PALAWAN STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Sciences

GE-STS: SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY AND
SOCIETY

Climate Change

Module 7
 Table of Contents

Content Page

Title Page
Table of Contents……………………………………………………………………….1
Learning Outcomes………………………..…………………………...………………2
Overview…….………………………………………………………………….............3
Initial Activity…………………….………………….......………………………………4
Discussion …………………………………………………………….………………..5
7.1 Climate Change and the Energy Crisis………………...............5
7.2 Causes of Climate Change………………....……….….………..6
Learning Check………………………………………………………………………..12
7.3 Effects of Climate Change on Society………………….….......13
Learning Check…………………………………………………….………………….14
Evaluation……………………………………………………………..……………….15
Rubrics………………………………………………………………………………….16
Lesson in Action ………………………………………………………………………18
References…………………………………………………………………................19

Page 1
 Learning Objectives

After going through in this module, you should be able to:

✔ LO2 Construct a fishbone map that shows the causes and effects of
climate change to humans and environment.

✔ LO3 Illustrate personal understanding on how dangerous climate change

is.

✔ LO4 Develop ideas on how humanity will solve climate change.

✔ LO5 Create a video presentation that disseminates knowledge on climate

change.

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 Overview
In our last module, we realized the
importance of nanoworld and gene therapy
(stem cell). Now we are going to proceed to
the next topic which is the climate change,
here we can be able to assess what is the
connections between nanotechnology and
other inventions to our earth’s climate.
Our Earth’s climate is evolving. Many
proofs show changes in our weather,
oceans, ecosystems, and more. We cannot
explain all of these changes only by natural
causes. A human deed is adding to climate
change; primarily by releasing billions of tons
of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other
heat-trapping gases know as greenhouse
gases into the atmosphere every year.
Climate changes will continue. The more
greenhouse gases we release, the larger
future climate changes will be. (“Overview of
Climate Change Sciences”, 2017)
In this module, we will talk about how
climate change affects our health,
environment, and economy.
Note it!
416 parts per million the
concentration of carbon dioxide
(CO2) in our atmosphere, as of
May 2020, is the highest it has
been in human history
2020 was one of the warmest
years on record and indicate
mounting risks of climate
change.
Eleven percent of all global
greenhouse gas emissions
cause by human is due to
deforestation- comparable to
the emissions from all of the
passenger’s vehicles on the
planet.
Eleven percent of the world’s
population (800 M) is currently
vulnerable to climate change
impacts, such as droughts,
floods, heat waves, extreme
weather events, and sea-level
rise. 4
https://www.conservation.org/st
ories/11-climate-change-facts-y
ou-need-to-know
Page 3
 Initial Activity

Mapping your Thoughts

Fill out the diagram arranging the following words given below to describe your
understanding of the structure of climate change.

Climate change, Cause, Evidence, Manage, Warming oceans, Natural

processes, Volcanic eruption, Human activity, Population increase,
Fossil fuels, Melting glaciers, Rising sea levels, Further scientific
research, Changing consumer behavior, Laws/policies

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 Discussion

7.1 Climate Change and the Energy Crisis

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), A United Nations

body that analyzes climate change science, releases its report on global climate
change. The report’s important conclusions were the following: world’s climate
change has changed significantly over the past century; the significant change has
human influence; using climate models and if the trends continue the global means
surface temperature will increase between 1 ºC and 3.5 ºC by 2100 (Serafica, et al.,
2018).

But first, what is climate change? Climate change refers to the statistically
significant changes in climate for a continuous period. Factors that contribute to
climate change can be natural internal process, external forces and persistent
anthropogenic changes in the composition of atmosphere or land use. It can be due
to natural occurrences or contributed by acts of human beings (Serafica, et al.,
2018).

The global economy future will increase the consumption of needed energy,
especially with the developing Asian countries with high energy demand. This is
associated with the tremendous risk of climate change correlated with the use of
fossil fuel and other energy sources that makes supplying the required safe level of
energy increasingly difficult. People rely on coal, oil, and gas for over 85% of their
current energy needs, a situation that shows little sign of changing over the
medium-term without drastic policy changes. This dependence on COG (Council of
Government) is expected to increase by almost half in 2038. Even though humanity
understands the increase in demand for these energy sources, it is still alarming that
our resources may soon be lacking with catastrophic consequences for the world 6

economy and quality of life (Doria, et al., 2018).

