UDA: Global Warming

What is the greenhouse effect ? Over the past 100 years, the global average temperature has dramatically been increasing its intensity and effects. Researchers believe that global warming comes from added carbon dioxide, methane and other gases in the atmosphere. With water vapour, they form a shield that holds heat in. It acts a little like the glass in a greenhouse. It is caused by a natural process and human activities, such the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, the use of aerosols and hairsprays, etc.

The consequences of the greenhouse effect are that it can have an impact on the climatic conditions. In particular: Weather Sea levels Farming Plants and animals People

The weather The weather will become very hot in some countries and very cold in others. There will be storms, floods, droughts, hurricanes.

Sea levels The increased temperature will melt glaciers and the water level will increase and increase, flooding the lower coastal areas.

Farming A change in weather may result in different quantities of rain and this will affect crops.

Plants and animals Help me ! They will not probably survive the changes in weather temperatures. For example polar bears will have to look for a new home.

People Our lifestyle will change and we should adapt ourselves to the variations.

ALTERNATIVES Global warming has been worsening over the last century but we can do something to prevent and reduce its negative impact. For example : Becoming more and more aware of what global warming consequences mean to us all, we should follow some useful suggestions concerning our lifestyle, such as: - recycling materials, - using fluorescent bulbs, - buying fuel-efficient cars.

The present situation… Most people agree that to curb global warming a variety of measures need to be taken. On a personal level, driving and flying less, recycling, and conserving reduce a person’s "carbon footprint“, that is the amount of carbon dioxide a person is responsible for putting into the atmosphere. On a larger scale, governments are taking measures to limit emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. One way is through the Kyoto Protocol, an agreement between countries to cut back on carbon dioxide emissions. Another method is to put taxes on carbon emissions or impose higher taxes on gasoline, so that people and companies will have greater incentives to conserve energy and pollute less.

European union policies The EU’s long-term objective is to achieve levels of air quality that do not result in unacceptable impacts and risks to human health and the environment. The EU acts at many levels to reduce exposure to air pollution through legislation: cooperation with sectors responsible for air pollution, as well as international, national and regional authorities and non-governmental organizations and research. EU policies aim to reduce exposure to air pollution by reducing emissions and setting limits and target values for air quality.

The Environment Action Program LIVING WELL WITHIN THE LIMITS OF OUR PLANET The European Commission has proposed a new Environment Action Program for the EU. Entitled "Living well, within the limits of our planet", it will guide environment policy up to 2020. The proposal aims to enhance Europe's ecological resilience and transform the EU into an inclusive and sustainable green economy. Despite progress in some areas, Europe continues to face significant environmental challenges, as well as opportunities to make the environment more resilient to risks and change. Protecting natural capital, encouraging more resource efficiency and accelerating the transition to the low-carbon economy are key features of the program, which also seeks to tackle environmental causes of disease. The results should help stimulate sustainable growth and create new jobs to set the Union on the path of becoming a better and healthier place to live.

“We have a dream…” It is estimated that achieving the objective of the Europe 2020 Strategy to have 20% of the EU's energy supplied from renewable sources by 2020 will have a net effect of creating around 417,000 additional jobs and an extra 0.25% of GDP (= gross domestic product), not only in the traditional energy sector but far beyond. If we just take the potential of energy efficiency benefits, getting on track to achieve the 20% energy efficiency target in 2020 EU GDP is forecast to increase up to €34bn and boost net employment till 400,000 jobs. Despite economic downturn, the green economy has seen a rise in employment and remains strong. Investment in renewable energy infrastructure and energy efficiency will create jobs across sectors included the building sector which has been hit hard by the financial crisis.

Liceo Scientifico Statale «G. Galilei» Pescara a. s Liceo Scientifico Statale «G. Galilei» Pescara a. s. 2012/13 MARINUCCI LEONARDO Class II A English Teacher: Prof.ssa Miscia Roberta