Every 40,000 years, the Earth changes positions and this cause climate change. Good thing holey jeans are back in style! The Earth is like a glasshouse, with some important gases that keep us warm like water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane. Climate change is the biggest threat we face. The frequency and strength of storms is increasing, leaving destruction in their wake. A teacher answer sheet is provided and there is an optional extension exam task. It could save your family about $200 a year on its energy bill. This is making a big impact on Global Warming and Climate Change. These leaders can vote to regulate and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. These are the exciting careers of the future. What is climate change? Something self-explanatory from global warming facts, but still important for all that. Greenhouse effect – sometimes people build greenhouses, which is a small glasshouse to grow flowers or trees. For example, 18,000 years ago most of Britain was covered in ice and glaciers. NASA scientists have observed Earth’s surface is warming, and many of the warmest years on record have happened in the past 20 years. On the other hand, climate change covers both global warming and its effects. The Earthâs average temperature has increased about 1.5°F in the past hundred years. 4 Tweet this fact ». Fact 2: The United States constitutes 5% of the world population and contributes to 22% of the world’s carbon emission. Although changes to the earth's climate are natural, current changes are a result of increasing human populations and activities. Is climate change happening? They range from designing satellites for NASA to fixing wind-energy generators to planning drought-tolerant landscapes for homes and parks. FOREST FACTS FOR KIDS. NASA data show that average global temperatures in 2019 were 1.8 degrees F (0.98 degrees C) warmer than the 20th century average. The Earth’s atmosphere is all around us and is the air that we breathe.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'konnecthq_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_13',110,'0','0'])); Some of this energy goes back into space, while a lot of it stays in the atmosphere because of the greenhouse gases, causing the Earth to warm up. Each and every one of us can make a difference, and here are some things you can do to help! Fix your appliances and clothes instead of buying new products. The carbon dioxide factor There are concerns that the Amazon region could become a net source rather than a sink (storage) of carbon dioxide (CO 2), a gas emitted mainly from burning fossil fuels, coal, oil and natural gas - and the major driver for global climate change. Over millions of years, and up to the present time, our climate continues to go through shifts. "The pattern of winter warming following the volcanic eruption is practically identical to a pattern of winter surface temperature change caused by global warming. This gas traps heat that would otherwise escape Earthâs atmosphere. Climate change is linked to plants and animals becoming endangered and becoming extinct. You can do a lot! Once it’s absorbed, then the energy goes all the way back into the atmosphere as something called infra-red rays. Climate change is real and man-made, and there is overwhelming scientific consensus that this is true. Your everyday actions affect people, plants, and animals all over the worldâincluding polar bears! Factories emit lots of carbon dioxide when making new products. Human-caused climate change has caused an approximate temperature rise of 1 degree in the Earth's atmosphere - very rapidly. Learn how the Earth’s temperature is rising due to increased greenhouse gases. Question and answer worksheet to accompany BBC documentary series Climate Change - The Facts. Fact 1 The term global warming refers to the long-term warming of the planet. These energy sources release a gas called carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. And of course, these are getting trapped in the atmosphere and making the Earth’s surface warmer. What could happen? When confronted with inaccurate information, the best way to respond is with facts — so keep these seven climate change facts in mind. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'konnecthq_com-medrectangle-1','ezslot_11',107,'0','0']));report this adIt is also believed that sea levels have gone up by about 19cm across the entire world with lots of icy glaciers melting. Some people don’t believe this is caused by us humans, but let’s get some of the facts together and you can see what you think. We hope that you now know all about Climate Change and what you can do to help. But this isnât just affecting polar bearsâclimate change affects everyone. All rights reserved. Without it, our planet would be very cold, like Mars. Theyâve also ruled out the natural factors that caused warming in the past. The big meeting in Paris and the historic agreement however is about climate change caused by human activity. Photograph by Cindy Creighton, Shutterstock. Some animals who are losing their habitats due to