Earth in the Hot Seat

Scientists have been warning about the negative effects of global warming, but even they did not anticipate the accelerated rate of the earth heating up. In the past few years, the earth's temperature has risen quickly and steadily, resulting in some dramatic climatic changes. What does this mean for our planet? How will the changes in temperature affect the earth's climate and natural resources? What will it mean for humankind? How can we change this trend, or can we change it? This episode of Investigative Reports explores the meanings and effects of global warming. Earth in the Hot Seat would be useful for classes on Science and Technology, Ecology, Geography and Ethics. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

OBJECTIVES
Students will explore the impact of global warming on the earth and its environments. They will discuss the climatic changes as well as the affects of these changes. They will examine the debates of human responsibility and what can be done to reverse the warming trend.

• astounding
• compelling
• conclusive
• devastate
• exacerbate
• gradual
• isotope
• magnitude
• obvious
• rigors
• unprecedented
• volatile

1. There are those who believe that global warming has yet to be proved, that it is only theoretical. What is theoretical? How does the theoretical differ from the actual or the proven?

2. What exactly is global warming? How do we measure it? What are some of its consequences?

3. Environmental detectives search for clues to global warming. Who are these environmental detectives? How do they practice their craft? What kind of clues do they search for?

4. Scientists point out that Alaska is melting. What is the evidence for this? How does this evidence support the scientists' claim?

5. Discuss the phenomenon that scientists call "the greenhouse effect."

6. "What is a climatologist? How do they practice their craft? What do they study? Why are they so interested in global warming?

7. Scientists warn that the Alaskan forests are dying. Why?

8. Scientist study tree rings to learn about climatic history. What do these tree rings reveal about the earth's climate? How are they indicators of climate?

9. What is an ecosystem? What is the importance of balance in an ecosystem?

10. How do glaciers reveal a record of the earth's climatic history?

11. Many blame climatic changes in 1999 to El Niño. What is El Niño?

12. What can we do to save our earth?

1. Research the unusual weather patterns of 1999. Why were these patterns so unusual? Use your data to create a poster illustrating some of the dramatic weather occurrences.

2. Create a poster or brochure warning of the effects of global warming.

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Air Dates

• May 04, 2004
• September 03, 2004