SPEAKING

 Effects of global warming

 Increases in average temperatures and temperature extremes: the temperature has
increased by 0.8 degree Celcius over the past 100 years, Earth’s surface temperature was
0.99 degree Celcius warmer than the avergae across the entire 20th century.
 Extreme weather events: heat waves, droughts, blizzards and rainstorms will continue to
occur more often and with greater intensity due to global warming.
 Plants and animals: warmer temperatures will expand the range of many disease-causing
pathogens, killing off plant and animal species that formerly were protected from disease.
 Social effects: drought, severe weather, diversity of pests and a loss of arable land cause
severe crop failures → spark famines, food riots, political instability.
 Solutions to reduce the risks
 Use energy wisely: unplug computers, TVs and other electronic devices when not using
them, change to energy-efficient light bulbs, etc.
 Green the commute: reduce transportation emissons and save money by using public
transit, ride bikes or advocate for bike lanes in own community, car-share.
 Use less hot water: set water heater at a lower temperature to save energy and buy low-
flow showerheads to save hot water.
 Encourage others to conserve: share infos about recycling and energy conservation with
family, friends, co-workers and take opportunities to encourage public officials to establish
programs and policies benefiting the environment.