Lesson 29: Global Warming


Attention

This image comes from the EPA website. It is titled the "Clues of Climate Change"
Click HERE to visit the instructional website.


Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

  • Explore the controversy of Global Warming and current national and international policies

Teaching

The "controversy" of Global Warming or Climate Change is centered around an argument. One side of the argument contends that current fluctuations in the global climate are due to naturally occurring global changes, the other side advocates that the collective activity of humans on the planet are contributing to rapid climate change that could have disastrous effects.

Click HERE to download a book chapter titled "Why we Disagree about Climate Change"

Hulme, M. (2009). Why we Disagree about Climate Change: Understanding Controversy, Inaction, and Opportunity. Cambridge: University Press

United States Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Change

Greenhouse Gases your Carbon Footprint

You have likely heard the term "Greenhouse Gas" and "Carbon Footprint"

Visit the EPA website again and view their definition of greenhouse gases and calculate your own carbon footprint to see how much YOU are contributing to the situation!

Click to visit the EPA website on greenhouse gases and your carbon footprint

Click HERE to view the Nature Conservancy's carbon footprint calculator (an alternative to the EPA one)


Assessment

Lesson 29 Discussion

Relate your own views on the "debate" that is happening regarding Global Warming. What factors (political, social, economic, etc.) contribute to the differences of opinion in regard to this concept?