like dividing into groups to discuss causes and solutions, and developing a class project focused on environmental protection.
The document discusses the history of Earth's climate and temperature changes over billions of years. It notes that the planet has experienced natural warming and cooling cycles in the past related to factors like carbon dioxide levels, solar activity, and orbital variations. More recently, evidence suggests global temperatures have risen sharply since the late 19th century, corresponding to increased industrial carbon emissions. The text explores potential impacts of continued warming, such as rising sea levels, stronger hurricanes, and effects on wildlife.
This lesson plan aims to teach 4th grade students about climate change, the greenhouse effect, their carbon footprint, and actions they can take to reduce it. The plan is structured in 7 sections over 1-2 hours covering topics such as the causes and impacts of climate change, the greenhouse effect, human contributions including burning fossil fuels, and individual actions. It includes a PowerPoint presentation and downloadable images to illustrate concepts like rising global temperatures and melting glaciers based on scientific reports.
Global warming is associated with climate change that may have natural or human-caused factors. The main effect of global warming is the greenhouse effect, where gases like CO2 in the atmosphere absorb and retain heat radiated from the Earth's surface due to solar warming.
Disclaimer -
The Content belongs to IPCC (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). Sharing here is just to spread awareness about Climate Change.
https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/downloads/outreach/IPCC_AR6_WGI_SPM_Basic_Slide_Deck_Figures.pdf
Recent changes in the climate ... Climate change is already affecting every inhabited region. This is important to take this issue seriously now, in the coming years the problem will be huge. The world is changing rapidly, Climate Change is the biggest challenge now, technology like carbon capture, artificial photosynthesis, Solar CSP, Green Hydrogen, and many more can be helpful. Teachers must work on teaching climate change issues and their solutions to students to inspire them to work and invent new solutions to climate change problems.
-- BY SHIVAM PARMAR (Designer)
The document discusses the differences between global warming and climate change. It defines global warming as the long-term rise in Earth's average surface temperature due to human emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. Climate change refers more broadly to long-term shifts in weather patterns due to both human and natural factors. While the terms are often used interchangeably, climate change includes both human-caused warming and its effects on the planet. The document also provides some key facts about global warming, noting its causes as increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities like burning fossil fuels since the Industrial Revolution.
This document outlines notes on global climate change from an environmental science class. It covers topics like defining weather and climate, the composition and layers of the atmosphere, the greenhouse effect, evidence of global warming from temperature increases and IPCC reports, impacts on hurricanes and ocean currents, and potential solutions to address climate change through prevention and mitigation strategies. The notes provide context and discussion points for a PowerPoint on global climate change.
The document discusses global climate change, including its causes from increasing greenhouse gases, effects such as rising sea levels and changes in precipitation patterns, and ways to deal with it through mitigation and adaptation. It provides evidence that climate change is occurring, such as rising global temperatures and retreating glaciers. Predictions include ranges of plant and animal species shifting. Solutions involve reducing carbon emissions through actions like using less fossil fuels, insulating homes, and developing renewable energy.
The document discusses climate change and global warming. It defines climate change as long-term shifts in weather patterns due to natural and human causes that lead to changes in temperature, precipitation, and other factors. The natural causes are listed as solar output, volcanic activity, and variations in Earth's orbit. The human causes are identified as the increased burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, which raise carbon dioxide levels. The document outlines the debate around whether global warming poses a serious threat or is a natural phenomenon, and suggests student activities like dividing into groups to discuss causes and solutions, and developing a class project focused on environmental protection.
The document discusses the history of Earth's climate and temperature changes over billions of years. It notes that the planet has experienced natural warming and cooling cycles in the past related to factors like carbon dioxide levels, solar activity, and orbital variations. More recently, evidence suggests global temperatures have risen sharply since the late 19th century, corresponding to increased industrial carbon emissions. The text explores potential impacts of continued warming, such as rising sea levels, stronger hurricanes, and effects on wildlife.
GLOBAL WARMING - The Consequences of a +4°C WorldDalpoz
Global warming is occurring due to human activities according to 97% of climate scientists. If temperatures rise 4°C by 2100 as predicted, severe consequences could include over 300 million more people affected by coastal flooding, up to 80 million more Africans exposed to malaria, and 1-4 billion more people suffering water shortages. To address this, action is needed at local, national, and global scales including raising awareness, developing climate plans, investing in renewables, and reaching an international agreement.
Global warming is caused by greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels and other sources. This has led to rising sea levels, changes in weather patterns, and other effects of climate change. To address this issue, countries need to agree to reduce harmful emissions through alternatives like wind power and electric vehicles, and individuals can contribute by reducing energy usage. Failure to take action will negatively impact future generations.
This document provides an overview of climate variability and climate change impacts on agriculture in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. It discusses observed changes in temperature and precipitation trends based on historical data. Climate models project further increases in temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns, which could impact agriculture through changes in climate suitability and more frequent extreme weather events. The document emphasizes understanding historical climate variability and using downscaled climate projections to better assess impacts and develop adaptation strategies for agricultural systems in the region.
Lecture 2 anthropogenic climate change - the current state of knowledge and...polylsgiedx
This document discusses climate change and global warming. It begins by explaining the greenhouse effect and how the Earth's climate system works. It then discusses evidence of a changing climate, such as rising temperatures, melting ice sheets and glaciers, rising sea levels, and increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. The document addresses skepticism around human-caused climate change and argues that climate science has been thoroughly tested and validated through induction, deduction, and consistency of evidence from multiple independent sources. It outlines how doubt has been deliberately spread by certain groups for political or economic reasons, similar to how the tobacco industry denied the health risks of smoking. In the end, the evidence overwhelmingly shows that human activity such as fossil fuel burning is disrupting the
The document discusses the impacts of climate change and strategies to address it. It notes that climate change is a global problem requiring international cooperation. The main greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change are identified. The document then discusses climate change scenarios and models, and the uncertainty inherent in projecting future climate conditions. It defines adaptation and mitigation strategies. Finally, specific actions that individuals and communities can take to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts are proposed. These include promoting cleaner fuels, reducing noise and air pollution, improving transportation systems, boosting energy efficiency, and changing behaviors.
This document discusses the science of global warming and climate change and the potential threats they pose. It begins with an introduction explaining the need to understand the true science to appreciate the threats. The body then covers the scientific background, including the greenhouse effect, human contributions to climate change, and feedbacks that can amplify impacts. The purpose is to assess implications for society and the environment based on projected climate changes and their likely impacts.
