Global Changes Lesson 4

Learning Goals In this activity you will: Review various aspects of global change; Analyze the lyrics of songs that reflect global change; Write and illustrate the lyrics for a poem or song about change; Reflect on the changes in the world.

Climate change has become one of the most discussed topics There are issues such as; urban sprawl, energy conservation, water for peace and climate change. Climate change has become one of the most discussed topics http://epa.gov/climatechange/kids/index.html

Definitions Stewardship refers to the responsibility we all have to the environment and resources that has been left to us by our ancestors. We are all stewards to our planet. Sustainability refers to the ability to develop in order to meet the needs of the present without negatively affecting the ability of future generations to meet their needs

If we are not all following our role as stewards in the global village, then we will not have a sustainable environment for our future children. “We do not inherit the earth from our grandparents, we borrow it from our children.” We must all do our part to keep our consumption of resources to a minimum, and to keep the environment around us clean. Are you doing your part?

What is Climate Change Climate change refers to the variation in the Earth's global climate or in regional climates over time. It describes changes in the variability or average state of the atmosphere over time scales ranging from decades to millions of years. These changes can be caused by processes internal to the Earth, external forces (e.g., variations in sunlight intensity) or, more recently, human activities.

Global Warming Global warming is the result of an increase in carbon dioxide levels and various other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, caused by the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is important to us as it keeps the temperature of the world at a comfortable rate. If we disrupt this too much, it may make the earth too warm, and cause drastic changes in the world.

The rays become weaker once they bounce off something, so they are not all able to pierce back through the glass… the temperature inside rises. How a Greenhouse Works The sun’s rays are strong enough to pierce through the glass of the greenhouse.

The Greenhouse Effect - Then Some rays are strong enough to escape back into space Atmosphere Some rays are held in by the atmosphere Sun’s rays

The Greenhouse Effect - Now A thickened atmosphere, caused by pollution More rays are held in, warming up the Earth Sun’s rays

Global Warming con’t Some of the major causes of this include the burning of fossil fuels and industrial pollutants. This is resulting in an increase in temperature in the earth's atmosphere and oceans. As the temperature of the earth increases it affects; climate patterns, glaciers begin to melt at a faster rate which in turn may raise water levels, and as well, humans, animals and wildlife are also affected.

Defining Environment & Sustainability Climate Change is a major shift in the overall temperature levels of the Earth (up or down). Global Warming is the rising of the average temperature of Earth. The Greenhouse Effect is the trapping of heat by the Earth’s thickened atmosphere. This is caused by pollution.

Kyoto Protocol The Kyoto Protocol is an amendment to the international treaty on climate change, assigning mandatory targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Approximately 160 countries in the world have signed onto this protocol and are working towards reducing emissions. In Canada, our goal is to reduce emissions to 6% below 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012

An inconvenient truth Earth Under Water http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baGrtqyWSRM Six degrees could change the world http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_pb1G2wIoA