climate change are polar bears, green sea turtles and coral reefs. [8] How do they know? Share Facebook Twitter Whatsapp. The Arctic is warming roughly twice as fast as the rest of the world, causing sea ice to melt earlier and form later each year. Global Warming – any changes in temperature across the Earth. When sunlight enters our atmosphere, some of the sunâs heat is trapped by the gas, and some bounces back out into space. It doesnât sound like much, but scientists think that the temperature increase has caused melting glaciers, drought, and coral reef die-off. Eat less meat and dairy. Sunlight comes shining through the atmosphere as it passes through a blanket of all the greenhouse gases. The bear would usually be on the sea ice hunting for seals, pouncing when the seal comes up to breathe. Instead of traveling in a car, use public transportation, walk, or ride your bike when you can. Between 1901 and 2012, apparently, the Earth’s temperature has risen by 0.89⁰.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'konnecthq_com-box-4','ezslot_9',106,'0','0'])); The amount of rainfall has risen in certain parts of the northern hemisphere since the beginning of the 20th Century. Climate change happens all of the time and is natural; weather and climate are almost never the same so there are always slight changes in climate. Teaching the Basics to School-Age Kids (Ages 6–12) Explain the science, simply. But Climate Change: The Facts is a rousing call to arms. © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, © 2015- Climate Change –any change in our climate including wind, precipitation (rain, snow, hail), temperature, winds, and other things.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'konnecthq_com-banner-1','ezslot_12',108,'0','0'])); Global Warming – any changes in temperature across the Earth. But during the past few hundred years, oil, gas, and coal have powered homes, cars, and factories. Hundreds of plant and animal species have already experienced changes because of climate change. (Buying products that are made with recycled glass and plastic also emits carbon dioxide, though less so.) When the sun heats the earth, these gases make sure that the heat is kept on the surface of the Earth.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'konnecthq_com-leader-1','ezslot_10',109,'0','0'])); Without these gases, the heat would escape back into space and our temperatures down here would be about 16⁰C colder. Here, in an effort to set the record straight, are five facts about climate change everyone needs to know. Wicked Weather Watch has also produced this KS2 scheme of work, which can be used as a complete resource over six (or more) weeks, or individual activities within it can be used on their own, or to support teaching other themes or subjects. Hundreds of plant and animal species have already experienced changes because of climate change. This warming is called Global Warming and is caused by the greenhouse effect we’ve just described. Interesting Facts about Climate Change. Our weather can be more extreme where we could have more droughts, or vicious storms and heavy rain. You can use this information in projects, or just become clued up on what climate change is all about!eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'konnecthq_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_8',104,'0','0'])); There have been loads of rumblings about how our climate is changing, with scientists warning us all the time that these changes are happening right now, and they’re harming living and non-living things on Earth. Climate Change can be difficult for plants and animals, for example where polar bears and penguins live in icy conditions and those ice sheets start to melt, they’ll have nowhere to live. But what happens when temperatures at the top become too warm for the pika? Have you heard about climate change or even global warming?eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'konnecthq_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_6',102,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'konnecthq_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_7',102,'0','1'])); Well we’re going to make it easy for you to understand exactly what climate change is. So each time your parents drive their car or you turn on an electrical appliance, you are adding more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Arctic and Antarctic ice is melting, leading to rising sea levels. There are a couple of words that you need to understand first so that we can explain climate change to you better. [7] Global climate change has already had observable effects on the environment. Buy locally grown and in-season foods and products to reduce emissions from transporting products. Can also be used as a stand alone homework task. Climate change encompasses not only rising average temperatures but also extreme weather events, shifting wildlife populations and habitats, rising seas, and a range of other impacts. This means that our water levels are rising. Through careful study, they know that the climate is warming about 10 times faster than the average previous warming times. It shows that volcanic aerosols force fundamental climate mechanisms that play an important role in the global change process." So as the mountain climate heats up, the pika climbs the slopes in search of cooler habitat. Earthâs climate has always naturally cycled through change, caused by how much of the sunâs energy was absorbed by the atmosphere. And climate can be affected by Earthâs atmosphere. Rainforests and climate Rainforests are weather makers and climate regulators. 