Chapter 3, Student Web Activities, Glencoe World Geography, Glencoe, 2003

Chapter 3: Climates of the Earth
"Global Warming"

Introduction
In this chapter you have learned about the variety of factors affecting climate and climate patterns. You have learned that climate patterns change over time for a variety of reasons. One cause is human interaction with the environment. In this activity you will learn about causes of global warming and some possible ways it affects humans, as well as actions people can undertake to help reduce global warming's negative effects.

Destination Title: Global Warming

Directions
Start at the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Global Warming Web site.

Click on Climate and read the information on this page.
Click on Emissions at the bottom of the page. Then click on Individual in the list on the left of the screen and explore this topic.
Click on Impacts at the bottom of the screen and then click on Health. Read this information.
Click on Actions at the bottom of the screen. Click on Individual and then on Make a Difference. Explore the tips for helping the environment In the Home and On the Road.

Take notes as you explore these topics, and then answer the following questions.

1. Describe the "greenhouse effect." In what way is it necessary for life on Earth?

2. How many tons of greenhouse gases are emitted per person each year in the United States? How did per capita emissions in Japan compare with per capita emissions in the United States in 1995? What were the five countries with the highest greenhouse gas emissions in 1995?

3. Describe ways that global warming may affect people's health. What measures could help to reduce these health problems?

4. List five things people could do to reduce energy use and emissions in their daily lives.

5. Imagine that you have been invited to speak about global warming to a group of community leaders. Your goal is to present a quick overview about global warming: what it is, why we should be concerned about it, and how human activity may be part of the problem. Use information from the report Smart Savings: Climate Solutions for Cities—found by clicking on Actions and then Local—as well as information from your readings in creating your presentation. You may include visuals and handouts when you submit the written version of your presentation.