AIM: How does the Government address Climate Change?

Problem : Climate Change Facts: 1. Polar Ice Cap Melting 2. Earth is Warming 3. Sea Level is Rising Why? Increase of Carbon in Atmosphere from the Impact of the Industrial Revolution, use of fossil fuels, elimination of rain forests

Problem: Sea Level Rising from Polar Ice Cap Melting Evidence: Florida – continual flooding in Miami Disappearance of islands in the S. Pacific

Problem: Warming Ocean Temperature Evidence 1. Destruction of Coral Reefs

Problem: Warming Temperatures Evidence: Clearing (burning) of Rainforests to plant “palms” Under-developed nations industrializing: smog in China, Industrialized India

Problem: National Security Risks Evidence: Conflict over access to scare resources (water during droughts) Climate Refugees forced to leave their homes

Solutions: U.S. lead the world in setting example using “alternative energy sources’ Elon Musk – Tesla Mega Battery Solar battery pack 100 Gigafactory to fuel the world Personal Decisions - change your diet to less beef Boycott products using palm oil VOTE for representatives who share your views

D. Paris Agreement Signed by over 200 nations. Agree to voluntarily reduce Greenhouse gas emissions 30% by 2025 Limit temperature increase to 1.5 degrees

Current Administration

National Level EXECUTIVE BRANCH LEGISLATIVE BRANCH JUDICIAL BRANCH EPA – created by President Nixon to oversea and protect the environment Paris Agreement – signed by 195 countries to reduce greenhouse emissions and keep the earths temperature from rising Congress passes laws: Clean Air Act Clean Water Act Interprets the Law

New York State Level of Government EXECUTIVE BRANCH LEGISLATIVE BRANCH JUDICIAL BRANCH Governor of New York: Andrew Cuomo Advocates No Fracking Launches Solar Energy Initiative NY State Senate and State Assembly

Local Government – Nassau County, Bellmore-Merrick… Bellmore-Merrick CHSD You as an Individual Eliminate plastic bag initiative Bond Project – replace all lights with LED lights How do your personal decisions affect the environment and your future?

Options Debate: U.S. Policy on the Global Environment Assignments: You will be assigned to one of the following groups: 1. (4) Options Group or Presidential Advisory Committee Task Today: Prepare background research by reading Part III: Environmental Issues on the International Agenda and answering Study Guide Questions

Options Assignments Option 1: Put U.S. Economy First Option 2: Take the Lead in the Green Economy Option 3: Promote Sustainable Development Option 4: Protect Mother Earth Presidential Advisory Committee Zach G. Jack Colette Amanda Juliana Rachel Matt L Dan S. Sam C Nina Matt G Matt K. Jordan Z Kayla James S. Jared H Adam Jordan H. Isabella Jordan K Natalie Justin O. Boaz Anthony Owen Zach D

Options Assignments Option 1: Put U.S. Economy First Option 2: Take the Lead in the Green Economy Option 3: Promote Sustainable Development Option 4: Protect Mother Earth Presidential Advisory Committee Ella Sklyar Greg Brandon S. Samantha D. Jen Chandler Andrew Sara Brooke Justin Zach Kristina Sam R. Calvin Ian Brendan Julia Billy Jessie Jordan K. Frank Donald Matt Brandon Brianna Giovanni