WEBQUEST

Global Warming

Global Warming Webquest Group Activity page

Answer the following questions to gather information needed by your team before you begin working in your individual roles.

Why should you care? Watch the videotaped interview with Dr. John Holdren (President of AAAS, Director of the Woods Hole Research Center, and Teresa and John Heinz Professor of Environmental Policy at Harvard University) for an introduction to why climate change is an important issue: AAAS President’s Climate-Change Message

1) Before you begin your investigation of the changing climate, you should be aware of the differences between “climate” and “weather.”

How is climate different from weather?

How are climate and weather related?

Climate and Weather (US EPA)
What’s the Difference Between Weather and Climate? (NASA)

2) The UN is concerned that carbon dioxide (CO₂) may have something to do with recent changes in the climate. Learn about CO₂ and other greenhouse gases in the Greenhouse Effect section of the Marian Koshland Science Museum website.

What is the green house effect?

How is amplified warming different from natural warming?

The Greenhouse Effect (BBC)
Natural and Amplified Warming (KSM)
Living in the Greenhouse (NCAR)

3) Explore the Causes of Change portion of the Koshland website. Pay particular attention to the different factors that contribute to climate change

What factors are most responsible for significant changes in the climate?

Which of these are natural causes and which are driven by human activity?

The Causes of Change: The Natural Climate Cycle (KSM)
What on Earth Affects Climate? (NCAR)
Can We Change the Climate? (US EPA)

4) Humans, like any other species on this planet, will see many alterations in their environment as the global climate changes.  These differences will affect people and their environments differently depending on where they live.  Explore the Introduction and Impacts of Change sections of the Koshland website and discover how global warming will affect the lives of different people all over the world.

How will humans be impacted by changes in the climate?

How will global warming change ecosystems and the environment?

It’s a Global Issue (KSM)
Global Impacts (KSM)
So What’s the Big Deal? (US EPA)

5) Explore the Global CO₂ Emissions Calculator on the Responses to Change section of the Koshland website.

How do CO₂ emissions levels differ from country to country?

Which countries produced the most total CO₂ in 2000?

Which countries are expected to see a significant increase in their CO₂ emissions by 2025?

Global CO₂ Emissions Calculator (KSM)

Next: Individual Roles