CAN THE WORLD SAVE LIVES AND COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE?

By: David Biello

Published: Monday, October 1, 2012; The Scientific American; www.scientificamerican.com Alternatively, just google the title and author’s name

Level of Difficulty: **

WATCH, LISTEN AND CONSIDER
.·         How to fight desertification and reverse climate change  https://www.ted.com/talks/allan_savory_how_to_green_the_world_s_deserts_and_reverse_climate_change
The case for optimism on climate change https://www.ted.com/talks/al_gore_the_case_for_optimism_on_climate_change

QUESTIONS

1.       The example of flooding and that of the mining of tungsten are provided to prove that............................................................................................................................

2.       Communities can only become more resilient in the current climate if.........................

3.       There is a negative correlation between ................................. and ................................according to the text.

4.       Read paragraph 5 carefully. What is the fundamental point the writer is trying to make? Use your own words.

5.       What are the three reasons why “we are not winning the war on hunger”?

6.       According to experts, the purpose now is “keeping people home rather than trekking to refugee camps”. Give three examples of measures that help achieve this aim.

7.       What does “That” in the phrase “That may improve economic circumstances” in paragraph 9 refer to?

8.       What is the negative impact of urban migration?

9.       What does “this” refer to in the phrase “this humanitarian program” in paragraph 12 and how is the program financed? You will need to tweak the text.

10.   LifeStraw reduces carbon dioxide emissions as it reduces the demand for .............................. which in turn reduces the need to ..........................................................

11.   What does “that” refer to in the last line of the text?

WRITING TASK

Write a problem solution essay on how to provide sustainable development. Use the points below – which have been taken from the text – and add any others you feel suitable.

-Rethinking programs to reduce greenhouse gases by making bio fuels (takes food away, destroys habitats and alters the balance of nature)

- Investing in agricultural innovation (modern farming technology, know how, machinery, gm crops that grow in harsh climates, innovations like LieStraw)

- Providing preventative humanitarian assistance

CAN THE WORLD SAVE LIVES AND COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE? KEY AND TEACHER’S NOTES

This topical text involves a very important issue, which students need to be aware of. It is good reading unlike similar texts of this kind and lends itself to a lovely essay to boot.

1.       Environmental, humanitarian and economic challenges do not exist in isolation but that is how the world most often deals with them.

2.       The methods used to address both poverty and global warming are rethought.

3.       Resolving the energy poverty; preventing catastrophic climate change.

4.       Possible answer: Africa can’t survive; live without aid

5.       The impact of climate change; the lack of investment in agricultural innovation; the devastating impact of food aid on local farmers.

6.       Cash grants, selling off livestock, providing fodder for lactating goats.

7.       Moving to the city

8.       Increase in the impact of natural disasters

9.     Programs to deliver  family size capacity versions of LifeStraw; by selling carbon dioxide emission reductions

10.   Firewood; cut down trees

11.   Giving upfront dollars and hoping