This document discusses climate change across different timescales and possible causes. It notes that climate has varied over geological eras, with ice ages occurring in cycles of around 100,000 years. Historical records show temperature fluctuations, with a cold period from 1400-1850 AD and a warm period from 800-1400 AD. Recent climate data from 1850-2008 shows global temperatures increased by around 0.5°C since the late 1970s, corresponding to an era of global warming. The enhanced greenhouse effect, caused by gases released from burning fossil fuels, has likely contributed to increased warming by trapping more solar radiation. Transportation, industry, electricity, and heating account for over half of all greenhouse gas emissions, with carbon dioxide being the most
This document discusses the causes and effects of climate change. It defines climate change as changes to the atmosphere due to human activity beyond natural variability. The causes include both natural factors like volcanic eruptions and human factors such as greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels and deforestation. The effects of climate change discussed are rising sea levels from melting ice sheets, heavier rainfall globally, extreme drought in some areas, declining crop productivity, and ecosystems changing.
A humanity is not responsible for climate changetalipbekova01
Humanity is not responsible for climate change according to the document. The document discusses 5 main hypotheses for the causes of climate change: 1) Changes in solar activity, 2) Changes in the Earth's orbit and axis, 3) Ocean currents and composition, 4) Volcanic activity, and 5) Human activity. However, the document argues that compared to the size of the Earth, human activity's impact is small and that global warming has occurred before humans existed, suggesting humans may have sped it up slightly but are not the main cause. It also questions the accuracy of historical temperature measurements.
OML Center Knowledge Portal - Climate Change 101omlwebmaster
The document provides an overview of climate change, including:
- Climate considers average weather conditions over time, while weather looks at short term conditions. Climate is affected by natural and human factors.
- Human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation are now the main drivers of climate change by increasing greenhouse gases. This has led to increased global warming over the past 50 years.
- Future climate projections predict continued global temperature rise and changes in weather patterns locally. The Philippines can expect hotter temperatures and shifts in rainfall amounts and seasons.
Global warming is caused by increased levels of greenhouse gases from human activities like burning fossil fuels. The greenhouse effect occurs naturally and makes Earth habitable, but human activities have enhanced the effect. Burning fossil fuels and other activities have increased carbon dioxide and methane levels, trapping more heat in the lower atmosphere and leading to warming temperatures worldwide. This global warming will cause significant climate change impacts like sea level rise and more extreme weather unless reduced. The Philippines is especially vulnerable to these impacts due to its geography and development.
IPCC from AR5 to AR6 - WGI Perspectives - by Panmao Zhai, Co-Chair of WGIipcc-media
This document summarizes the key changes from the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) to the upcoming Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) on climate change. It notes that AR5 had 14 chapters and over 1,500 pages, but did not adequately cover regional projections or linkages to impacts. The proposed outline for AR6 features 12 chapters that place greater emphasis on regional climate change, short-lived climate pollutants, and connections across working groups. The goal is to provide more detailed and policy-relevant information to inform adaptation and mitigation efforts.
RISK p3-12 CLIMATE CHANGE Some of the Data 150824Peter Burgess
The problem of RISK is substantial, and the risk associated with climate change may be bigger than anything we can imagine. The fact that climate change is happening is clear from the data ... some of which is shown in this slideset. While we can use technology to change man-built-systems, this cannot be done with natural systems which are both complex and different in scale from anything man can easily comprehend. Mitigating this risk is an urgent imperative.
Global warming is an increase in the Earth's average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases. The presentation discusses the causes of global warming as increased greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide that trap heat in the atmosphere. This amplified greenhouse effect has led to increased global temperatures and threatens sea level rise, more extreme weather, and mass extinctions. Solutions proposed include use of energy efficient appliances, insulating homes, and choosing renewable energy over fossil fuels.
Climate change 101 provides an overview of climate change basics. It defines climate and weather, and explains how climate is influenced by natural and human factors. Human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation have become the main drivers of climate change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The climate is changing globally with temperatures rising over the past 50 years. The Philippines is also experiencing temperature increases. Future climate projections predict continuing global and local warming in the Philippines with impacts like more extreme weather.
The IPCC report provides the following key points:
- Global warming has already reached 1.2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and further increases are inevitable due to past emissions.
- Most regions will see increases in hot temperature extremes, heavy precipitation events, and droughts.
- Sea level rise between 50cm to over 1 meter is expected by 2100, threatening coastal and island communities.
- Further warming will depend on future emissions but 4 degrees of warming by 2100 is possible without rapid emissions reductions.
This lesson plan is for a 4th grade science class trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. After exploring the aquarium, students will select a species and write a research paper, create a poster, or PowerPoint comparing and contrasting that species' natural habitat to its artificial habitat at the aquarium. The lesson aims to teach students about ecosystems, living and nonliving components, and physical and human characteristics of places, as outlined by relevant science and geography standards for 4th grade.
The document discusses topographic maps and what features they typically include. Topographic maps are used by people involved in activities like camping, canoeing, hunting, and surveying landscapes. They show both natural features of the earth's surface like vegetation, bodies of water, and elevations as well as man-made features such as cities, roads, and power lines. Water erosion is a dominant force that shapes landscapes visible on topographic maps, such as the Grand Canyon.
This lesson plan is for a 4th grade science class trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. After exploring the aquarium, students will select a species and write a research paper, create a poster, or PowerPoint comparing and contrasting that species' natural habitat to its artificial habitat at the aquarium. The lesson aims to teach students about ecosystems, living and nonliving components, and physical and human characteristics of places, as outlined by relevant science and geography standards for 4th grade.
GLOBAL WARMING - The Consequences of a +4°C WorldDalpoz
Global warming is occurring due to human activities according to 97% of climate scientists. If temperatures rise 4°C by 2100 as predicted, severe consequences could include over 300 million more people affected by coastal flooding, up to 80 million more Africans exposed to malaria, and 1-4 billion more people suffering water shortages. To address this, action is needed at local, national, and global scales including raising awareness, developing climate plans, investing in renewables, and reaching an international agreement.
Global warming is caused by greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels and other sources. This has led to rising sea levels, changes in weather patterns, and other effects of climate change. To address this issue, countries need to agree to reduce harmful emissions through alternatives like wind power and electric vehicles, and individuals can contribute by reducing energy usage. Failure to take action will negatively impact future generations.
This document provides an overview of climate variability and climate change impacts on agriculture in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. It discusses observed changes in temperature and precipitation trends based on historical data. Climate models project further increases in temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns, which could impact agriculture through changes in climate suitability and more frequent extreme weather events. The document emphasizes understanding historical climate variability and using downscaled climate projections to better assess impacts and develop adaptation strategies for agricultural systems in the region.
Lecture 2 anthropogenic climate change - the current state of knowledge and...polylsgiedx
This document discusses climate change and global warming. It begins by explaining the greenhouse effect and how the Earth's climate system works. It then discusses evidence of a changing climate, such as rising temperatures, melting ice sheets and glaciers, rising sea levels, and increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. The document addresses skepticism around human-caused climate change and argues that climate science has been thoroughly tested and validated through induction, deduction, and consistency of evidence from multiple independent sources. It outlines how doubt has been deliberately spread by certain groups for political or economic reasons, similar to how the tobacco industry denied the health risks of smoking. In the end, the evidence overwhelmingly shows that human activity such as fossil fuel burning is disrupting the
The document discusses the impacts of climate change and strategies to address it. It notes that climate change is a global problem requiring international cooperation. The main greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change are identified. The document then discusses climate change scenarios and models, and the uncertainty inherent in projecting future climate conditions. It defines adaptation and mitigation strategies. Finally, specific actions that individuals and communities can take to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts are proposed. These include promoting cleaner fuels, reducing noise and air pollution, improving transportation systems, boosting energy efficiency, and changing behaviors.
