Reference no: EM133196538 , Length: Word count: 2 Pages
Assignment Task 1: While not a scientifically controversial issue, climate change caused primarily by human activities is a politically controversial issue. In this course you are learning the science behind climate change. With this knowledge you can help others understand the causes, symptoms, and impacts of climate change. With this knowledge, current and future generations can come up with solutions to mitigate and adapt to a changing climate.
Please discuss the following questions:
(1) How does the greenhouse effect play a role in determining the climate on Earth?
(2) What human activities are impacting the carbon cycle?
(3) How does having an overloaded carbon cycle impact the greenhouse effect?
(4) Before taking this class, did you understand or "believe" that human-induced climate change is occurring? Explain why or why not. Have you ever had a conversation with another about climate change?
(5) How would you engage in a discussion with a climate change skeptic? Would you explain the science behind climate change? What evidence would you present?
(6) Explain at least 3 impacts of climate change that should be a concern for any individual and future generations.
(7) Discuss at least two things that humans can do to mitigate or adapt to a changing climate.
(8) Why should businesses, politicians, or government officials have a vested interest in working to lower carbon emissions to lessen the severity of the impacts of a changing climate?
Assignment Task 2: Go to site: watercalculator to estimate your daily personal water use.
Use the + and - and scroll bars to fine tune each question. Near the end of the exercise, when asked for what you are most interested in, select "Get my Water Footprint." Then select your "Indoor Water Use."
(1) Share your individual and household water footprint. How does it compare to the national average?
(2) Does the number surprise you and why?
(3) Scroll down on your results to see how your water use breaks down by category. What activity contributes to your largest consumption of water?
(4) Do you consider the amount of water you use to be excessive or necessary?
(5) Look at the categories where your water use is greater than average and click on the "Tips." Choose at least two of the conservation tips from any category and discuss how you will use these to conserve water in your everyday life.