The Science of Global Warming

Activities for Interdisciplinary Instruction of Sea Level Rise and the Earth Day Celebration

Science Classes: Loss of Biodiversity due to Sea Level Rise

Science Classes will be teaching the importance of biodiversity for environmental health. Species diversity and abundance presently are a result of long term climate patterns. As global temperatures continue to increase changes will be seen in local, regional and global weather patterns. Past data suggests that plants and animals change environments as climates change. However, if changes in these climates occur too quickly plants and animals will not be able to reestablish themselves quickly enough, and extinction may occur (Gao et al. 2006). As species become extinct changes will occur in food webs causing even more extinctions and loss of biodiversity.

Biodiversity is essential for the stability of an ecosystem and the sustainability of populations. Healthy ecosystems create healthy biospheres that are balanced cycles of energy and nutrients. These cycles are made up of species interacting with one another. When studying a particular species it is obvious that they are dependent on or dependent upon another species. If there is a loss of any species then one system within a food web will be altered. As sea levels are altered balanced marine ecosystems become threatened.

In this activity the science teacher will introduce to class the concept of energy flow in a habitat. Students will be taking a food chain from a habitat which has been predicted to be altered by global warming and sea level rise. Students will be matched up into each food chain represented. Each group will be required to provide a visual representation of the producers and consumers within the system. Each member of the group will select one organism from the food chain and represent that organism in their own artistic mode that they choose. I will provide water colors and clay. Ecosystems that will be affected by sea level rise are;

Estuaries

Salt Marshes

Open Ocean

Mangroves Swamps

Rocky and Sandy Shores

Coral Reefs

Arctic and Antarctic Ecosystem

At the end of this lesson students will describe how energy is transferred from the sun to producers and then to consumers. They will be able to describe how consumers depend on producers.

Math Classes: Loss of Coastal Area due to Sea Level Rise

One of the most certain consequences of global warming is the continuation and acceleration of sea level rise. Since the end of the last ice age sea levels have risen by over 120 meters. Within the last 100 years tide gauge data indicates that the global rate of sea level rise is 1 to 2 mm per year. Current models project that by the end of the 21 ^st century sea level is projected to rise by over 50 cm due to global warming. If the continued increase in greenhouse gases is causing global warming then it is possible that both the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets could completely melt and raise the average sea level to 70m. (Alley et.al. 2005). With 100 million people living within one meter from mean sea level we could see in the near future millions of displaced refugees. Additional threat is to the destruction of highly valued real estate along the shorelines. Already along the Atlantic coast erosion is narrowing beaches and washing out vacation homes. As sea levels rises and coastal communities pump water from aquifers, salt water intrusions into ground water will become an even greater problem (Douglas 2004).

In the math activity students will investigate the changes that may occur on a shoreline city if sea level were to rise significantly. Students will begin by examining a topographic map published by the US Geological Survey. I will briefly describe that the area can be calculated by using the conversion that 1 inch equals 100 feet therefore a one inch by one inch square would equal 10,000 ft ². Student will trace the shoreline with a blue marker at the mean high water mark. I will have students determine the area of the map by drawing up a graph of 1 inch by 1 inch squares on a clear laminate sheet. The laminate graph will be placed over the topographic map. Students will then determine the area of the map by counting the number of squares located over the regions of land. The number of squares will be multiplied by the area of one square (10,000ft ²) and the area of land will be determined. Students will then trace a new coastline after a 1 meter increase in sea level rise occurs. Students will then calculate the area of lost land from rise of sea level. Students will then trace a new coastline after a 50 meter increase in sea level rise occurs. Students will then calculate the area of lost land from rise of sea level. Students will then determine populations of people living at each area and determine how many people will be displaced from the rise in sea level. One place to purchase topographic maps of a desired area is through www.terraserver.com.

Language Arts Classes Persuasive Letter

When making a change in our society it is important to remember the first constitutional amendment. Personal actions are important in the initial steps in reducing greenhouse gases in the United States and the World. The best way to make a change is to put pressure on an elected representative to support measures that have a positive impact on our climate crisis. Connecticut is a coastal state that relies on its thriving coastal economy. The state generates much of its revenue from aquaculture, recreation and real estate. With so much revenue locked in our bustling shoreline, there would be devastating impacts to our local economy and ecosystems if sea level and coastal erosion continues.

The language art class will research, discuss and compose letters to a politician in the form of a persuasive writing activity. Students will write their politicians to educate them on the current research on global warming, its effect on sea level rise and how our nation's economy can be altered. Students will be provided with a statement about sea level rise, which states: As the mean global sea level continues to rise it has been proposed that global warming will increase its extent with the melting of ice caps and the onset of thermal expansion of the ocean. Currently signs are apparent that coastal erosion is happening throughout the globe. As heavily populated communities are vulnerable the onset of economic decline is inevitable. Eroding landscapes will alter ecosystems and affect ground water salinity. Some people feel that there should be stricter energy policies established by the current administration to alleviate U.S. oil consumption.

The main concept of persuasive writing is the author's position. This is their opinion or point of view about the issue being discussed. When beginning to prepare oneself for a persuasive piece, it is important to first research the issue. A good place to start would be the U.S. Department of Energy, The National Resource Defense Council, and The National Commission on Energy Policy. Students will find out what the governments policies are concerning fossil fuel consumption. Students will then research what other countries are doing as members of the Kyoto Protocol. From this initial task students will generate a view on what else can be done by our state in response to global warming and sea level rise. Students will develop a thesis statement that considers the audience and their purpose. They will then need to support their view. Effective support requires an organized argument and details that clarify and strengthen the point that are made.

Business Classes

Due to the heavy population of people living within fifty miles from the coasts even a small amount of sea level rise would have substantial economical and societal impacts due to coastal erosion, increased susceptibility to storm surges, ground water contamination by salt water intrusion, loss of tax revenue form real estate and loss of revenue from coastal recreation areas.

Currently, debates of the impacts of global warming are centered on how reliable computer models are for predicted outcomes. These debates have neglected to consider the economic effect of reducing CO ₂ emissions. It is necessary to attempt a cost benefit analysis to arrive at effective policies for lowering human induced CO ₂ into the atmosphere. Estimates of costs of reducing greenhouse gases must also include possible benefits. Theses models should include the consequences of global warming over time and geographic space. That is why the costs of not attempting to ameliorate our current CO ₂ emissions must be included in policy considerations. It is also important to recognize that economic and environmental goals should be compatible. If economic models are included in decision making then policies for reducing CO ₂ emissions will help populations and their economies.

Because we live in an economically, rather than environmentally, driven society, business classes will relay how short term economic growth through the continued use of fossil fuels could result in future declines in our economy with the onset of sea level rise. These business students must have a strong environmental background in order to make sound business decisions in the future otherwise the only thing with a green hue will be the color of money. Students in the business classes will conduct a cost benefit analysis on the loss of U.S. tax revenue from real estate and revenue from coastal recreation due to sea level rise with the cost of cooperating with the Kyoto Protocol.