This document discusses the science of global warming and climate change and the potential threats they pose. It begins with an introduction explaining the need to understand the true science to appreciate the threats. The body then covers the scientific background, including the greenhouse effect, human contributions to climate change, and feedbacks that can amplify impacts. The purpose is to assess implications for society and the environment based on projected climate changes and their likely impacts.
This document discusses climate change across different timescales and possible causes. It notes that climate has varied over geological eras, with ice ages occurring in cycles of around 100,000 years. Historical records show temperature fluctuations, with a cold period from 1400-1850 AD and a warm period from 800-1400 AD. Recent climate data from 1850-2008 shows global temperatures increased by around 0.5°C since the late 1970s, corresponding to an era of global warming. The enhanced greenhouse effect, caused by gases released from burning fossil fuels, has likely contributed to increased warming by trapping more solar radiation. Transportation, industry, electricity, and heating account for over half of all greenhouse gas emissions, with carbon dioxide being the most
This document discusses the causes and effects of climate change. It defines climate change as changes to the atmosphere due to human activity beyond natural variability. The causes include both natural factors like volcanic eruptions and human factors such as greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels and deforestation. The effects of climate change discussed are rising sea levels from melting ice sheets, heavier rainfall globally, extreme drought in some areas, declining crop productivity, and ecosystems changing.
A humanity is not responsible for climate changetalipbekova01
Humanity is not responsible for climate change according to the document. The document discusses 5 main hypotheses for the causes of climate change: 1) Changes in solar activity, 2) Changes in the Earth's orbit and axis, 3) Ocean currents and composition, 4) Volcanic activity, and 5) Human activity. However, the document argues that compared to the size of the Earth, human activity's impact is small and that global warming has occurred before humans existed, suggesting humans may have sped it up slightly but are not the main cause. It also questions the accuracy of historical temperature measurements.
OML Center Knowledge Portal - Climate Change 101omlwebmaster
The document provides an overview of climate change, including:
- Climate considers average weather conditions over time, while weather looks at short term conditions. Climate is affected by natural and human factors.
- Human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation are now the main drivers of climate change by increasing greenhouse gases. This has led to increased global warming over the past 50 years.
- Future climate projections predict continued global temperature rise and changes in weather patterns locally. The Philippines can expect hotter temperatures and shifts in rainfall amounts and seasons.
Global warming is caused by increased levels of greenhouse gases from human activities like burning fossil fuels. The greenhouse effect occurs naturally and makes Earth habitable, but human activities have enhanced the effect. Burning fossil fuels and other activities have increased carbon dioxide and methane levels, trapping more heat in the lower atmosphere and leading to warming temperatures worldwide. This global warming will cause significant climate change impacts like sea level rise and more extreme weather unless reduced. The Philippines is especially vulnerable to these impacts due to its geography and development.
IPCC from AR5 to AR6 - WGI Perspectives - by Panmao Zhai, Co-Chair of WGIipcc-media
This document summarizes the key changes from the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) to the upcoming Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) on climate change. It notes that AR5 had 14 chapters and over 1,500 pages, but did not adequately cover regional projections or linkages to impacts. The proposed outline for AR6 features 12 chapters that place greater emphasis on regional climate change, short-lived climate pollutants, and connections across working groups. The goal is to provide more detailed and policy-relevant information to inform adaptation and mitigation efforts.
RISK p3-12 CLIMATE CHANGE Some of the Data 150824Peter Burgess
The problem of RISK is substantial, and the risk associated with climate change may be bigger than anything we can imagine. The fact that climate change is happening is clear from the data ... some of which is shown in this slideset. While we can use technology to change man-built-systems, this cannot be done with natural systems which are both complex and different in scale from anything man can easily comprehend. Mitigating this risk is an urgent imperative.
Global warming is an increase in the Earth's average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases. The presentation discusses the causes of global warming as increased greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide that trap heat in the atmosphere. This amplified greenhouse effect has led to increased global temperatures and threatens sea level rise, more extreme weather, and mass extinctions. Solutions proposed include use of energy efficient appliances, insulating homes, and choosing renewable energy over fossil fuels.
Climate change 101 provides an overview of climate change basics. It defines climate and weather, and explains how climate is influenced by natural and human factors. Human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation have become the main drivers of climate change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The climate is changing globally with temperatures rising over the past 50 years. The Philippines is also experiencing temperature increases. Future climate projections predict continuing global and local warming in the Philippines with impacts like more extreme weather.
The IPCC report provides the following key points:
- Global warming has already reached 1.2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and further increases are inevitable due to past emissions.
- Most regions will see increases in hot temperature extremes, heavy precipitation events, and droughts.
- Sea level rise between 50cm to over 1 meter is expected by 2100, threatening coastal and island communities.
- Further warming will depend on future emissions but 4 degrees of warming by 2100 is possible without rapid emissions reductions.
This lesson plan is for a 4th grade science class trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. After exploring the aquarium, students will select a species and write a research paper, create a poster, or PowerPoint comparing and contrasting that species' natural habitat to its artificial habitat at the aquarium. The lesson aims to teach students about ecosystems, living and nonliving components, and physical and human characteristics of places, as outlined by relevant science and geography standards for 4th grade.
The document discusses topographic maps and what features they typically include. Topographic maps are used by people involved in activities like camping, canoeing, hunting, and surveying landscapes. They show both natural features of the earth's surface like vegetation, bodies of water, and elevations as well as man-made features such as cities, roads, and power lines. Water erosion is a dominant force that shapes landscapes visible on topographic maps, such as the Grand Canyon.
This lesson plan is for a 4th grade science class trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. After exploring the aquarium, students will select a species and write a research paper, create a poster, or PowerPoint comparing and contrasting that species' natural habitat to its artificial habitat at the aquarium. The lesson aims to teach students about ecosystems, living and nonliving components, and physical and human characteristics of places, as outlined by relevant science and geography standards for 4th grade.
1) This lesson plan outlines a field trip for 4th grade science students to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
2) At the aquarium, students will observe various species and choose one to research, comparing its natural habitat to its artificial habitat at the aquarium.
3) Back in the classroom, students will create a research paper, poster, or presentation on their chosen species to demonstrate their learning.
This lesson plan is for a 4th grade science class trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. After exploring the aquarium, students will select a species and write a research paper, create a poster, or PowerPoint comparing and contrasting that species' natural habitat to its artificial habitat at the aquarium. The lesson aims to teach students about ecosystems, living and nonliving components, and physical and human characteristics of places, as outlined by relevant science and geography standards for 4th grade.