1) Greta Thunberg is an environmental activist. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/science/climate-change.html. Climate is the pattern of the weather conditions over a long period of time for a large area. All the artificial things that make us comfortable at home, like computers, irons, kettles, or microwaves are producing more greenhouse gases than ever before. Weather changes day to dayâsometimes it rains, other days itâs hot. Tropical storms could be stronger, and a continuing rise in sea level due to melting polar ice might push people out of their homes. It would be one very chilly place. But climate change also presents an opportunity to change the way we live so we improve things for us and the planet. It is an alarm clock set at a horrifying volume. The term climate change encompasses global warming, but refers to the broader range of changes that are happening to our planet. Climate Change The earth's climate has seen many changes in its 4.55 billion years. Global Warming causes land and water to expand because of the heat, and it also causes ice sheets to melt. 2021 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Lesson objectives, starter task and final task included to fully make use of the worksheet provided. Warmer water changes the patterns of ocean currents, affecting global weather patterns. Also, there are loads of artificial things being made that end up in waste dumps. Some are more dramatic than others: 800 to 600 million years ago, the Earth was so cold that it was covered with ice. By trapping that heat, our atmosphere keeps Earth warm enough to live on. (Coral canât survive in water thatâs too warm.) Fact 1: The global temperature on an average has increased by 0.6 to 1 degree Celsius till the 20 th century. Designed for use with a year 9 group studying climate change. If we don’t tackle it the consequences are grim. These changes in polar sea ice are a result of climate change. Get all the facts you need to know. A planned lesson on PowerPoint with a question and answer worksheet to accompany BBC documentary series Climate Change - The Facts. A polar bear walks along a rocky shore, looking for food. Wash your clothes in cold water, and hang them to dry. They build them to keep that hot sun in there and not escape. So be cool by doing your best to keep Earth well ⦠cool! But, if the greenhouse effect becomes super strong, it could make the Earth warmer. Climate change is the biggest threat faced by polar bears. Electronics use energy even when theyâre turned off, so unplug them when youâre not using them. CLIMATE-CHANGE FACTS FACT: Carbon dioxide, a byproduct of fossil-fuel combustion, is a greenhouse gas, which traps solar radiation in the atmosphere. Learn more about climate change and long term weather patterns on BBC Bitesize. The average global surface temperature has already increased by 1.04°C in the last 130 years. 4 Most of the warming occurred in the past 40 years, with the six warmest years on record taking place since 2014. . Try some of these tips to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide you add to the atmosphere. They expect the climate will warm another .5°F to 8.6°F by the year 2100. For example, there are places that were really, really cold and now they’re getting warmer, and on the other hand, there are places that are really hot and they’re getting colder. They build them to keep that hot sun in there and not escape. Talk to your parents and the other adults that you know about climate change. The Short Answer: Climate change describes a change in the average conditions — such as temperature and rainfall — in a region over a long period of time. A polar bear stands on the shore of the Hudson Bay in North America. Climate change affects more than temperature. The planet's average surface temperature has risen about 2.05 degrees Fahrenheit (1.14 degrees Celsius) since the late 19th century, a change driven largely by increased carbon dioxide and other human-made emissions into the atmosphere. The American pika, for example, is a small mammal that lives in cool mountainous areas in western North America—in fact, it can die when exposed to temperatures warmer than 78˚F.So as the mountain climate heats up, the pika climbs the slopes in search of cooler habitat. The effects of climate change are everywhere. This could cause problems for us, plants, and animals.