Use the Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding Impacts data viewer to look at what happens when sea level rises and how it could impact coastal flooding not only in Florida but on any U.S. coast. The viewer is a cool screening-level tool that uses nationally consistent data sets and analyses. Data and maps provided can be used at several scales to help gauge trends and prioritize actions for different scenarios.
Today is Earth Day! Celebrate with the special edition of Brain Jam in Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. Here you will find a wide range of articles and activities that provide fresh insights into environmental issues. Not only is this edition of Brain Jam an exciting way to observe Earth Day, but it is also a timely Common Core resource with 27 informational articles, 10 web links, and 13 different Teaching Resources including activities, discussion questions, essay topics, and a quiz.
There are several current stories about different symptoms of climate change, including how satellites and space debris are affected, the threat to the production of wild crops like coffee, and the shortage of bamboo making foraging difficult for endangered pandas. Environmental policies aimed at controlling these events are often perceived as conflicting with the interests of corporations, but the effects of weather events like this summer’s drought in the middle of the country and Hurricane Sandy have made finding solutions to the extreme weather a priority. To learn more about Climate Change use these library resources:
Today, February 16 marks the six-year anniversary of the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol, a global environmental treaty that seeks to reduce gas emissions that contribute to climate change. The treaty was ratified by nearly all of the world’s countries.
One notable exception is the United States, one of the largest and most industrialized nations in the world. The United States has a wide-reaching effect on the global environment, especially through the pollution its companies emit. Similarly, because of its wealth and economic influence, the United States can significantly hamper or help worldwide environmental cleanup plans.
Grades 6-8 Cultural Learning Activity
Have students refer to the CultureGrams - World Edition.
Point out to the class that the United States is one of the top (if not the top) polluters in almost every section listed. As a class, talk about why the United States pollutes the environment so much. You might look at major industries, the size of its economy and population, etc.
Using the Comparison Table, instruct students to pick “All nations” in the box on the left and “Population” and “Real GDP per capita” in the box on the right.
Have students make a list of countries whose population levels and/or Real GDPs per capita are similar to those of the United States. Go back to the Energy tables and have students compare the emission and usage levels of the countries on their list to those of the United States.
Are any pollution levels as high? If so, which ones?
Discuss with the class what the United States could do to reduce pollution (e.g., recycling, lowering factory and car emissions, using alternative sources of fuel, etc.). Who might oppose these changes and why?
On the board, make a chart that compares the benefits and costs of signing an international treaty, such as the Kyoto Protocol, that would commit the United States to clean up its emissions.
Image via Wikipedia
The Gulf oil spill may not be spewing oil anymore, but it continues to effect the environment, economy, and political arena.
Explore the Gulf oil spill in an new, interactive tool from Gale designed to engage students.
Check out Zoom: Gulf Oil Spill, and let us know what you think!
