Lesson 1 - What is global warming? |
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Key term: Global warming (noun), a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth's atmosphere generally attributed to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, CFCs, and other pollutants.
Some perspectives on global warming...
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Are we causing global warming?
Yes!
Most scientists believe that the climate change is caused by the increasing amount of carbon dioxide that people pump into the atmosphere. Temperatures have risen as our output of CO2 has risen. |
No!
Temperatures haven't been rising for the last ten years but we haven't stopped pumping CO2 into the atmosphere - so are we really causing global warming? There have been periods when England was tropical and the dinosaurs roamed the land. At other times ice covered most of the country. |
What do people think?
90% of people think that global warming will have a significant impact on future generations.
70% of people agree that the government should take action to combat climate change. 45% of people think immigration and the NHS is a more important issue than global warming 37% of people admitted they were doing nothing about climate change |
Exam questions
1. Describe one change that is taking place due to global warming (2 marks) 2. What do most scientists think is the cause of global warming? (2 marks) 3. Give two reasons why some people disagree. (4 marks) 4. 'Governments should legislate to control global warming and punish people and businesses who damage the environment' To what extent do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your opinion and consider the opinion of others. |
A short video about climate change, only to be watch in lesson if time is available.
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