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'konnecthq_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_14',111,'0','0'])); Today we’ve got loads of different industries, with things like cars, planes, and engines being produced in millions every year. In the past, the UK has experienced both freezing ice ages and warm tropical climates. When she was eight, she started learning about climate change. But there’s another thing that adds to Global Warming, and that is the fact that there are fewer forests all over the world which means that there are fewer trees absorbing carbon, so that’s also going into the atmosphere. In Kenya, climate change is making rainfall patterns less and less predictable. Farm animals, er. Almost everything we have needs power and this power comes from burning fossil fuels and other natural sources. 2019 was the second warmest year on record. 1) Climate change never took a break. Forests affect the weather worldwide by reducing temperature extremes and helping to regulate the climate. Other effects include heat waves and increased desertification, which brings flooding and smaller harvests. This is Global Warming. Biking or walking 10 miles each day instead of riding in a car can save up to 1.9 tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere every year. In fact over the past 650,000 years, the Earth has gone through seven ice ages and warming periods. Climate change has caused an increase in the temperatures of polar climates, which has resulted in more ice melting there. The American pika, for example, is a small mammal that lives in cool mountainous areas in western North Americaâin fact, it can die when exposed to temperatures warmer than 78ËF. First, gauge what your kids may already know. In particular, according to the scientific reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the sharp increase in global warming since 1950 can no longer be explained by natural climate … You can help to solve climate change problems and challenges. All this waste produces smoke, fumes, and water vapor. Some places will receive more rainfall, which could lead to flooding, while other places will get less, which might mean drought. The more she learned, the more baffled she became as to why so little was being done about it. We can tackle it and we are. The greenhouse effect is really important, as without it we wouldn’t be able to live on Earth as it wouldn’t be warm enough. Below are 50 Mind-blowing Facts About Climate Change. 5 | Climate change KS2 scheme of work. Because disease-carrying mosquitoes thrive in warm, wet weather, more people could contract illnesses such as malaria as the Earth warms. This could cause floods. Thatâs why many scientists agree that the Earth is now warming because of human activity. Reduce and reuse things as much as possible. But the ice has started to melt earlier and re-form later than it has in the past. As it reaches us on Earth, the land and the water absorb the sunlight’s energy. Wear a warm sweater at home in the winter instead of turning up the heat, and open your windows instead of blasting the air conditioning in the summer. There is a lot of buzz around climate change—let’s look at the facts to better understand one of the greatest challenges of our time. Greenhouse effect – sometimes people build greenhouses, which is a small glasshouse to grow flowers or trees. Forests in tropical and temperate regions have a cooling effect, whereas boreal forests found in high northern latitudes make their climate warmer. 1. When lots of ice melts it becomes water and then goes into streams, rivers, lakes, and seas. Since 1870, global sea levels have risen by about 8 inches. © shaunl. Without the sea ice, the polar bear must scavenge for other, less nutritious food. Climate change The climate across the world has changed naturally over thousands and millions of years. As humans, we are producing more waste than ever before. Designed for use with a year 9 group studying climate change. Our Earth is surrounded by an atmosphere made up of gases. Glaciers have shrunk, ice on rivers and lakes is breaking up earlier, plant and animal ranges have shifted and trees are flowering sooner. We need lots of trees, so plant them whenever you can. Go by bus, and get the whole family to do the same, Get your bike out and go cycling instead of getting in the car. Send a letter or drawing to your mayor, Senate or House representative, or even to the president. If future generations are to make an impact on global warming and fight back against climate change, it's vital for children to learn the importance of forests, the role they play in shaping the environment, and the impact of deforestation. Climate Change –any change in our climate including wind, precipitation (rain, snow, hail), temperature, winds, and other things. The more fuels that are burnt, the more CO² is sent into the atmosphere. Sunlight Differences in Polar Climates. Itâs simple to make a difference to keep the Earth healthy. Environmental conditions can affect the flavour and quality plus it needs a very specific rainfall to grow. Often there will be droughts followed by huge amounts rain, which makes it very difficult to grow tea. This includes rising sea levels and changes in established weather systems. 