Annotated Bibliography on the Topic
Fawzy, Samer. “Strategies for Mitigation of Climate Change: A Review.” Environmental Chemistry Letters, vol. 18, 2020, pp. 2069-2094.
This source focuses on the causes and consequences of climate change. A scientist points out that humans are the primary cause of Earth’s temperature increase. If, previously, the average annual air temperature increase by tenths of a degree occurred over thousands of years, with the beginning of active human activity, a couple of decades is enough. This process is called global warming, and its consequences can be catastrophic. The author describes the processes of shifting climate zones, citing statistics from environmental organizations, which lends particular authority to the discussion.
Woolway, R. Iestyn. “Responses to Climate Change.” Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, vol. 1, no. 8, 2020, pp. 388–403.
Humanity’s most serious challenges are the climate crisis and the decline of biodiversity. Scientists note that the increase in average temperature has a profound impact on all living organisms, and these effects are expected to become even more significant over time. Humankind still has the opportunity to change this situation and mitigate the devastating effects of climate change. However, human-generated greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 50%.
Jansson, Janet K., and Kirsten S. Hofmockel. “Soil Microbiomes and Climate Change.” Nature Reviews Microbiology, vol. 18, no. 1, 2020, pp. 35–46.
The article proves that food security and climate change are interrelated. The choices people make today are vital to the future of food. Individuals’ resources to produce food have become more valuable than ever under a changing climate. It is necessary to use green fuels and reduce the mindless consumption that destroys the environment daily. The scientists published the article in a recent, relevant source, making it pertinent to the project.
Educational Product: News Article
The Danger of Climate Change: How Conscious Citizens Can Make a Difference
In recent years, the Earth’s climate has undergone significant changes, with some countries experiencing abnormal heatwaves and others excessively harsh and snowy winters. Environmentalists are lecturing about global climate change, including an increase in the average annual temperature, causing glaciers to melt, and rising sea levels. Except for warming, there is an imbalance in all natural systems, leading to changes in precipitation patterns, temperature anomalies, and an increased frequency of extreme events such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts. According to scientists, the planet’s average temperature in 2022 was 1.3 °C higher than that recorded in the 19th century (Jansson et al. 38). This threshold was exceeded several years ago for the first time in modern history. Since then, the situation has escalated considerably.
Human activity, including theburning of oil, gas, and coal, leads to the greenhouse effect, which causes an increase in the average global temperature. Experts note that between 2010 and 2020, there has been the most substantial increase in greenhouse gas emissions in 30 years (Jansson et al. 38). If states do not seriously address the problem of environmental protection, the world will cease to exist. By 2100, the planet’s temperature may rise by 3.7-4.8°C, while irreversible consequences for the ecology will occur if the temperature rises by more than 2°C (Fawzy 2084). All natural systems are experiencing imbalances, resulting in altered rainfall patterns, unusual temperature shifts, and more frequent environmental disasters, such as droughts, hurricanes, and floods.
The effects of this phenomenon can be seen everywhere, from drought and famine in Africa and the drying heat in South Asia to wildfires in North America, devastating hurricanes, and flooding in New York City. Saving the planet is not merely a task for politicians; it is the responsibility of the entire community, as climate change affects everyone. Some countries may become uninhabitable by 2100 due to rising humidity and high average temperatures (Fawzy 2080).
Moreover, if climate warming is not stopped, many ecosystems, comprising the species of living beings that inhabit them, will become less diverse and less abundant. There are predictions that up to 30-40% of plant and animal species will disappear (Jansson et al. 38). Their habitat will change faster than they can adapt to these changes.
It has happened multiple times in Earth’s history, but never before has change happened with extreme speed. The IPCC Special Report on Global Warming gives humans only 12 years to limit the rise in average temperatures to 1.5 °C (Woolway 390). In practice, this means that greenhouse gas emissions must be drastically reduced, starting today.
Fortunately, there are many opportunities to accomplish this mission. To improve the situation, people must adopt more sustainable habits, and a simple first step is to switch to green energy. Today, 31% of greenhouse gases result from heat, electricity, and other sectors closely related to energy production (Woolway 392). Using clean energy plays an essential role in the fight against climate change.
Furthermore, the path to the goal involves taking daily steps, such as partially avoiding car travel, reducing air travel, and making changes to diet and food choices. The problem of global warming will not disappear if a few conscientious individuals start buying organic products or adopt a more sustainable lifestyle, such as cycling. However, numerous experts agree that such decisions are vital – they affect the behavior of those we know, forcing them to change their lifestyle sooner or later. The planet’s life depends on each of us, and it is time to take action.
Reflection on the Climate Change Project
Factors Considered When Selecting the Project Format and Medium
A news article was selected as the format for an educational product due to several factors. Firstly, the most significant aspect of climate change is the need for decisive action, both globally and locally. It requires awareness of the audience, which will begin to act unobtrusively and draw others into the fight for ecology. Therefore, the audience was chosen to be middle-aged working people, as this category most often uses cars and is responsible for local energy consumption.
News is the primary source of information for this category of individuals. News sources provide data backed up by scientific research and are authoritative in the eyes of the people, which was the reason for the choice. On this basis, the blog and video were excluded as not remarkably interesting or time-consuming sources of information for the audience. Moreover, a song, an infographic, and a video game were not selected as options that do not fully disclose the topic’s importance.
How the Educational Product Communicates Climate Change Concepts
This educational product briefly summarises the main findings of scientists and environmental organizations. This information is explained, and a logical chain of causes and effects describes climate change. This information will be comprehended because it has shocking statistical data, which is explained.Moreover, after reading it, it will be clear to the audience that the world may disappear, which will cause an immediate emotional reaction.
Reflection on Any Changes in Personal Stance on Climate Change
My position on climate change has changed because it is now clear that one must act. From what I have read, it is apparent how the climate crisis will unfold if no actions are taken.If the problem of the climate crisis is not solved in time, humanity will probably have to sit through another round of global isolation. Merely the scale of a comfortable apartment may not be enough.
Key Insights and Most Interesting Aspects of the Project
In this project, I learned how to analyze information and select the most essential material, based on which it is possible to write an article for the target audience. The most interesting part was the data collection process, and I want to share the product with the public. It can be achieved by publishing it in a news source before sending the material for approval and editing.