Climate Change in Politics and Injustices
In Climate Change in Politics and Injustices, learn about the political, technological, and financial barriers to effectively addressing climate change. For decades, scientists have been aware of the dangers posed by greenhouse gases, but the challenge of tackling climate change has been compounded by misinformation, political obstacles, and a lack of global action. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Climate Change — The Facts, a documentary that delves into the science of climate change and its far-reaching consequences.
Lesson Express
Q: What are some cause/effect relationships related to climate change described in the video?
A: Some examples include rising temperatures leading to shrinking glaciers and ice sheets, causing sea levels to rise and threatening cities; carbon dioxide levels increasing, which leads to ocean acidification, damaging coral reefs, and impacting complex food chains; and permafrost melting, releasing more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Q: How does climate change affect vulnerable populations and developing countries?
A: Vulnerable populations, especially in developing countries, suffer disproportionately from climate change. These nations often contribute less to greenhouse gas emissions yet are the most affected by rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and other environmental disruptions.
Q: The video suggests that wealthier nations that have contributed most to climate change are now asking developing nations to limit their emissions. What is your opinion on this?
A: The statement presents a complex ethical issue. Some may argue that wealthier nations, which have historically contributed the most to emissions, should take the lead in reducing their carbon footprint. Others might believe that developing countries should be allowed to grow their economies without restrictions, given their lower historical emissions and ongoing developmental needs.
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In The World’s Deserts: Heating Up, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains how Earth’s hottest temperatures have all been recorded in its deserts. The deserts are getting hotter more quickly than the global average. The shovel-snouted lizard adapts to the extreme heat by alternately lifting its feet from the hot ground, performing a kind of dance. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth II, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.