Outdoor education science and geography lesson pla1marthava
1) The lesson plan introduces an outdoor education science and geography lesson on basic needs for 4th-5th graders at Mount San Jacinto State Park.
2) Students will identify their own basic needs of food, water, shelter and space and generalize that wildlife have similar needs. They will also learn to apply geography concepts to interpret the past, present and future.
3) A game called "Oo-Roo" will be played where students pretend to be kangaroos or resources searching for needs, demonstrating how animal populations change with environmental conditions.
This lesson plan aims to teach 6th grade students about the Grand Canyon through a virtual field trip using maps, Google Earth, and reference materials. Students will work in groups to locate key features of the Grand Canyon like the three rims and Colorado River on maps and Google Earth. They will note native tribes, plants, and animals and watch a video on how the canyon was formed. Each student will then draw their own map summarizing their findings to share with the class.
We’re all trying to find that idea or spark that will turn a good project into a great project. Creativity plays a huge role in the outcome of our work. Harnessing the power of collaboration and open source, we can make great strides towards excellence. Not just for designers, this talk can be applicable to many different roles – even development. In this talk, Seasoned Creative Director Sara Cannon is going to share some secrets about creative methodology, collaboration, and the strong role that open source can play in our work.
The impact of innovation on travel and tourism industries (World Travel Marke...Brian Solis
From the impact of Pokemon Go on Silicon Valley to artificial intelligence, futurist Brian Solis talks to Mathew Parsons of World Travel Market about the future of travel, tourism and hospitality.
Global warming refers to the rising average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans and its effects. Measurements show the Earth continued warming in 2013, with temperatures 1.1°F higher than the 1950 average according to NASA. Major causes of global warming include burning fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide, and deforestation. Effects of global warming include more extreme weather, rising sea levels, and threats to animal habitats. Individual actions like reducing emissions, recycling, and planting trees can help address global warming.
The document provides information about climate change and global warming. It defines key terms like weather, climate and greenhouse gases. It discusses the evidence that climate change is caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels and releasing greenhouse gases. It also notes some of the observed impacts of climate change, such as rising temperatures, sea level rise, and more extreme weather events. Finally, it discusses some actions that can be taken to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Vivid description about climate change
A NASA database based presentation.
Geoengineering, solar , Mitigation and Adaption
a social cause , vital signs of planet
brief intoduction
www.climate.nasa.gov
This document discusses the causes of global climate change, including both natural and human factors. It describes how the Earth's climate has fluctuated in the past due to variations in solar output, volcanic eruptions, and orbital shifts. However, it notes that current warming is unprecedented and cannot be explained by natural causes alone based on factors like CO2 levels exceeding natural levels, the last 50 years being the warmest in over 1300 years, and rising global temperatures observed on every continent since 1970. The document suggests that while natural factors have influenced the climate in the past, human activities like burning fossil fuels are the dominant cause of recent climate change, releasing greenhouse gases like CO2 into the atmosphere at accelerated rates not seen since the Industrial
Global warming refers to the long-term rise in Earth's average temperature due to human activities like burning fossil fuels. Since pre-industrial times, human activities have increased Earth's average temperature by about 1 degree Celsius. It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land. The greenhouse effect occurs naturally and makes Earth habitable, but human emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are enhancing the effect and causing global warming. Continued emissions will lead to more extreme weather, higher sea levels, and other damaging impacts. Addressing global warming will require international cooperation on clean energy and adaptation efforts.
Global warming refers to the long-term rise in Earth's average temperature due to human activities like burning fossil fuels. Since pre-industrial times, human activities have increased Earth's average temperature by about 1 degree Celsius. It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean, and land. The greenhouse effect occurs naturally and makes Earth habitable, but human emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are enhancing the effect and causing global warming. Continued emissions will lead to more extreme weather, higher sea levels, and other damaging impacts. Addressing global warming will require international cooperation on clean energy and adaptation efforts.
Global warming refers to the long-term rise in Earth's average temperature due to human activities like burning fossil fuels. Since pre-industrial times, human activities have increased Earth's average temperature by about 1 degree Celsius. It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land. The greenhouse effect occurs naturally and makes Earth habitable, but human emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are enhancing the effect and causing global warming. Continued emissions will lead to more extreme weather, higher sea levels, and other damaging impacts. Addressing global warming will require international cooperation on clean energy and adaptation efforts.
a change in global or regional climate patterns, in particular a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.
a change in global or regional climate patterns, in particular a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.
This document provides a summary of global climate change, including its causes, effects, and steps that can be taken to address it. It begins with an introduction defining climate change and climate. The main causes of climate change are then outlined, such as human activities like deforestation and pollution. Several effects of global warming are described, including increased heat waves, rising sea levels, impacts to organisms, and melting glaciers. Proxy data that can be used to study past climate change, like coral reefs and tree rings, is also discussed. Finally, potential steps to tackle climate change are presented, including using renewable energy, reducing pollution, planting trees, and adopting a plant-based diet.
This document provides information about climate change and aims to answer four key questions: What is climate change? What does it mean for the world? How can I be sure? What can I do now? It defines climate change and distinguishes it from weather. It explains the greenhouse effect and how human activities have increased greenhouse gases and caused climate warming. It discusses the potential impacts of climate change on the environment, food/water supplies, health, and ecosystems globally and in the UK. It addresses skepticism around climate change science and models. The overall message is that climate change poses serious risks and individuals can take action to reduce emissions.
The document provides information about global climate change, including its causes, effects, and steps that can be taken to address it. It discusses how human activities that release greenhouse gases are the main driver of increased global temperatures. Effects of climate change mentioned include more frequent and intense heat waves, rising sea levels due to melting ice sheets and glaciers, and bleaching of coral reefs. Proxy data from tree rings, coral reefs, and ice cores can be analyzed to study past climate changes. Nations have adopted measures like the Kyoto Protocol to reduce emissions, while individuals can contribute through actions such as using renewable energy and reducing meat consumption.
The document discusses global climate change and summarizes the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPCC concludes that warming of the climate is occurring and is very likely due to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. The IPCC reports observe increasing global temperatures, melting ice and snow, and rising sea levels. Greenhouse gas levels are at the highest levels in hundreds of thousands of years and will likely cause continued warming and sea level rise for centuries. The document also notes potential effects like increased wildfires, species extinctions, and more severe heat waves.
The document discusses several key pieces of evidence that show the climate is changing due to human activity:
1) Satellite data shows that while the sun's energy output has remained stable, the Earth has been warming since 1979.
2) Greenhouse gas levels, especially carbon dioxide, are higher now than at any other time in the last 800,000 years due to human fossil fuel use.
3) Computer models used to study past and present climates indicate that the observed warming is only explained when human greenhouse gas emissions are included.
The document provides an overview of climate change, including its causes and impacts. It discusses key topics such as the greenhouse effect, global warming trends, and how climate change will affect different sectors in the Philippines. The climate is projected to get warmer with more extreme weather. This will significantly impact areas like coastal zones, agriculture, and public health. The Philippines is also highly vulnerable to climate change risks due to its geography as an archipelago located in the typhoon belt near the equator. Responding to these challenges will require mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and national/local adaptation efforts.