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 Discussion

7.2 Causes of Climate Change

The causes of climate change could be natural or by human activities.

https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/climate-change-science/overview-climate-change-science_.
html

7.2.1 Natural Causes

1. Volcanic Eruption

One of the natural causes of climate change is volcanic eruption.

When volcanoes erupt, its release different natural aerosols like carbon
dioxide, sulfur dioxide, salt crystal, volcanic ashes or dust, and even
microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. The volcanic eruption can cause a
cooling effect to the lithosphere that can block a certain percentage of solar
radiation because it emitted aerosol. This cooling effect can last for one to two
years (Serafica, et al., 2018) 7

https://www.getrealphilippines.com/2020/01/the-opposition-are-desperate
ly-using-the-taal-volcano-eruption-to-make-duterte-look-bad/

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 Discussion

7.2.1 Natural Causes

2. Orbital Changes

Causes climate change also due to Earths orbits. This was proposed by
Milankovitch Theory with three elements that have cyclic variation are eccentricity,
obliquity and precession, its states “that as the earth travels through space around
the sun, cyclical variations in three elements of earth sun geometry combine to
produce variations in the amount of solar energy that reaches earth (Serafica, et al.,
2018)

https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/72339137751615567/
3. Carbon Dioxide Theory

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is added when power and heat are produced by burning
coal, oil, and other fossil fuel. Carbon dioxide is transparent to sunshine but not 8
invisible to infrared (heat) radiation leaving the ground. Carbon dioxide absorbs part
of the infrared radiation in the air and returns in to the ground keeping the air near the
surface warmer than it would be if the carbon dioxide raises the temperature to 2 ºC
to 3 ºC. (Serafica, et al., 2018)

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 Discussion

7.2.1 Natural Causes

4. Human Activities

One of the main contributors to climate change is human activities. The

burning of fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, is the
largest known contributor. Greenhouse gases and aerosols affect climate change by
altering incoming solar radiation and outgoing infrared (thermal) radiation that are
part of Earth’s energy balance. Warming or cooling of the climate system results from
changing the atmospheric abundance of properties of these gases and particles. The
overall effect of human activities on climate has been a warming influence Since the
start of the industrial era (about 1750). The human impact on climate during this era
greatly exceeds that due to known changes in natural processes, such as solar
changes and volcanic eruptions. Human activities result in emissions of four principal
greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide (CO2) methane (CH4) nitrous oxide (N2O) and
halocarbons (a group of gases containing fluorine, chlorine, and bromine). These
gases accumulate in the atmosphere, causing concentration to increases in time.
(Serafica, et al., 2018)

https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/climate-change-science/overview
-climate-change-science_.html

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 Discussion
5. Global Warming

It is the long-term warming of the planets overall temperature. Though this

warming trend has been going on for a long time, the burning of fossil fuels has
significantly increased in the last hundred years. As the human population has
increased, the volume of fossil fuels being burned also increase. Fossil fuel includes
coal, oil, natural gas, and burning them causes what has known greenhouse's effects
on the atmosphere. Global warming is the excess heat in the atmosphere that has
caused the average global temperature to rise over time. (National Geographic
Society, 2019)

Global warming has presented other issues called climate change. Sometimes
these phrases are used interchangeably, however, they are different. Climate change
refers to changes in weather patterns and growing seasons around the world. It also
refers to sea level rise caused by the expansion of warmer seas and melting ice
sheets and glaciers. Global warming causes climate change, which poses a serious
threat to life on earth in the forms of widespread flooding and extreme weather.
Scientists continue to study global warming and its impact on Earth. (National
Geographic Society, 2019)

These maps show temperatures

across the world in the 1880s (left)
and the 1980s (right). Blue colors
represent cooler temperatures
compared with the average
temperatures from 1951 to 1980,
and red colors represent warmer
10
temperatures compared to this
average. The map on the left shows
that it was colder in the 1880s in
most places. The map on the right
shows it was warmer in the 1980s
in most places. Earth's average
surface temperature has increased
by more than 1.5°F since the https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/climate-change-science/over
1880s. Two-thirds of the warming view-climate-change-science_.html
has occurred since 1975, at a rate
of roughly 0.3°F – 0.4°F per decade

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 Discussion
6. Greenhouse Gases

They are gases that absorb and emit radiant energy within the thermal infrared range,
causing the greenhouse effect known as greenhouse gas. The primary greenhouse gases in
Earth’s atmosphere are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone.
(Wikipedia, 2021)

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are called greenhouse gases. This section
provides information on emissions and removals of the main greenhouse gases to and from
the atmosphere.

