Task 3: Jigsaw reading cards
Climate change
Climate change, also called global warming, refers to the changes in the climate and a rise in the
average temperatures on Earth. 97% of scientists agree that climate change is happening and the
main cause is from an increase in greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide, methane and Nitrous
Oxide) in the atmosphere. These trap the heat from the sun, which is making the Earth hotter. This is
known as the greenhouse effect. Over the last few years, there has been more extreme weather
events, like floods, droughts, wildfires and heat waves.
Deforestation
Rainforests help to control global warming because they absorb carbon dioxide. In recent years,
larges areas have been destroyed, as trees are cut down for wood or burned to clear the land for
farming. The burning releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Many rainforests grow on poor soils, so when they are cut down or burned the soil is washed away in
tropical rains, so that the area may turn into desert. Many plant and animal species that live there can
become extinct, and indigenous tribes can lose their homes.
Pollution
Air pollution and climate change are closely linked. Often it is the same gases that create the poor air
quality in cities especially which can cause serious health problems for people living in urban areas.
Water pollution is a huge problem and unclean water is a major threat to human health. Water
pollution happens when dangerous chemicals from factories, farming and other industries are allowed
into rivers, lakes and oceans and into our water systems. Plastic waste is also a big problem.
Soil pollution is also a big problem. The use of fertilizer and pesticides can contaminate land and
threaten food security.
Recycling
Recycling is the processing of used objects and materials so that they can be used again. About 60%
of rubbish from homes and factories contain materials that could be recycled. Recycling saves energy
and also reduces damage to the countryside.
Glass, paper and aluminium cans can all be recycled very easily. Many towns have special bins
where people can leave their empty bottles and cans for recycling. A lot of paper bags, writing paper
and greeting cards are now produced on recycled paper. Even more effective than recycling is
choosing products that use a minimum of plastic and paper packaging.