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- What climate is and how it differs from weather, as well as natural and human factors that affect climate.
- How the climate is changing due to global warming caused by increased greenhouse gases from human activities like burning fossil fuels. Global temperature has risen about 1.5°F in the last century.
- What future climate projections are, including a potential temperature increase of 0.9-2.2°C in the Philippines by 2050, along with more extreme weather events and shifts in rainfall patterns.
This is the introduction to the course 'Climate Change and Global Environment' conducted at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
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This document contains information about 6 cities in Central and South America: Recife, Brazil; Ica, Peru; Maracaibo, Venezuela; Naranjo, Guatemala; Tegucigalpa, Honduras. For each city, it provides details about the climate, common trees found there, and typical shoes worn.
The document lists 5 cities in South America and Central America, the typical shoe worn in each city due to its climate, and the most common tree found. The cities are Guayaquil, Imperatriz, Teresina, Pozo Colorado, and Puerto Montt. Guayaquil has a tropical wet and dry climate and people typically wear canvas shoes under cocoa trees. Imperatriz has a tropical wet climate and sandals or rain boots by leopard trees. Teresina has a subtropical dry climate with sandals near acacia trees. Pozo Colorado has a humid subtropical climate with loafers under a canopy of trees. Puerto Montt has a humid oceanic climate where walking or
Martha Vasquez attended a workshop in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where she learned about the açaí palm tree. She then traveled to Santiago, Chile where she saw the palo borracho tree. Her travels also took her to Buenos Aires, Argentina where she learned about the different zones of Argentina including the Pampas region and Tierra del Fuego, as well as the nothofagus betuloides tree species. She also visited Asuncion, Paraguay and learned about the jaboticaba tree native to parts of South America before ending her trip in Lima, Peru.
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This lesson plan teaches 4th grade students about climate change, the greenhouse effect, carbon footprints, and ways to reduce their impact through two 45-minute sessions. In the first session, students explore the term "green space" and examine satellite images of communities to rate their level of greenness. They also identify an area near their school that could use more landscaping. In the second session, students learn the lifestyle, economic, and environmental benefits of green spaces. They work in groups to explain these benefits and create a poster. Students then evaluate areas in their community and write letters advocating for more landscaping.
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The lesson plan has 4th grade students use math skills like sorting, graphing and measuring to complete a geography project where they plan a simulated 30-day trip for Christopher Columbus by designing, building and stocking a model ship out of materials like Popsicle sticks and presenting graphs of supply needs; students will learn about distance, cultures and diversity between Europe and America through constructing the ship and a related writing assignment.
The lesson plan has 4th grade students use math skills like sorting, graphing and measuring to complete a geography project where they plan a simulated 30-day trip for Christopher Columbus by designing, building and stocking a model ship out of materials like Popsicle sticks and presenting graphs of supplies needed; students will learn about distance, cultures and diversity between Europe and America during Columbus' journey.
The lesson plan has fourth grade students use math skills like sorting, graphing and measuring to complete a geography project where they plan a simulated 30-day trip for Christopher Columbus by designing, building and stocking a model ship out of materials like Popsicle sticks and presenting graphs of supply needs; students will learn about distance, cultures and diversity between Europe and America through constructing the ship and a related writing assignment.
This 3rd/4th grade lesson plan aims to teach students about time zones in the United States by having them add and subtract times between different states. Students will locate where relatives live on a U.S. time zone map, learn about the four main time zones, and make their own clocks to compare times between states and calculate time differences. The teacher will ask questions during the activity to reinforce understanding time zones and performing time calculations between locations in different zones.
This 3rd/4th grade lesson plan aims to teach students about time zones in the United States by having them add and subtract times between different states. Students will locate where relatives live on a map, learn about the four US time zones, and make their own clocks. They will then compare times between states to find differences, such as calculating the 2-hour difference between 10am in Nebraska and 8am in California. The teacher will ask questions during the activity to reinforce understanding of time zones and adding/subtracting times.
This 3rd/4th grade lesson plan aims to teach students about time zones in the United States. Students will locate where relatives live on a map, learn about the four US time zones, and make clocks to compare times between states and calculate time differences. The lesson introduces the activity by asking students if they have family in other states, then guides them through locating places on a map, explaining time zones, crafting clocks, and solving time difference word problems to reinforce the lesson's time and time zone objectives.
1. Martha Vasquez
Beatriz Sarabia
Alma Vaca
Heidi Miedecke
Geography 300
February 07, 2013
Lesson Plan 4
LESSON PLAN
Introduction to climate change
Task: to teach children about global warming, the greenhouse effect, their own
carbon footprint and what they can do to reduce it
Time – 1 to 2 hours
4th grade
The notes are accompanied by a powerpoint presentation.
The sections are as follows:
Section 1: What is climate change? Recent climate history and
15-20 minutes
future projections
10-15 minutes
Section 2: The greenhouse effect
Optional
Section 3: Human activities causing climate change 10-15 minutes
Section 4: Why does climate change matter? 10-15 minutes
What can be done about it?
10-15 minutes
Section 5: What can governments do?
Optional
2. Section 6: What can you and your family do? 10-15 minutes
Section 7: Summary 5-10 minutes
Section 1: What is climate change? Recent climate history and
future projections
DOWNLOADS
o Variations in the Earth’s surface temperature for the past
140 years (global) and 1000 years (Northern Hemisphere).
Source Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Synthesis
Report 2001.
Click on the picture to enlarge or follow this link:
http://www.ipcc.ch/graphics/2001syr/large/05.16.jpg
o Forecasts to 2100: Variations in the Earth’s surface
temperature 1000 to 2100. Source Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change Synthesis Report 2001.
Click on the picture to enlarge or follow this link:
3. http://www.ipcc.ch/graphics/2001syr/large/05.24.jpg
o Regional temperature increases predicted by 2100. Source
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Synthesis Report
2004.
Click on the picture to enlarge or follow this link:
http://www.ipcc.ch/graphics/syr/spm6.jpg
o Melting glaciers. The retreat of mountain glaciers is captured in
these photographs of the Triftgletscher glacier comparing 1948
with 2002 and 2006.
Click on the picture to enlarge.
TEACHER NOTES
First of all what is climate?
Climate is the long-term average of measurements of a region's ‘weather’. Imagine that
every day for a year you measured how much rain fell and how many hours of sunshine
there were. You could also measure the temperature – once in the morning, once in the
afternoon and once at night, say.
4. [Practical - ask children to measure the outside temperature at a given spot twice
a day for the week before / after the lesson. They could also measure rainfall].
You could work out an ‘average’ level of rainfall and sunshine for each month, and an
‘average’ temperature. These seasonal averages can be used to describe a region’s
climate.
[Discuss the climate in different parts of the world – the UK, the desert, Asia,
Spain. Which countries have they visited and what was the weather like?]
