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6th Grade Social Studies: World Geography and Global Issues
Unit 5: Human/Environment Interaction
SS060505
Lesson 5
Graphic Organizer
Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum
Copyright © 2010-2014 Oakland Schools
Page 1 of 12
December 19, 2013
6th Grade Social Studies: World Geography and Global Issues
Unit 5: Human/Environment Interaction
SS060505
Lesson 5
Big Idea Card
Big Ideas of Lesson 5 Unit 5
• Using fossil fuels to create energy results in the emission of greenhouse
gases which contribute to global warming.
• Global warming has resulted in climate change.
• Continued global warming can have many negative effects on the environment
including rising ocean levels, destruction of habitats, melting glaciers,
droughts, and extreme weather events.
• People favor different approaches to the challenge of climate change.
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December 19, 2013
6th Grade Social Studies: World Geography and Global Issues
Unit 5: Human/Environment Interaction
SS060505
Lesson 5
Word Cards
Word Cards from previous lessons used in this lesson:
•
•
•
•
•
•
human/environment interaction – Word Card #3 from Lesson 1
natural resources – Word Card #4 from Lesson 2
fossil fuels – Word Card #7 from Lesson 2
per capita – Word Card #9 from Lesson 2
energy – Word Card #14 from Lesson 4
greenhouse gases – Word Card #20 from Lesson 4
21
climate change
changes in Earth’s climate
caused by global warming
Example: Most scientists believe
climate change is related to the
increased use of fossil fuels.
(SS060505)
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December 19, 2013
6th Grade Social Studies: World Geography and Global Issues
Unit 5: Human/Environment Interaction
SS060505
Lesson 5
Global Warming Chart
Question
Your Answer
Answer from the reading
What causes
global warming?
How is the use of
energy
connected to
global warming?
What might be
some of the
consequences of
continued global
warming?
What country is
the largest
contributor to
global warming?
What can be
done to reduce
global warming
pollution?
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Copyright © 2010-2014 Oakland Schools
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December 19, 2013
6th Grade Social Studies: World Geography and Global Issues
Unit 5: Human/Environment Interaction
SS060505
Lesson 5
Global Warming Text Selection
Q:
What causes global warming?
A:
Carbon dioxide and other air pollution contribute to global warming. These gases collect in
the atmosphere like a thickening blanket, trapping the sun's heat and causing the planet to
warm up. Coal-burning power plants are the largest U.S. source of carbon dioxide pollution.
They produce 2.5 billion tons every year. Automobiles, the second largest source, create
nearly 1.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) annually.
Q:
What might be some of the consequences of continued global warming?
A:
Global warming is a complex phenomenon, and its full-scale impact is hard to predict far in
advance. Each year, however, scientists learn more about how global warming is affecting
the planet. Many scientists agree that certain consequences are likely to occur if current
trends continue. Among these are the following:
•
Melting glaciers, early snowmelt and severe droughts will cause more dramatic water
shortages in the American West.
•
Rising sea levels will lead to coastal flooding on the Eastern seaboard, in Florida, and
in other areas, such as the Gulf of Mexico.
•
Warmer sea surface temperatures will fuel more intense hurricanes in the southeastern
Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
•
Forests, farms, and cities will face troublesome new pests and more mosquito-borne
diseases.
•
Disruption of habitats such as coral reefs and alpine meadows could drive many plant
and animal species to extinction.
Q:
What country produces the most carbon dioxide emssions?
A:
In 2005, the United States was the largest contributor to global warming. However, by 2012,
China had overtaken the United States as the country with the largest carbon dioxide
emissions. Though there are fewer Americans than Chinese citizens, we contribute a larger
share of CO2 emissions per capita (per person). Estimates for 2012 reveal that China’s per
capita emissions were more than twice that as the United States.
Q:
What can be done to reduce global warming pollution?
A:
One important step is to reduce pollution from vehicles and power plants. Right away, we
should put existing technologies for building cleaner cars and more modern electricity
generators into widespread use. We can increase our reliance on renewable energy
sources such as wind, sun, and geothermal. And we can manufacture more efficient
appliances and conserve energy.
Sources: “Global Warming Basics.” Global Warming. Natural Resources Defense Council. 16 April 2013
<http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/f101.asp?gclid=CJuYqdXGtrYCFY4-MgodczMAAw#1>; List of Countries by Carbon Dioxide Emissions.
Wikipedia. 5 December 2013
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_carbon_dioxide_emissions#List_of_countries_by_2012_emissions_estimates>.
Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum
Copyright © 2010-2014 Oakland Schools
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December 19, 2013
6th Grade Social Studies: World Geography and Global Issues
Unit 5: Human/Environment Interaction
SS060505
Lesson 5
Global Warming – Sample Answers
Question
Your Answer
Answer from the reading
What causes global
warming?
Carbon dioxide and other air
pollution that is collecting in the
atmosphere.
How is the use of
energy connected to
global warming?
