📚 Topic Summary
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas), which produces heat-trapping gases. These gases are called greenhouse gases. Think of the Earth like a greenhouse; these gases trap the sun's heat and cause the planet to warm up. This warming leads to many changes, like melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and more extreme weather events.
🧪 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with its definition:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Greenhouse Gases |
A. The trapping of the sun's warmth in a planet's lower atmosphere. |
| 2. Climate Change |
B. Gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat. |
| 3. Fossil Fuels |
C. A long-term change in the average weather patterns. |
| 4. Global Warming |
D. A fuel (such as coal, oil, or natural gas) formed in the earth from plant or animal remains. |
| 5. Greenhouse Effect |
E. A gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth's atmosphere generally attributed to the greenhouse effect. |
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences using the words: renewable, carbon dioxide, deforestation, temperature, sea levels.
- The increase in global __________ is a major sign of climate change.
- Burning fossil fuels releases __________ into the atmosphere.
- __________ contributes to climate change because trees absorb carbon dioxide.
- Rising __________ are a consequence of melting glaciers and ice sheets.
- Using __________ energy sources like solar and wind power can help reduce climate change.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
What are some things you and your family can do to help reduce climate change? Give at least three examples.