UNIT 2
What is Global Warming?
Global warming is a term used to describe a gradual
increase in the earth’s average ground and atmospheric temperatures across the
whole planet. Measurements indicate that the global temperature has increased
by about 1 degree Fahrenheit in the past century. This warming trend appeared
during a period when human activities were beginning to increase the carbon
dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Although most
scientists believe that a rise in carbon dioxide emissions will lead to further
global warming, uncertainties remain about the timing and severity of resulting
climatic change.
Nevertheless, many are convinced that human
activities are partly responsible for the long-term warming of the past century
and that climatic changes caused by greenhouse gas increases will be a
continuing part of our future. The impact of global warming could be
devastating. Global warming is caused by ozone depletion, melting polar ice,
and rising ocean levels. The ozone layer, which protects all life from
ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is being destroyed by the release of
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere. The widening holes in the ozone
layer allow in more UV rays, which can cause skin cancers, cataracts, and immune
system damage. UV rays are detrimental to pollination, seed production, and
marine life food supplies as well.
Ice sheets in the Arctic Ocean have receded to
record lows, and Antarctic glaciers are melting at a fast rate, causing sea
levels to rise and indigenous wildlife to lose its habitat. Rising ocean levels
could eventually cause worldwide flooding of coastal areas, forcing people and
wildlife to migrate inland. Many experts predict global warming will cause a
dramatic increase in excessive rainfall in some areas and severe drought in
others, resulting in floods, crop failures, and a rising number of forest fires
and landslides. Many of the world’s most knowledgeable climate-change
scientists forecast that the earth’s temperature will rise from 1.44 to 6.3º F
by the year 2100 if we don’t take steps to reduce greenhouse gases. An increase
of 1 to 3.6º F will occur even if we do act, because many gases have already
been released.
Adapted from http://www.yosemite.epa.gov/oar/GlobalWarming.nsf and
http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fewhours/global-warming.htm
COMPREHENSION
1.
Answer
the questions briefly!
a.
What is
global warming?
b.
When did
the warming trend begin to appear?
c.
Who is
partly responsible for the long-term warming of the past century?
d.
What are
the effects of global warming?
e.
What will
happen when the ozone layers deplete?
f.
What will
happen when the polar ice melts?
g.
What will
happen when the ocean levels rise?
h.
What do
the climate-change scientists forecast if we don’t take steps to reduce greenhouse
gases?
2.
True
or false! Write T for each true statement and F for each false statement.
a.
Global warming is a description of gradual increase
of atmospheric temperatures.
b.
Skin cancers, cataracts, and immune system damage are caused by global warming
c.
Holes in the ozone is being destroyed by the
release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere
d.
Global warming have no effects in our life
e.
Global warming is caused by the human activity
without responsible to nature.
3.
Fill
the blank
a.
The ozone layer ... all life from ultraviolet (UV)
radiation
b.
Skin cancers, cataracts, and immune system damage are ... by global warming
c.
Antarctic glaciers are ... at a fast rate
d.
Global warming is a description of gradual ... of
atmospheric temperatures.
e.
The ozone layer is being ... by the release of
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Caused, increasing, protects, melting, destroyed.
4.
Find
the word in the text above and find the meaning!
depletion
detrimental
devastating
extinguish
forecast
indigenous
inland
landslide
marine
life
pollination
severity
5.
Retell
the story above!
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