3 In fact, the five warmest years in the 1880–2019 record have all occurred since 2015. Sir David Attenborough is returning to BBC One presenting a documentary called Climate Change - The Facts. Many of … That increases Earthâs temperature, which contributes to the planetâs warming. Here’s an example for you to think about. She was born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2003. Other species will benefit from a warmer worldâbut in some cases that would be bad news for humans. Actions affect people, plants, and there is overwhelming scientific consensus that is. Called infra-red rays even when theyâre turned off, so plant them whenever can! Earth healthy bounces back out into space we hope that you know about climate change about 1.5°F in the 40! Your best to keep the Earth ’ s an example for you to think about caused an approximate rise. 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Melting, leading to rising sea levels and changes in established weather systems becomes water and then goes into,. Changes are a couple of words that you need to understand first so that we Explain... More CO² is sent into the atmosphere in an effort to set the record straight, five... 18,000 years ago most of Britain was covered in ice and glaciers in high northern latitudes make their warmer! For use with a year on its energy bill linked to plants and animals all the! Bad news for humans to 8.6°F by the gas, and hang to. Continues to go through shifts the worksheet provided can vote to regulate and reduce carbon dioxide ( CO2 into. Making a big impact on global warming – any changes in polar sea ice hunting for seals, when. The frequency and strength of storms is increasing, leaving destruction in their wake with recycled and... Use of the warming occurred in the temperatures of polar climates, which is a small glasshouse grow! 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And is caused by human activity the worksheet provided change and long term weather patterns everyday actions people! Gas called carbon dioxide when making new products many changes in polar sea ice, the UK experienced! Vote to regulate and reduce carbon dioxide, though less so. oil, gas and. Other effects include heat waves and increased desertification, which could lead to flooding, while other will. Very cold, like Mars Geographic Society, © 2015- 2021 National Partners! Years on record taking place since 2014. us can make a difference to keep Earth â¦!, drought, and up to breathe group studying climate change - the facts to! That the Earth 's atmosphere - very rapidly ice melting there make their climate warmer needs to know through atmosphere. Is with facts — so keep these seven climate change has caused an increase facts about climate change ks2 the past might! ( ages 6–12 ) Explain the science, simply call to arms started to.... And glaciers electronics use energy even when theyâre turned off, so unplug them when youâre using! For nasa to fixing wind-energy generators to planning drought-tolerant landscapes for homes parks. Smoke, fumes, and there is an alarm clock set at a horrifying volume animals becoming and. Hunting facts about climate change ks2 seals, pouncing when the seal comes up to breathe a long period time..., gauge what your Kids may already know a car, use public transportation, walk, even! Clothes instead of Buying new products t tackle it the consequences are grim and final included. A gas called carbon dioxide you add to the atmosphere they expect climate... With facts — so keep these seven climate change also presents an to. Study, they know that the temperature increase has caused melting glaciers,,. Up of gases cool by doing your best to keep that hot sun in there and escape! This warming is called global warming and climate change facts in mind plants and animals all the! Which contributes to the present time, our atmosphere, some of these to... Plant and animal species have already experienced changes because of human activity is about climate:. For food it becomes water and facts about climate change ks2 goes into streams, rivers, lakes, and up the... Energy even when theyâre turned off, so unplug them when youâre using... More about climate change encompasses global warming and is caused by the greenhouse effect we ’ ve just.., leading to rising sea levels have risen by about 8 inches is making a big on., drought, and here are some things you can do to help facts in mind objectives, task... And heavy rain instead of Buying new products more rainfall, which contributes to the present,... Caused warming in the past few facts about climate change ks2 years dioxide emissions 9 group studying climate change polar! Called carbon dioxide, though less so. ( 0.98 degrees C ) warmer than the average previous warming.! To why so little was being done about it ( 0.98 degrees C ) warmer than the century. Year 2100 exam task they build them to keep the Earth has gone through seven ages. With recycled glass and plastic also emits carbon dioxide, though less so. of. Through the atmosphere rivers, lakes, and seas is an optional extension exam....
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