How does climate differ from weather?
Weather describes whatever is happening outdoors in a given place at a given time.
Weather is what happens from minute to minute. The weather can change a lot within a
very short time. For example, it may rain for an hour and then become sunny and clear.
Weather is what we hear about on the television news every night. What is it like
outdoors now? What was it like on Christmas Day?
Climate describes the total of all weather occurring over a period of years in a given
place. This includes average weather conditions, regular weather sequences (like
winter, spring, summer, and fall), and special weather events (like heat waves and
floods). Climate tells us what it's usually like in the place where you live.
Climate change
Climate change represents a change in these long-term weather patterns. Average
temperatures can increase or decrease. Rainfall can increase or decrease, as can
hours of sunshine.
Climate change has occurred naturally over millions and millions of years. However
when scientists talk about the issue of climate change, their concern is about global
warming caused by human activities.
The earth is warming
See DOWNLOADS.
The earth has warmed by over 0.5°C in the last 100 years. The eleven years 1995-2006
rank amongst the twelve warmest years since records of global surface temperature
began in 1850.
A warmer earth may lead to changes in rainfall patterns, a rise in sea level, and a wide
range of impacts on plants, wildlife, and humans.
Melting Glaciers: a glacier is a large sheet of ice that moves very, very slowly. Many
glaciers in the world are now melting. Some scientists think the glaciers are melting
partly because the Earth is getting warmer. The summer ice in the arctic is predicted to
5. disappear completely between 2013 and 2040; a state not seen on earth for more than
a million years.
Rising Sea Levels: the level of the sea is rising, so high tides are higher than they were
before. Over the last 100 years, the level of the sea has risen about 15-20cm worldwide.
Scientists think the sea has risen partly because of melting glaciers and sea ice. When
some glaciers melt, they release water into the sea and make it higher than it was
before. Scientists also think that warmer temperatures in the sea make it rise even
more. Heat makes water expand. When the ocean expands, it takes up more space.
Seeing into the future
Predicting changes in the climate over the next 100 years and beyond is difficult.
However in general scientists agree that temperature rises of 2°C above pre-industrial
levels are almost inevitable, and rises of 3°C are likely. The most pessimistic models
predict that the average global temperature might increase to 6°C above its pre-
industrial level.
This may not sound like much, but it could change the earth's climate as never before.
At the peak of the last ice age (18,000 years ago), the temperature was only 4ºC colder
than it is today, and glaciers covered much of North America.
Even a small increase in temperature over a long time can change the climate. When
the climate changes, there may be big changes in the things that people depend on.
These things include the level of the oceans and the places where we plant crops. They
also include the air we breathe and the water we drink.
The download (Regional temperature increases predicted by 2100) shows surface
temperature increases across the globe expected by the end of this century, assuming
a world of very rapid economic growth, a global population that peaks in mid-century
and rapid introduction of new and more efficient technologies.
The largest temperature increases are expected to be over land at high latitudes in the
Northern hemisphere, with the maximum increase in the Arctic. The smallest increases
are over the Southern Ocean and parts of the North Atlantic Ocean.
Section 2: The greenhouse effect
DOWNLOADS
o Greenhouse schematic
6. Click on the picture to enlarge.
o The Greenhouse Effect
Click on the picture to enlarge.
TEACHER NOTES
For an advanced discussion of the greenhouse effect, see The Greenhouse effect
(Advanced Maths and Physics).
The greenhouse analogy
Have you ever seen a greenhouse? Most greenhouses look like a small glass house.
Greenhouses are used to grow plants, especially in the winter. Greenhouses work by
trapping heat from the sun. The glass panels of the greenhouse let in light but keep heat
from escaping. This causes the greenhouse to heat up, much like the inside of a car
parked in sunlight, and keeps the plants warm enough to live in the winter.
Explaining the greenhouse effect in terms of incoming and outgoing radiation
7. The earth’s atmosphere (the air that we breathe) contains a number of so called
greenhouse gases. The ones most closely associated with global warming are carbon
dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). These gases behave like the glass panes in a
greenhouse.
Section 3: Human activities causing climate change
DOWNLOADS
o Burning fossil fuels
Click on the picture to enlarge.
o Busy people
8. Click on the picture to enlarge.
o Harnessing methane from cows ...
TEACHER NOTES
During the Industrial Revolution, we began altering our climate and environment through
agricultural and industrial practices. The Industrial Revolution was a time when people
began using machines to make life easier. It started more than 200 years ago and
changed the way humans live. Before the Industrial Revolution, human activity released
very few gases into the atmosphere, but now through population growth, fossil fuel
burning, and deforestation, we are affecting the mixture of gases in the atmosphere.
Burning fossil fuels
Since the Industrial Revolution, the need for energy to run machines has steadily
increased. Much of this energy comes from fuels like coal and oil � fossil fuels. Burning
these fuels releases greenhouse gases. Note that coal and oil are the primary fuel used
by power plants in making electricity � so most things that run on electricity indirectly
9. cause greenhouse gas emissions (unless they use what�s called renewable energy �
solar, wind, nuclear).
All of these every day activities contribute to global warming:
Flying is very bad for global warming. Why?
One short-haul return flight for a family of four will add 33% to the family’s annual
carbon emissions.
The emissions from one person flying to Australia and back equal the emissions for an
average family of four for a whole year.
As well as emitting CO2 aircraft emit nitrogen oxides which are particularly effective in
forming the greenhouse gas ozone when emitted at cruising altitudes. Aircraft also
trigger the formation of condensation trails which are suspected of enhancing the
formation of cirrus clouds, which add to the global warming effect.
Aviation emissions account for at least 9% of UK greenhouse effect. Over a single
journey of 500km an aircraft emits six times more greenhouse gas than a high speed
train, and 12 times more than a coach.
Deforestation
o Mature forests store enormous quantities of carbon, both in the
trees and vegetation itself and within the soil in the form of
decaying plant matter.
o When trees are cut down or burnt, the stored carbon is released
into the atmosphere.
o We are destroying forests at an alarming rate: global forest
cover is currently around 3952 million hectare (30% of the
world’s land area). Between 2000 and 2005 the net loss of forest
was 28,000 square miles per annum, with the largest losses in
South America, Africa and Southeast Asia. 1,250 square miles
were lost in the Amazon in the last five months of 2007 alone.
Deforestation is such a problem that Indonesia and Brazil are
now the third and fourth largest emitters of carbon dioxide on the
planet.
For more information about rainforests and deforestation see:
http://www.rainforestsos.org/pages/schools/
Other things producing greenhouse gases
10. o Rubbish sent to landfills produces methane.
o Methane is also produced by the animals we raise for dairy and
meat products (primarily cows). Could this be harnessed? (See
Downloads!)
Section 4: Why does climate change matter?
DOWNLOADS
o The human cost of climate change
Right click the image and select 'save target/link as' to download the file.
o Species endangered by climate change
Right click the image and select 'save target/link as' to download the file.