Coal burning power plants and
automobiles are the biggest causes
of carbon dioxide pollution.
What might be some
of the consequences
of continued global
warming?
Which countries are
the largest sources
of global warming?
What can be done to
reduce global
warming pollution?
Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum
Copyright © 2010-2014 Oakland Schools
•
Melting glaciers
•
Droughts
•
Rising sea levels will lead to
flooding
•
More intense hurricanes
•
New pests and diseases in
forests, farms and cities
•
Disruption of habitats
United States and China
•
Reduce pollution from vehicles
and power plants by building
cleaner cars and more modern
electricity generators
•
Use wind, sun and geothermal
energy
•
Manufacture more efficient
appliances
•
Conserve energy
Page 6 of 12
December 19, 2013
6th Grade Social Studies: World Geography and Global Issues
Unit 5: Human/Environment Interaction
SS060505
Lesson 5
Approach #1
1. We need decisive local, national and international action to prevent and minimize the
worst consequences of climate change.
What’s most needed now is strong government action to dramatically cut the production of greenhouse
gases, slow down global warming, and prevent, as much as possible, the damage it would otherwise do.
Therefore we should do things like:
Increase conservation and fuel efficiency by:
•
Requiring car makers to produce more fuel efficient cars, and discouraging consumers from buying gasguzzlers through a heavy sales tax on those vehicles.
•
Taxing carbon emissions to encourage the industrial sector to curb their emissions.
•
Putting construction codes in place that require new buildings to be highly energy efficient.
•
Investing in energy-saving public transportation.
Increase federal funding for scientific research into:
•
Clean, renewable sources of energy (such as solar, wind, and safe forms of nuclear energy).
•
Technologies that “capture” greenhouse gases from smokestacks and “store” them in ways that render
them relatively harmless to the environment.
Take a leading role in international efforts to:
•
Reduce greenhouse gases through policies that put strict limits on the amount of carbon emissions a
country can release into the atmosphere.
•
Provide aid to developing countries in the form of know-how and resources that help them industrialize
with clean energy.
The Role of Government
Our government must play a major role in addressing climate change at home and leading the way abroad. This is
precisely the kind of long-term, complex issue that governments should do. Private businesses, focused as they are
on the bottom line, have little incentive to address this on their own.
The Role of Business
With strong governmental regulations, business and industry must begin to make necessary changes to reduce
emissions.
The Role of Citizens
In addition to voting for candidates who support the above policies, citizens can do things like:
•
Recycle and use energy in the home and at work more efficiently, and encourage others to do the same.
•
Buy local food and merchandise, because they require less transportation to reach us, and are therefore
responsible for less greenhouse gas emissions.
Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum
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December 19, 2013
6th Grade Social Studies: World Geography and Global Issues
Unit 5: Human/Environment Interaction
SS060505
Lesson 5
Approach #2
2. We need to make sure our most vulnerable communities adapt to the inevitable changes
global warming will cause.
Given how far global warming has already advanced, and given how little willingness and ability the world
has shown to face up to it, the wisest course of action is to figure out how to help our most vulnerable
communities adapt to the serious problems climate change will inevitably cause.
Therefore we should do things like:
Adapt society to harsher weather conditions by:
•
Enacting new building codes to make our cities more weather- and flood-proof.
•
Giving aid to farmers to help them switch to crops and methods that can survive climate disruptions.
•
Developing new dams and water control systems to minimize the impact on cities likely to be affected by
higher sea levels.
Discourage people from living in areas that are likely to be hard-hit by floods and wildfires by:
•
Ending federal flood insurance.
•
Providing tax incentives that encourage them to move to less vulnerable regions.
•
Focusing business development in regions of the country least likely to be affected by severe weather
and flooding.
Increase federal funding for scientific research into such areas as:
•
Developing local food crops that can adapt to harsh weather conditions.
•
Control of tropical diseases and pests.
The Role of Government
State and local government, with the federal government’s support, should lead local communities in developing ways
to cope with the problems and challenges that climate change is likely to create.
The Role of Business
Instead of asking businesses to reduce greenhouse emissions, they should be required to donate a meaningful
percentage of their profits to fund local programs that help communities adapt to climate change.
The Role of Citizens
In addition to voting for candidates who support the above policies, citizens can do things like:
•
Learn about the impact climate change could have in your area (e.g., rising sea levels, droughts, heat
waves) and work with your neighbors and local officials to adapt your homes and community to deal with
them.
•
Work with schools, hospitals, and the city council to develop evacuation plans and other emergency
procedures to keep people safe during dangerous weather.
Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum
Copyright © 2010-2014 Oakland Schools
Page 8 of 12
December 19, 2013
6th Grade Social Studies: World Geography and Global Issues
Unit 5: Human/Environment Interaction
SS060505
Lesson 5
Approach #3
3. We should trust the free market to lead the way in the search for solutions.
The most important thing we can do to address the challenges of global warming is to make sure
businesses have the information, freedom, and incentives that allow them to respond to new opportunities.
