-NiE ,
INTERMEDIATE Our fragile planet
4 OCTOBER 2017
9
An urgent wake-up call
WE have no one to blame but ourselves for the environmental damage we face today. Ironically, we also hold the solution to remedy some of the damage and stop further harm to our planet. The key is to educate everyone on the importance of conservation and most importantly, put it into practice in every aspect of our lives. For example, every household can make a difference by using less energy. We can also use renewable energy such as wind and solar power. If we manage our resources carefully, we will ensure the survival of the human race for generations to come.
NiE Activity Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason
● Measure ● Organise
Creative thinking ● Imagine ● Connect ● Brainstorm ● Invent
Problem solving ● Question ● Research
● Recreate ● Present
Communicating ● Oral ● Written
● Aural
Collaborating ● Listen
Read the article below which has been adapted from Sunday Star.
A tropical cyclone left destroyed cars and houses in its wake. — Filephoto
This is happening, people
MANGAI BALASEGARAM star2@thestar.com.my In decades to come, Malaysia may become simply unlivable, with extreme, bakinghot temperatures, if we take no action against climate change – the slow warming of our planet from heat-trapping “greenhouse gases” released by industry and agriculture. The report, released last month by the Asian Development Bank and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, predicts a 6°C rise in global average temperatures by the century’s end if humans do nothing about global warming. This could cause “drastic changes” to the climate, the report says, with 50% more rainfall and more flooding, as well as more intense typhoons and tropical cyclones. You can imagine the devastation to our fisheries and agriculture sectors. Even with a 1.5°C temperature increase, 89% of coral reefs are expected to suffer from serious bleaching, the researchers point out. We are already seeing changes in our climate. Heatwaves are on the rise. Heatwaves in Western nations in recent years have led to tens of thousands of deaths. In 2016, temperatures were super hot in the northern states. Temperatures rose to more than 39°C in Chuping, Perlis, and Alor Setar last year. The heat got so bad
people were advised to limit outdoors activities. There were also water shortages with dams filled at 50% less than capacity. Sure, cities do feel hot because of the “urban heat island effect” from the loss of trees and the many buildings, but even taking that into account, temperatures are rising. Last month, a massive iceberg – roughly the size of Bali – reportedly broke away from the Antarctica ice shelf. Although the melting ice at the poles is a common image of climate change, it’s the tropics that are going to get hit first, studies show. Species physiologically designed to live in the tropics might not be able to cope with climate change. Consider, even the human body only functions at a narrow range around 37°C. Heatwaves that can raise body temperatures can thus be extremely dangerous to health. Heat-related deaths in the region among the elderly are set to rise (to about 50,000 by 2050, says the World Health Organization), and more people may die of diseases spread by mosquitoes, such as malaria and dengue. Some countries are doing better on renewable energy – which is now very affordable – than others. Why so? What’s holding us back? And how do we improve our energy efficiency? We waste far too much energy. There isn’t much hope, and very little time left. We need to act. Fast. (Sunday Star, Aug 13, 2017)
● Attain goal
● Contribute respectfully
Part A
Extreme, baking-hot temperatures
More intense typhoons and tropical cyclones
More rainfall and flooding
1. In groups of four, imagine how lives would be affected, if the following changes to the climate happened. Then, using pictures and words taken from The Star, design a flow chart for each change, to depict the various scenarios that could play out.
What conclusion can you derive from this activity? In not less than 150 words, write it down as a group. Next, individually, make a pledge to combat climate change and global warming. Group conclusion: _________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________
Your pledge:
U N Based on the report cited in the article, Malaysia may become unlivable in decades to come, if we L take no action against climate change. Now, in I the same group, come up with an acrostic poem V using the word “unlivable”. Then, recite the A poem in class. B L E
Part B
I _______________ (your name) pledge to
I _______________ (your name) pledge to
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
Part C
____ (your action). I hope that ____________
____ (your action). I hope that ____________
_________________________________
_________________________________
________________________.
________________________.
In pairs, look in The Star for three articles that highlight ways on improving energy efficiency. Cut out the headlines and paste them on a sheet of A4 paper. Then, write down the recommended ways or actions. Next, reflect on the recommendations. Do you think they are useful? Rank each on a scale of one to five, with one being the most useful way to help our planet, and five being the least. Share your findings in class. Give reasons for your ranking. Do your classmates agree with you? End your presentation by persuading your friends to follow the recommendations.
I _______________ (your name) pledge to
I _______________ (your name) pledge to
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
____ (your action). I hope that ____________
____ (your action). I hope that ____________
_________________________________
_________________________________
________________________.
________________________.
Finally, as a group, present your work in class.
Article
Recommendation
Rank (How useful is it?)