TEACHER NOTES
11. The human cost of climate change
It is clear that climate change threatens the basic elements of life for people
around the world - access to water, food production, health, and use of land and
the environment.
Milder winters, warmer summers ... in theory global warming sounds quite appealing.
Indeed there will be some benefits from climate change in some region – higher
agricultural yields and increased water availability in certain areas. However these are
expected to be far outweighed by the negatives.
o Scientists have warned that half the world's population could
face a shortage of clean water by 2080 because of climate
change.
o More than one sixth of the world’s population live in regions
supplied by melt water from major mountain ranges (e.g.
Himalayas, Andes). Contracting glaciers and melting snow will
significantly reduce the water available for drinking, irrigation and
hydropower.
o By 2020 between 75 and 250 million people in Africa are
projected to be exposed to increased water stress due to climate
change. Looking further ahead, that number could increase to
600 million, with another billion under pressure in Asia.
o Production from agriculture and forestry will also decline in many
places including Africa and parts of Australia and New Zealand.
By 2020, yields from rain-fed agriculture in some parts of Africa
could be reduced by up to 50%, leaving hundreds of millions
without the ability to produce or purchase sufficient food.
o Increased variability in rainfall is expected to increase the risks
of flooding even in areas in which the overall level of rainfall is
projected to decrease. According to one estimate, by the middle
of the century, 200 million people may become permanently
displaced due to rising sea levels, heavier floods, and more
intense droughts.
o Increased mortality from floods, heat waves and droughts are
expected in many parts of the world, including Europe and North
America. Heat waves like that experienced in 2003 in Europe,
when 35,000 people died and agricultural losses reached $15
billion, will be commonplace by the middle of the century.
o The fallout could be political and economic instability which
would have implications for everyone.
12. Species endangered by climate change
Climate change may alter the world's habitats and ecosystems – all living things are
included in and rely on these places. Many of these places depend on a delicate
balance of rainfall, temperature, and soil type. A rapid change in climate could upset this
balance and seriously endanger many living things.
Most past climate changes occurred slowly, allowing plants and animals to adapt to the
new environment or move somewhere else. However, if future climate changes occur
as rapidly as some scientists predict, plants and animals may not be able to react
quickly enough to survive. The ocean's ecosystems also could be affected for the same
reasons.
Species at risk around the world
Scientists predict that global warming could contribute to the mass extinction of wild
animals in the near future.
An overheating world is creating a big change in climatic conditions and this can harm
the delicate ecosystems in which species live. Threatened species can already be found
all over the world - see the examples below.
Canada
The polar bear could disappear in the wild unless the pace of global warming slows.
Dependent on sea ice, the animal uses it as a floating platform to catch prey. Experts
believe that the Arctic sea ice is melting at a rate of 9% per decade, endangering the
polar bear’s habitat and existence.
South America
Sea turtles lay their eggs on Brazilian beaches, many of which are threatened by rising
sea levels. Climate change also threatens the offspring of sea turtles, as nest
temperature strongly determines the sex: the coldest sites produce male offspring, while
the warmer sites produce female offspring.
This nest-warming trend is reducing the number of male offspring and seriously
threatens turtle populations.
America
The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered of all large whales, with
a long history of human exploitation. Since warming waters contain less plankton for
whales to feed on, the availability of food due to climate fluctuations is also becoming an
increasing cause of mortality. Between 300 and 350 individuals still exist, with little hope
of population growth.
China
The giant panda's future remains uncertain due to a number of threats. Its forest
habitat in the mountainous areas of south-western China is fragmented, and giant
panda populations are small and isolated from each other. Bamboo, the panda’s staple
13. diet, is also part of a delicate ecosystem that could be affected by the changes caused
by global warming. Poaching too remains an everpresent threat, with only 1,600
individuals left in the wild.
Indonesia
Asia’s only ape – the orang-utan – is in deep trouble. Its last remaining strongholds in
the rainforests of Indonesia are being threatened by a range of pressures, including
climate change, putting the animal at risk of extinction within a few decades. With global
warming increasing the duration and frequency of droughts, bushfires are occurring
more often in these heavily logged forests, further fragmenting the orang-utan’s living
space.
Africa
In Africa, elephants face a range of threats including shrinking living space, which
brings them more frequently into conflict with people. With diminished living space,
elephants will be unable to escape any changes to their natural habitat caused by global
warming, including more frequent and longer dry periods, placing further pressure on
their existence.
Australia
Climate change is affecting home range, abundance and breeding cycles of many of
Australia’s frog species. Since frogs rely on water to breed, any reduction or change in
rainfall could reduce frog reproduction. Higher temperatures contribute to the drying out
of breeding pools, and as a result, to the deaths of tadpoles and eggs. Drier conditions
also cause adult frogs to die, due to increased rates of internal water loss through their
permeable skin.
India
Only 6,000 or so tigers remain in the wild, due to poaching, the loss of their habitat and
depletion of the tiger’s natural prey. Hunters, traders and poor local residents use the
forest for subsistence, directly competing with the tiger. Some of the largest remaining
areas where tigers occur are the mangrove forests of India. The projected rise in sea
levels could cause these living spaces of the tiger to vanish altogether.
Rising sea levels, melting ice
Global warming may make the sea level become higher. Why? Well, warmer weather
makes glaciers melt. A glacier is a large sheet of ice that moves very, very slowly. Some
melting glaciers add more water to the ocean. Warmer temperatures also make water
expand. When water expands in the ocean, it takes up more space and the level of the
sea rises.
Sea level may rise between 20cm and 1m during the next century. Thermal expansion
could continue for many centuries, due to the time required to transport heat into the
deep ocean. The final equilibrium sea levels could be almost 4 metres higher than pre-
industrial levels.
14. This will effect both natural systems and manmade structures along coastlines. Coastal
flooding could cause saltwater to flow into areas where salt is harmful, threatening
plants and animals in those areas. Oceanfront property would be affected by flooding,
and beach erosion could leave structures even more vulnerable to storm waves.
Whether we move back from the water or build barricades in the face of a rising sea, it
could cost billions of dollars to adapt to such change. Coastal flooding also may reduce
the quality of drinking water in coastal areas.
The Arctic Ocean is today losing sea ice at a rate that was not expected to be reached
for another 30 years. The summer sea ice is expected to disappear completely between
2013 and 2040; a state not seen on earth for more than a million years.
In 2007 the area of the Greenland Ice Sheet affected by melting was 60% greater than
in 1998.
Sections 5 and 6: What can we do about climate change?
What we do in the next 10 or 20 years will have a profound effect on the climate in the
second half of this century and in the next.
But what can we do?
The answer is simple: we need to stop burning fossil fuels at such an alarming rate and
we need to stop destroying the rain forests.
Section 5: What can governments can do? (Optional)
TEACHER NOTES
Putting a price on carbon; the polluter pays
Almost every aspect of economic activity results in greenhouse gas emissions. The fight
against climate change requires a fundamental change to the basis of our fossil fuelled
economies.