When it is profitable to “go green” or develop strategies that help communities adapt to climate change,
creative entrepreneurs will seize the opportunity.
Therefore we should do things like:
Cut back on regulation and red tape that might inhibit business from responding to new opportunities
in alternative energy by:
•
Easing patent and other regulatory processes so that businesses can bring new, “green” technologies to
the market much more quickly.
•
Making it as easy to build and operate nuclear power plants in America as it is in many other countries.
•
Creating incentives for businesses to “go green,” such as tax breaks and national recognition awards.
Encouraging private sector research by:
•
Providing tax breaks for businesses that are exploring new forms of clean energy.
•
Supporting business-university partnerships to develop practical technologies for businesses to
implement.
•
Giving business interests a stronger hand and greater say in advising Congress on new environmental
policies.
Work toward international agreements that:
•
Offer trade incentives to companies that reduce greenhouse gases.
•
Encourage international banks and multinational corporations to invest in “green” technologies for the
developing world so more nations can industrialize without contributing to global warming.
The Role of Government
The main role of government is to create an economic environment that helps businesses seize new market
opportunities.
The Role of Business
Businesses should be free to pursue what is good for their prosperity with minimum interference from government so
that the free market can dictate which solutions should be pursued and when.
The Role of Citizens
In addition to voting for candidates who support the above policies, citizens can do things like:
•
•
Support organizations that advocate for low-tax, low-regulation policies that allow businesses more
freedom to innovate.
Use their dollars to reward companies that produce energy-efficient goods.
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December 19, 2013
6th Grade Social Studies: World Geography and Global Issues
Unit 5: Human/Environment Interaction
SS060505
Lesson 5
Discussion Guide
1. Discuss each of the three approaches by answering these questions:
•
What is the main idea behind this approach?
•
What are some of things we should be doing according to this approach?
•
What would the role of government be in this approach?
•
What would be the role of business in this approach?
•
What would be the role of citizens in this approach?
•
What might be an argument in favor of this approach?
•
What might be an argument against this approach?
2. Have each group member choose the approach they favor and give reasons for their
choice.
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December 19, 2013
6th Grade Social Studies: World Geography and Global Issues
Unit 5: Human/Environment Interaction
SS060505
Lesson 5
Teacher Reference Guide: Sample Arguments
Approach
Arguments in favor
•
•
1
2
3
These policies can help us become less
dependent on foreign sources of energy,
especially oil.
While it is likely to hurt some business
interests (such as oil), this approach will
protect the overall economy from
ecological disasters, while also creating
new business opportunities in other areas
such as clean energy and “green”
construction.
•
This approach focuses on saving lives
rather than on unrealistic hopes of
stopping global warming.
•
This will protect business from legislation
that could harm productivity and
prosperity.
•
The most important thing we can do to
address the challenges of climate change
is to bring the innovation and ingenuity of
business to bear upon them. If we wait for
the politicians to act, we’ll be waiting
forever.
•
Relying on business solutions will avoid
highly expensive government programs
and the intrusive regulations and policies
that restrict the freedom of businesses
and consumers.
Arguments against
•
This will be expensive and would require
diverting resources from other important
problems, such as health care and
reducing the federal deficit.
•
This approach will limit consumer choices
while also raising prices as businesses
pass their increasing costs on to
consumers.
•
Even if we can’t prevent all of the bad
effects of global warming, we’ll only be
able to adapt successfully if its effects are
not too destructive, so prevention and
mitigation efforts are still crucial.
•
By itself, an “adaptation” strategy is just
giving permission to polluters to continue
to produce more greenhouse gasses.
•
The free market can’t solve all our
problems. After all, it was big businesses,
in the form of energy and automobile
companies (among others) that helped
get us into this mess. Why should we
trust them to get us out of it, or give them
even more influence over the government
than they already have?
•
More and more business leaders are
themselves saying they can’t make the
long-term, costly changes to bring about
greater conservation and cleaner energy
without significant government regulation
and leadership.
Source: Facing the Challenges of Climate Change. Public Agenda. 5 December 2013
<http://www.publicagenda.org/files/globalwarming_guide.pdf>.
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Copyright © 2010-2014 Oakland Schools
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December 19, 2013
6th Grade Social Studies: World Geography and Global Issues
Unit 5: Human/Environment Interaction
SS060505
Lesson 5
Argument Writing Criteria and Guide
1. Introduce a claim about which of the three approaches you favor as the best solution.
My Claim is:
2. Support your claim with logical reasoning and relevant,
accurate data and evidence that demonstrate an
understanding of the issue.
3. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion
and clarify the relationships among claim(s),reasons and evidence.
The best evidence that supports my claim includes:
The reasons why each piece of evidence supports my claim:
1
1
2
2
3
3
4. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.
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December 19, 2013