8Ee Global Warming Discussion & Presentation .pptx

Global Warming

1. Global Warming - Discussion & Presentation Prepare a presentation of 4 - 5 minutes Use visual aids (e.g. Google Slides) Prep time: 35 mins Answer all the Discussion questions given to you Research online / Use your Textbook - Make sure you include your sources

2. Global Warming - Discussion Topic 1 A greenhouse works to keep plants warm inside as the Sun’s rays enter the greenhouse through the glass but can’t get back out, causing the air inside to get warmer. This is what is happening in Earth’s atmosphere, with the ‘greenhouse gases’ making a gassy layer that acts like the glass in a greenhouse. However, without the greenhouse effect, Earth would be too cold to live on, with an average of -18°C! Discuss: What are the gases that are in air? Do you know which gases are causing this greenhouse effect? ( i.e. Which one of them are greenhouse gases?) Why do people say that ‘greenhouse effect’ is now a problem despite keeping us warm?

3. Global Warming - Discussion Topic 2 The most common greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide and methane. Farming has caused an increase in methane in the atmosphere because the world’s 1.5 billion cows release methane and this goes into the atmosphere. There is too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and this is what plants helpfully take in. However, mainly down to the production of palm oil, vital forests are being cut down and this is having a negative effect on the carbon dioxide in the air. Discuss: Introduce the sources of methane / carbon dioxide (Where do they come from?). What can you as an individual do to reduce production of methane / carbon dioxide? What can a school do to reduce production of methane / carbon dioxide? What can a government do to reduce production of methane / carbon dioxide?

4. Global Warming - Discussion Topic 3 The habitats of some animals are already being affected by global warming; orangutans are losing their forests which are being chopped down, polar bears and penguins are both in danger from melting sea ice and fish and bird species are moving habitats as places are changing. Discuss: Pick 2 animal species (in different habitats) that are directly affected by global warming / climate change - How are they affected? Are their populations (numbers) reducing rapidly? Discuss the indirect effect of losing those animal you mentioned in Question 1. How would it affect people and other animals ?

5. Global Warming - Discussion Topic 4 Using fossil fuels, such as oil, gas and coal, also contributes to greenhouse gases as they produce carbon dioxide when they burn. Also, fossil fuels are considered non-renewable energy. Discuss: What is renewable energy How are they different from non-renewable energy? Give 3 - 4 examples of renewable energy. How do you get these energy? Can you get these energy in Hong Kong? Are people using this renewable energy more than fossil fuels? If not - Is the process difficult / expensive?

6. Global Warming - Discussion Topic 5 Palm oil is one contributor to global warming because growing it causes huge deforestation. However, palm oil is many different products from chocolate and pizzas, to soap and shampoos. This makes it almost impossible for people to just stop buying it, even if they wanted to. Discuss: What is palm oil used for? Give different examples and types of products that people would use / see in their daily life. What is deforestation? What areas / countries are the most heavily affected by deforestation ? S ome companies have changed to use sustainable palm oil. How is this palm oil ‘sustainably’ produced and different from ‘traditional’ palm oil?

7. Global Warming - Discussion Topic 6 Almost every country in the world signed the ‘Paris Agreement’ which came into force at the end of 2016 and this is a promise to do something to stop global warming. Countries are trying to lower harmful emissions into the atmosphere, reduce the use of fossil fuels and reduce energy use. They promise to limit global warming by 2°C with a target of 1.5°C. Discuss: Introduce what the ‘Paris Agreement ’ is about. Give some examples of countries that signed the Agreement. Current Issue: What is the current status of the United States regarding this Agreement? What effort have different countries make to reduce their carbon emissions? Pick 2 countries and their work as your examples.