This graph shows the increase in greenhouse

gas (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere
over the last 2,000 years. Increases in
concentrations of these gases since 1750 are
due to human activities in the industrial era.
Concentration units are parts per million (ppm)
or parts per billion (ppb), indicating the number
of molecules of the greenhouse gas per million
or billion molecules of air.

https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/climate-change-s
cience/overview-climate-change-science_.html

A. Carbon dioxide: carbon dioxide enters the 11

atmosphere through burning fossil fuels (coal,
natural gas, and oil), solid waste, trees and
other biological materials, and also as a result
of certain chemical reactions (e.g.,
manufacture of cement). Carbon dioxide is
removed from the atmosphere (or
sequestered) when it is absorbed by plants as
part of the biological carbon cycle. (Overview
of Greenhouse Gases, 2017)

https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases

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 Discussion
B. Methane: methane is emitted during the
production and transport of coal, natural
gas, and oil. Methane emissions also
result from livestock and other agricultural
practices and by the decay of organic
waste in municipal solid waste landfills
(Overview of Greenhouse Gases, 2017).

https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases

C. Nitrous oxide: nitrous oxide is emitted

during agricultural and industrial activities,
combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste, as
well as during treatment of wastewater
(Overview of Greenhouse Gases, 2017).

https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases

D. Fluorinated gases: hydro fluorocarbons,

perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, and
nitrogenous trifluoride are synthetic, powerful
gases that are emitted from a variety of 12
industrial processes. Fluorinated are
sometimes used as substitutes for stratospheric
ozone depleting substances
(chlorofluorocarbons, hydro
chlorofluorocarbons, and halons). These gases
are typically emitted in smaller quantities, but
because they are potent greenhouse gases,
they are sometimes referred to as high global
warming potential gases (High GWP gases).
(Overview of Greenhouse Gases, 2017)
https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases

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 Learning Check

Make a fishbone map showing causes and effects of climate

change to both humans and environment.

13

Page 12
 Discussion

7.3 Effects of Climate Change on Society

Climate change could cause severe affects to all life forms around our planet. It
direct affects the basic elements of people’s lives like water, food, health, use of land,
and the environment. These are the following causes and effects of climate change
according to Serafica, et al., (2018).

Melting glaciers will increase flood risks during the wet season and strongly reduce
dry-season water supplies to one-sixth of the world’s population, predominantly in
the Indian subcontinent, part of china, and the Andes in South America. Melting or
collapse of ice sheets would raise sea levels and eventually threaten at least 4
million km2 of land, which today is home to 5 percent of the world’s population.
In Africa, are likely to leave hundreds of millions without the ability to produce or
purchase sufficient food because of Declining crop yields due to drought
Oceans edifications, a direct result of rising carbon dioxide levels, will have major
effects on marine ecosystems, with possible adverse consequences on fish stocks.
Climate change will increase worldwide deaths from malnutrition and heat stress.
Vectors-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever could become more
widespread if effective control measures are not in place.
Rising sea levels may results in more flooded areas each year with a warming of 3
ºC to 4 ºC.
There will be serious risks and increasing pressures for coastal protection.
Ecosystem will be particularly vulnerable to climate change, with one study
estimating that around 15-40 percent of species face extinction with 2 ºC of
warming.
Warming may induce sudden shifts in regional weather patterns like the monsoons 14
or the El Niño. Such changes would have severe consequences for water
availability and flooding in tropical regions and threaten the livelihood of billions.
The consequences of climate change will become disproportionately more
damaging with increased warming. Higher temperature will increased the chance of
triggering abrupt and large scale changes that leads to regional disruption,
migration, and conflict.

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 Learning Check

Make your own poster that shows your personal understanding on how dangerous
climate change nowadays is.

15

Page 14
 Evaluation

Essay Writing

Write an essay on how humanity will solve climate change. Give your essay a
creative title. (minimum of 300 words)

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 Rubrics

Table 1.3 Rubric for Concept Mapping/Poster Making

Criteria 10 9-7 6-4 3-1

Content Contents are Contents are Some contents are Contents are
relevant. The topics relevant. Some of not relevant. Some irrelevant. Many
are properly the subtopics are not subtopics are not subtopics are
summarized and included. Topics are included and are not missing and are
organized. organized. properly not properly
summarized and summarized and
organized. organized.

