BaCCC/Module 1/Lesson 3/Part 3

Climate change: current trends and projections

Climate change or global warming trends and projections are mostly displayed in graphs or maps. The following activity will help you explore and assess climate change trends and future projections. Take some time to figure out what it is you are looking at. (Please do not worry if you do not understand it all. The main point to take away is that all trends are increasing – many of them at accelerating rates – which is indicated by the lines curving upward, not going straight.)

Activity

Explore the following websites to learn about global climate change trends and projections. Write anything you want to remember in your learning journal.

Looking at the indicator graphs (at NOAA, NASA, etc.), note how the climate change trends are increasing (rising graphs, for example).

Given these trends, how would you describe the state of your planet? Write your description in your learning journal.

• "Future Climate Change"

• "Fourth National Climate Assessment"