Question 90
Background
In June 2019, the average world temperature was 16.6°C. It was an increase of 1.1°C above the average global temperature for the whole of the twentieth century.
During this worldwide heat wave there were:
- wildfires in the Arctic with millions of hectares burning in Northern Russia
- severe water shortages in India
- more than 5000 people in Japan taken to hospital for treatment due to heat
- a huge impact on the growth of crops.
July 2019 was the hottest on record in Europe. People died of heat stroke. Overhead power cables expanded in the heat and failed. Crops were damaged so food production was affected.
Scientists say it is the latest sign that the Earth is experiencing a huge increase in global warming. Nearly all scientists think that the rise in carbon dioxide emissions from human activities is altering the temperature. A climate researcher from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, said in a television interview:
‘This particular month has been very warm, but to me this is not the main point. All the months of 2019 have been warm in comparison to other years. And that trend is not likely to stop unless we do something about reducing the emission of greenhouse gases.’
However, some people think that the change in temperatures is just part of the Earth’s normal cycle and there is no need to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases as there is no proof it is these gases that cause climate change.
Your task
Work in groups of two to four. Create two lists of evidence and give your reasoning: one list in support of the idea that humans are contributing to climate change, and one list that does not support that idea.
Your teacher will select which point of view each group will represent. During the debate your group must stick to the point of view you have been given.
In June 2019, the average world temperature was 16.6°C. It was an increase of 1.1°C above the average global temperature for the whole of the twentieth century.
During this worldwide heat wave there were:
- wildfires in the Arctic with millions of hectares burning in Northern Russia
- severe water shortages in India
- more than 5000 people in Japan taken to hospital for treatment due to heat
- a huge impact on the growth of crops.
July 2019 was the hottest on record in Europe. People died of heat stroke. Overhead power cables expanded in the heat and failed. Crops were damaged so food production was affected.
Scientists say it is the latest sign that the Earth is experiencing a huge increase in global warming. Nearly all scientists think that the rise in carbon dioxide emissions from human activities is altering the temperature. A climate researcher from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, said in a television interview:
‘This particular month has been very warm, but to me this is not the main point. All the months of 2019 have been warm in comparison to other years. And that trend is not likely to stop unless we do something about reducing the emission of greenhouse gases.’
However, some people think that the change in temperatures is just part of the Earth’s normal cycle and there is no need to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases as there is no proof it is these gases that cause climate change.
Your task
Work in groups of two to four. Create two lists of evidence and give your reasoning: one list in support of the idea that humans are contributing to climate change, and one list that does not support that idea.
Your teacher will select which point of view each group will represent. During the debate your group must stick to the point of view you have been given.
