Input: News stories in the local papers talk about climate change. What words do you associate with climate change?

Anything as important, challenging and complicated as climate change is bound to attract a great deal of discussion and disagreement.

The media and newspapers often present stories about climate change in a sensational and emotive way and some high profile TV documentaries and books have questioned the influence of humans on the climate.

At best, these live debates, attention-grabbing headlines and ‘climate scandals’ often leave the general public feeling that scientists don’t agree. At worst, they force people to switch off and lose interest in this important global issue.

The reality is that there is an unprecedented consensus among world scientists that global warming is caused by human activity. Because it is caused by humans it is known as anthropogenic climate change. Yes, scientists are still in disagreement about exactly what the impacts will be but the main body of evidence for climate change is widely accepted by the scientific community.

Let’s Explore!

Where is the evidence?

Global Warming Notes Global Warming is an increase in global temperatures as a result of human activity that has caused an increase in CO 2 and methane levels in the atmosphere. NatGeo Video

Let’s Analyze! 1.What is this graph showing us? 2.What trend or pattern can you see?

What Causes Global Warming?

Causes of Global Warming 1. The burning of fossil fuels to produce energy is a major source of air pollution that produces CO 2. – Fossil Fuels are organic fuels made from decayed plants and animals. Ex: Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas – The amount of CO 2 in the atmosphere has increased since industrialization began in the 19 th century.

2.Deforestation is the removal of a forest; the cutting-down of trees. Causes of Global Warming - Forests are removed to create farms, ranches, or for urban development (to make cities!) - Results in the decay and burning of wood that releases CO 2. - Plants help to remove CO 2 from the atmosphere during the process of photosynthesis.

3. Methane Gas – 14% of greenhouse gases come form cow burps & some “flatulence” – Methane also comes from fossil fuel production and waste disposal. Causes of Global Warming

4. Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) – One source is feedlots (the place the cows are kept before slaughter). – Nitrous oxide is also released from chemical manufacturing plants and from automobiles. – It can also be released from nitrogen fertilizers used on farms. Causes of Global Warming

Sum it all up…. The more greenhouse gases present in our atmosphere, the warmer our planet gets.