Causes of climate change
Dear students,
you will work based to the WebQuest so to make a research regarding factors, such as greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, deforestation, and industrial processes that are crucial for climate change, so to understand how each factor contributes to climate change. Understanding the interplay between these factors are crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies.
Before we start we would like to know your opinions on "Which are the causes of climate change? Please add your opinion to the following menti:https://www.menti.com/alqkhgttmcgn
It's time to form teams so to research in detail the following topics: TEAM A: Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) are atmospheric gases that trap heat from the sun, creating a warming effect known as the greenhouse effect. The primary GHGs include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Carbon dioxide, the most prevalent, is released through activities such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and various industrial processes. Methane, a potent GHG, is emitted during the production and transport of fossil fuels, as well as from livestock and agricultural practices. Nitrous oxide is produced by agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during the combustion of fossil fuels and organic matter. The increased concentration of these gases enhances the natural greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and climate change.
Search on the web, keep notes trying to give responses to the following questions in the related padlet :
Useful links:https://www.nrdc.org/stories/greenhouse-effect-101#gases https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/greenhouse-gases
You can also experiment the PhET Interactive Simulation https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/greenhouse-effect/latest/greenhouse-effect_all.html Which are your observations? Post them to the twinboard.
TEAM B: Deforestation, the large-scale clearing of forests, significantly contributes to climate change. Trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and store it as carbon in their biomass. When forests are cleared for agriculture, urban development, or logging, this carbon is released back into the atmosphere, increasing CO2 levels. Additionally, deforestation reduces the number of trees available to absorb CO2, exacerbating the greenhouse effect. Forests also play a crucial role in maintaining local and global water cycles, regulating temperatures, and supporting biodiversity. The loss of forests disrupts these systems, leading to changes in precipitation patterns, increased soil erosion, and loss of habitat for countless species.Search on the web, keep notes trying to give responses to the following questions in the related padlet :
Useful links:
https://earth.org/how-does-deforestation-affect-the-carbon-cycle/
https://worldrainforests.com/09-consequences-of-deforestation.html
Make a research on the data of deforestation in your countries, here:
https://www.globalforestwatch.org/
Which are your observations? Post them to the twinboard.
TEAM C:Industrial Activities are a major source of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Factories, power plants, and other industrial facilities burn fossil fuels to produce energy, releasing large amounts of CO2 and other GHGs into the atmosphere. Industrial processes, such as cement production, steelmaking, and chemical manufacturing, also emit significant quantities of CO2 and other gases. In addition to GHGs, industries release pollutants that can have harmful effects on air quality, public health, and ecosystems. The production and disposal of industrial products contribute to environmental degradation, including soil and water pollution.
Search on the web, keep notes trying to give responses to the following questions in the related padlet:
Useful links:
https://oizom.com/how-do-industrial-emissions-contribute-to-climate-change/
https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/causes-effects-climate-change
For all teams: You can experiment the en-Roads simulation
https://www.climateinteractive.org/en-roads/ to explore the impact of those causes and possible policies. Which are your observations? Post them to the twinboard.
As soon as all information has been posted, make use of them so to design a collaborative Google presentation (max: 4 slides per team):
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1lISimDalCeP4F21S9nQaJ8pSnFhOCGGrSBMpwFjOedg/edit?usp=sharing