Creativity Ideas and drawings Ideas and drawings Some of the ideas The concept
are creative. are creative. Some and drawings are map/poster is plain
Thoughts are thoughts are creative. Some and no creativity.
original; drawings familiar; drawings thoughts are
are neat and clear. are almost neat and familiar; drawings
clear. are almost neat and
clear.

17

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 Rubrics
Table 1.4 Rubric for Essay Writing
Criteria 10
Focus and One simple, well-focused
Details subject exists. The key concepts
are straightforward and well
supported by thorough and
precise details.
Creativity Thoughts and ideas are creative.
The voice is original, and the
essence of the topic is unique.
Organization The whole essay is structured.
The key topic is given and an
outline of the paper is provided.
Knowledge is important and
presented in a logical order.
Inference is strong.
Sentence All phrases are well developed
Structure, and differ in structure and
Grammar, duration. In grammar,
Mechanics & mechanics, and / or spelling, the
Spelling author makes no mistakes.
Instructor’s
Comments
8-9 5-7 1-4
One simple, Several subjects It is not clear about the
well-focused subject exist. The main subjects and main
exists. Key principles concepts are concepts.
are simple, but somewhat apparent.
comprehensive
knowledge is not well
supported.
Thoughts and ideas are Most of the thoughts The essay is plain and
creative. Most of the and ideas are without creativity.
parts are original and creative. Some parts
creatively unique. are familiar.
Most of the A few sections are There is no organization
components are not standardized. of the whole essay. No
structured. The The main subject is simple introduction,
introduction sets out mentioned in the structure, or conclusion is
the main subject and introduction. There present.
offers a summary of is a conclusion
the article. A included.
conclusion is included.
The majority of Most phrases are Sentences sound
phrases are well built well built, but they unnatural, are repeated
and differ in form and have a structure distractingly, or are hard
duration. In grammar, and/or duration that to comprehend. In
mechanics, and / or is identical. In grammar, mechanics,
spelling, the author grammar, and/or spelling, the
makes a few mistakes, mechanics, and/or author makes several 18
but they do not spelling, the author errors that interfere with
interfere with learning. makes many errors comprehension.
that interfere with
comprehension.
Page 17
 Lesson in Action

Directions: Make a 3-5 minutes video presentation based on the given scenario
and activity below.

Scenario:
You are the Mayor of Puerto Princesa City and you are scheduled to meet with the
delegation of the United Nations (UN). The UN delegation will discuss the possible
climate change prevention project/program that may be developed – and hopefully
funded and implemented – in PPC. Such climate change prevention
program/project will form part of your Prevention Actions services in PPC.

Activity:
In this situation, the only reference you can hold on to is the lecture of your
instructor in this module. Read all the necessary discussions, and you can also
visit and check other references available if you want. As a mayor, come up with a
creative video presentation that you will be using to disseminate information about
climate change awareness to the public. Wear proper attire during presentation.
Your video presentation must contain the following elements and respond to the
following questions:

1. What is climate change?

2. What are the cause and effects of climate change?
3. What are the solutions of climate change?
4. What you can do to stop climate change?
5. What will happen if we do nothing to stop climate change?

Note: Don’t limit your presentation to the given questions, you can add more 19
information that are related to climate change.

Page 18
 References

Climate Change Science. (2016, September 9). Overview of Climate Change

Science. Environmental Protection Agency. https://19
january2017snapshot.epa.gov/climate-change-science/overview-climate-change-scie
nce_.html.

Doria, et al. (2018). Science, Technology and Society. Jimczyville Publications. #16
Concha St., Bgry. Tinajeros, Malabon City.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions. (2020, September 8). Overview of Greenhouse Gases.

Environmental Protection Agency.
https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases

Muller, T. (n.d.). Climate Change: 11 Facts You Need To Know. Conservation

International.
https://www.conservation.org/stories/11-climate-change-facts-you-need-to-know

National Geographic Society (2019). Global warming. National Georgaphic.

https://www.nationalgeographic.org

Serafica, et.al. (2018). Science, Technology and Society. Rex Book Store, Inc. 856
Nicanor Reyes Sr. St., Manila.

Wikipedia (2021, January 25). Greenhouse gas.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gas
20

Prepared by:

Nuevacubeta, Merick Jan U.

CS-BPS Faculty

Page 19