What on EARTH is happening now?

INTRODUCTION

This site contains all the material you will need to complete your lessons on the environment. You will find links to cool videos, fun websites and there's even a site where you can calculate your carbon footprint! You can enjoy lots of beautiful nature shots from around the world too. And you can check your English level with the free online test by clicking on the link in the right column.

PROCESS

In this BlogQuest you are going to be working individually, in pairs and in groups to complete the 10 tasks below. Each activity is explained as you go so and remember your teacher will help you with any questions you might have. There will be a quick quiz after you have completed all the tasks to check your progress. Ready? OK, let's get started!!

PART I: The Problems
What on Earth is the problem?

In this section we will look at the causes and consequences of climate change. First we are going to learn about the nature of the problem.

Task 1: What is Global Warming?

With your partner, click on this link and search the guide on global warming to complete the worksheet which you can find on the handouts page. This video below will also give you the basic information about this complex issue.

 

Task 2: Climate Change & The Greenhouse Effect

With your partner, look at this website and try to answer the following questions:

1.    What do the solar rays do to the Earth?

2.    What happens when the Earth warms up?

3.    What would the temperature be without the greenhouse effect?

4.    Name one of the main greenhouse gases.

5.    List two ways we can create this gas.

6.    How can we reduce greenhouse gas?

7.    What do the scientists say?

8.    What type of effects could a change of  1°C cause?

Task 3: An Inconvenient Truth

Your teacher will show you 2 clips (with subtitles) from this Oscar award winning documentary by the Nobel Peace Prize winner 2007 (and almost US President!) Al Gore. You will find the worksheet under the handouts page. You can watch the official trailer in HD below, and the whole film here.
This video makes reference to the Kyoto Treaty. If you want to learn more about this treaty and the countries that have agreed to reduce their carbon emissions, please check out this infographic. More recently, in 2015 the Paris Climate Agreement was signed by 195 countries. You can find out more about that historic agreement here and here.

Task 4: State of the Planet

Your teacher will show you 3 clips (with subtitles) from this BBC documentary which gives you further explanation of the problems faced by our planet. You will find the worksheet under the handouts page.

Task 5: China and the Environment
Everyone knows that China is facing some serious environmental problems. But just how bad has the situation become?

Video 1 "China's Dirty Secrets": Watch this Al Jazeera documentary about the damage that China is causing to its environment and complete the corresponding worksheet on the Handouts Page.

Video 2 "Choking China": Here is another very informative Al Jazeera programme on the environmental problems faced by China. (Un)fortunately, there is no worksheet for this video! If you would like to watch it in HD just click here to be redirected to YouTube.

Task 6: Composition

 Now that you know something about the topic, we would like to write a 400 word essay (approx.) on the following topic:

"Protecting economic growth in developing countries should take priority over protecting the environment."

You must say whether you agree with this statement and give reasons. Make reference to the videos and the information you have been given to support your argument. You can use this link to help you with ideas.

Now, go to Part II to continue.