Climate Change

1. CLIMATE CHANGE

2. Target group: Students from 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 is the 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 of all, 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
Greenhouse gases 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
WHERE DO 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.

8. 3. Effects
Weather Patters
Health
Wildlife
Glaciers
Sea Levels

9. WEATHER PATTERNS
Hurricanes: Warmer water 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 are becoming 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 push to 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 Sea Levels
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
Our civilisation 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
Invest in 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
International agreements: 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 your turn
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?

17. Resources
http://www.ensaa.eu/
http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/
http://www.nrdc.org/
http://www.scientificamerican.com/
http://unfccc.int/