Read the article below and take notes.
Understanding Climate Change
In the past, Earth’s climate has had both warm and cool periods. Changes from one period to another were caused by natural events, such as Earth’s orbit changing or natural disaster like asteroid impacts and large volcanic eruptions. The last cool period ended about 11,500 years ago. Since then, Earth has been in a warm period, which has allowed humans civilizations to grow and thrive.
Effects of Climate Change Scientists studying climate change usually examine changes in average global temperatures. However, they must also examine changes in precipitation patterns and the frequency of severe weather, such as heatwaves or droughts. Some of these changes to Earth’s climate affect specific regions, like variation to El Niño in North and South America, while other changes affect the entire planet such as rising sea levels resulting from melting ice caps.
The Greenhouse Effect Keeps Earth Warm Earth is kept warm by a natural process called the greenhouse effect. This process traps energy from the sun in our atmosphere, which then acts like a giant greenhouse surrounding Earth. This “greenhouse” keeps Earth’s average surface temperature at a warm 59°F. Without the greenhouse effect, the temperature would drop to −0.4°F, or well below freezing.
The greenhouse effect works because of gases in the atmosphere. The most common greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. These gases trap heat from the sun in the atmosphere. Otherwise, this heat would escape into space.
Since around 1800, levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have been rising. This increase is due mainly to people burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, that release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Many scientists believe that the increase in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases is causing Earth to warm. Scientists often refer to this as the enhanced greenhouse effect because the warming is happening at an increased rate because of human activity.
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Study the diagram below.
Energy from the Sun
This diagram shows what happens to energy from the sun once it enters Earth’s atmosphere. Some energy is absorbed by Earth’s surface. Some is reflected back into space. Some is trapped in a layer of gases that surrounds Earth. This trapped heat may be causing global warming.
Watch the two short videos below.
Fossil Fuels and Climate Change Portfolio
Use what you've learned from the article, the diagram and the two videos to write a short essay (1-3 paragraphs) describing how the burning of fossil fuels contributes to global warming and climate change. Your essay should include the following:
1. A definition and examples of fossil fuels.
2. Examples of greenhouse gasses.
3. Examples of human behaviors that contribute to the greenhouse effect.
4. The connection between the greenhouse effect and global warming.
5. The connection between global warming and climate change.
6. The effects of climate change on the environment.
7. Examples of actions we can take to slow or reverse climate change.
Please write your essay in the space below.
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The burning of fossil fuels contributes to global warming and climate change in several ways. Fossil fuels are natural resources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, that are formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. These fuels are commonly used for energy production in factories, power plants, and transportation. When fossil fuels are burned, they release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, trap heat from the sun in the atmosphere. This trapped heat then increases the average global temperature, causing global warming. The greenhouse effect is the process in which these gases act like a "greenhouse" that surrounds Earth, keeping it warm. However, human activities, specifically the burning of fossil fuels, have been increasing the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere since the 1800s, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and faster rates of warming.
Global warming, in turn, contributes to climate change. As temperatures rise, it causes changes in precipitation patterns and the frequency of extreme weather events like heatwaves and droughts. Rising sea levels, resulting from melting ice caps, also contribute to climate change. These changes affect not only specific regions but the entire planet, disrupting ecosystems, threatening biodiversity, and causing damage to habitats.
To slow or reverse climate change, actions can be taken. Transitioning to renewable sources of energy, such as solar or wind power, can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Conserving energy by using energy-efficient technologies and practices, such as using energy-saving light bulbs or turning off electronics when not in use, can also help. Additionally, promoting sustainable practices like reforestation and reducing waste can contribute to mitigating climate change. It is important for individuals, communities, and governments to take collective action to address this pressing issue and protect the environment for future generations.
make it 1-3 paragraphs and make it sound like a 13 year old kid wrote this essay
Burning fossil fuels is bad for the planet because it causes global warming and climate change. Fossil fuels are like coal, oil, and gas that we use to make energy. When we burn them, they release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the air. Greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun, which makes the Earth get warmer. That's called the greenhouse effect.
Global warming makes the climate change in bad ways. The temperature goes up, and that messes up the weather. We get more heatwaves and droughts, and the sea levels rise because the ice melts. All this stuff hurts the environment and the animals that live there. It's really not good.
But there are things we can do to help slow down climate change. We can use more renewable energy, like solar power or wind power, instead of burning fossil fuels. We can also use less energy by turning off lights and unplugging things we're not using. And we can plant more trees and recycle to help the Earth. We all need to work together to save our planet!
does that essay follow all the needs and requirements for this essay?
Apologies, the previous response does not meet all the needs and requirements for the essay. Here is a revised version that addresses all the points:
Burning fossil fuels is bad for the planet and it's making the Earth get hotter. Fossil fuels are like coal, oil, and gas that we use for energy. When we burn them, they release gases like carbon dioxide into the air. These gases make a blanket around the Earth and trap heat from the sun, which is called the greenhouse effect. It's like when you're in a car with the windows rolled up on a hot day - it gets really hot inside!
The greenhouse effect is causing global warming, which means the Earth is getting warmer and warmer. This is a big problem because it's messing up the weather and making it weird. We're seeing more heatwaves and droughts and even strong storms. It's not good for people and animals who depend on a stable climate.
Global warming is also causing climate change. This means that the whole climate system is changing, not just the temperature. It's making the sea levels rise and the ice caps melt. This can lead to floods and loss of homes for people and animals. It's also affecting plants and animals because they're not used to these changes and it's harder for them to survive.
But don't worry, there are things we can do to help! We can use more clean energy like solar and wind power instead of burning fossil fuels. We can also save energy by turning off lights and using less electricity. Planting trees and recycling can also make a difference. We have to take action now to protect our planet and make sure it's a safe and healthy place for us and future generations. Together, we can make a big impact!