The most effective way to motivate such fundamental change is to ensure that the
true environmental cost of carbon is reflected in the cost of fuel, electricity and
food.
This can be achieved through taxation, regulation and through the ‘shadow price of
carbon’, used by the government to evaluate investment decisions.
The carbon price is an amount payable per tonne of carbon dioxide released into
the atmosphere:
15. o Carbon prices around US$20-50 /tCO2 eq are felt to be
sufficient to drive large scale fuel-switching and make both CCS
(carbon capture and storage) and low-carbon power sources
economic as technologies mature.
To put this in perspective the average UK household emits approximately 9
tonnes of carbon dioxide per year (excluding emissions from flights). At a carbon
price of £25 per tonne, average fuel and energy bills will rise by £225 per year. At
a carbon price of £50 per tonne, average fuel and energy bills will rise by £450 per
year.
A flight to Australia and back emits over 10 tonnes of carbon per passenger when
the effects of radiative forcing are taken into account. At a carbon price of £50 per
year, the price of the flight would rise by £500.
Caps on emissions; emissions trading
Kyoto's clean development mechanism caps emissions by rich countries, forcing them
to buy permits from poor countries to emit greenhouse gases
The emissions trading program of the European Union is the hub of the global market;
the value of EU carbon emissions trading reached $50bn in 2007.
Cutting emissions from energy generation
It is estimated that 60-80% of reductions in emissions will need to come from energy
generation, by saving energy and by using carbon-free technology (renewable, nuclear
and carbon capture and storage).
Future energy infrastructure investment decisions (expected to total over US$20 trillion
between 2007 and 2030) will have long term impacts on greenhouse gas emissions. A
wide range of energy-supply mitigation options are available:
o Fuel switching and plant efficiency
o Nuclear
o Hydro
o Wind
o Bio-energy
o Geothermal
o Solar PV and concentrated solar power
o Coal in conjunction with carbon capture and storage (burying
carbon dioxide emissions underground)
16. o Gas in conjunction with carbon capture and storage (burying
carbon dioxide emissions underground)
Cutting emissions from deforestation
Land use and deforestation account for approximately 20% of global greenhouse gas
emissions.
Action to prevent further deforestation is needed urgently. Most proposals involve
countries claiming credits for valuable forests, which they could then trade.
Developing countries
The poorest developing countries will be hit earliest and hardest by climate
change, even though they have contributed little to causing the problem. Their
low incomes make it difficult to finance adaptation.
The international community has an obligation to support them in adapting to climate
change, and in switching to a low carbon economy.
Developing countries are already taking significant action to decouple their economic
growth from the growth in greenhouse gas emissions. For example, China has adopted
very ambitious domestic goals to reduce energy used for each unit of GDP by 20% from
2006-2010 and to promote the use of renewable energy. India hascreated an Integrated
Energy Policy for the same period that includes measures to expand access to cleaner
energy for poor people and to increase energy efficiency.
The Clean Development Mechanism, created by the Kyoto Protocol, is currently the
main formal channel for supporting low-carbon investment in developing countries. It
allows both governments and the private sector to invest in projects that reduce
emissions in fast-growing emerging economies.
Section 6: What can you and your family can do?
TEACHER NOTES
Any activity that uses energy produced by burning fossil fuels increases the level
of greenhouse gases in the air.
Transport:
These activities all increase the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere:
o Riding in a car
o Getting on a bus or train
17. o Flying
Home energy use:
Unless you are using ‘renewable’ energy – eg from a wind turbine or from solar panels,
these activities all increase the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere:
o Turning on the lights
o Watching TV
o Using the computer
o Washing and drying clothes
o Cooking a meal
o Heating your water
o Heating your home
Food for thought:
o In the UK emissions from homes are responsible for an
estimated 27% of the UK’s total carbon emissions. You and your
family’s behaviour and choice and use of technologies are major
determinants of your energy use.
o A report by the Energy Saving Trust predicts that by 2010 the
UK could waste up to £11 billion annually and emit around 43
million tonnes of carbon dioxide through wasted energy, such as
leaving lights on and appliances on standby.
o More than 30% of the trips made by cars in Europe are for less
than 2 miles and 50% for less than 3 miles. Walking or cycling
will cut emissions and improve air quality, reduce congestion
and improve road safety.
Cutting all of these activities will help to cut your contribution to climate change:
o Ride a bike or walk instead of going by car
o Turn the lights off when you leave the room
o Cut your TV watching. Don’t leave the TV on standby – turn it off
at the wall.
o Recycle as much as possible. Recycle cans, bottles, plastic
bags, and newspapers. When you recycle, you send less
18. rubbish to the landfill and you help save natural resources, like
trees, oil, and elements such as aluminium.
o Don’t waste food
o Eat less beef and dairy products. Cows produce methane which
is one of the most damaging greenhouse gases.
o Plant trees. Planting trees is fun and a great way to reduce
greenhouse gases. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse
gas, from the air.
o When You Buy, Buy Cool Stuff. Buy recycled products which
don’t use ‘new’ resources and don’t require so much energy to
make. Buy energy efficient electrical goods.
Ask your parents to:
o Try not to fly (the emissions from flights are really high). Take
the train instead: a short haul flight emits six times as much
carbon per passenger as a high speed train, and 12 times as
much as a coach.
o Use low energy light bulbs
o Turn the thermostat down
o Make sure their loft and hot water tank are properly insulated to
stop heat from being lost unnecessarily.
o Switch to ‘green energy’. Companies like ‘Good energy’ offer
energy produced by solar power and wind turbines.
o Install their own solar panels or wind turbine.
o Make their car as energy efficient as possible. Choose a smaller
engine: small is beautiful. A 2.0 litre engine emits 40% more
CO2 per mile than a car with an engine size 1.4 – 2.0 litres.
They could also switch their vehicle to LPG (autogas) - it’s 40%
cheaper and greener. As well as cutting CO2 emissions by
20%, they will also cut production of harmful gases such as
carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide by more than half.
And don’t forget to tell your friends and family what you have learnt!
Section 7: Summary
19. DOWNLOAD
SUMMARY OF WHAT WE HAVE LEARNT
Average temperatures around the world are increasing.
Whenever we burn fossil fuels or cut down trees we release greenhouse gases into the
atmosphere, primarily carbon dioxide and methane.
These gases trap heat in the atmosphere and warm up the earth. The more we burn
fossil fuels and cut down trees, the more the earth’s surface heats up.
The average temperature is expected to rise by at least 2°C by the end of this century,
probably more.
Whilst this doesn’t sound like much, it is enough to ensure billions of people could suffer
from water shortages and heatwaves. In addition melting ice sheets and rising sea
levels could cause flooding and the displacement of millions of people.
30% of animal species are thought to be at risk of extinction.
We all need to tackle climate change – by cutting our use of energy and switching to
renewable sources of energy (energy produced by the sun, wind, hydro-electricity and
nuclear).