As you well know, one of the most serious issues facing you today is the destruction of the Earth's environment. Imagine, in the brief period of time since the industrial revolution, scientists have noted that humans have actually been able to effect the weather patterns, temperature, and atmosphere of the Earth. Negative effects on biological organisms will inevitably follow if we do not reverse the trends that we have started.
The 193 nations of the Earth have come together this week to agree upon a way to stop the process of global warming. You and your fellow U.N. specialty teams on climate control are here to decide on a piece of legislation that would decrease the specific causes of greenhouse gases by the year 2030. Should you and your committee support the agreement or not?
Developed nations have their own economic and political concerns when it comes to decreasing the emission of Greenhouse causing gases. As a committee, you will investigate what these concerns are and come to a conclusion on whether or not you believe it is in your best interest to sign the proposed piece of legislation on cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
As the government committee, you must address the following questions:
What is the present policy on global warming and decreasing emissions of Greenhouse Gases of the countries that you represent?
What type of economy exists in the countries that you represent?
What is the current political situation ? (Democracy, monarchy...Stable? Unstable?)
What type of industry exists ?
How would signing this treaty effect economic growth of your representative nations?
By signing this treaty what countries will you be in agreement with?
How will this effect your relationship with these countries?
By not signing this treaty what countries will you be in agreement with?
How will this effect your relationship with these countries?
How will this effect the popularity of the government in power?
What impact will this have on electoral chances of the party in power?
Which interest groups do the people in power need to appease?
Who makes the final decision? Is the president active or does he delegate responsibility to experts?
How would your ideal piece of legislation on Global Warming read?
Do you intend to agree to the proposed U.N. piece of legislation?
As an environmentalist you represent the interests of the world's people in preservation of the global environment and other micro environments. Groups such as the Sierra Club and the Climate Action Network are representative of these organizations (there are many). They are non-government agencies whose interests are not primarily centered in the benefits to one particular nation.
As environmental specialists, you must address the following questions:
Have the effects of global warming already been felt? If so, where on Earth and how?
A change in the global temperature will have what effects on the wild life, rivers, agriculture, and flora of the Earth?
Which nations are in immediate danger of feeling the effects of global warming?
What types of climates are most likely to be effected?
How will they be effected?
As a group, who do you speak for?
What type of people?
From which countries?
What are the general views of the organizations that you represent?
How would your ideal piece of legislation on Global Warming read?
Do you intend to agree to the proposed U.N. legislation?
Developing nations have their own economic and political concerns when it comes to decreasing the emission of greenhouse causing gases. As a committee, you will investigate what these concerns are and come to a conclusion on whether or not you believe it is in your best interest to sign the proposed piece of legislation on cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
As the government committee, you must address the following questions:
What is the present policy on global warming and decreasing emissions of greenhouse gases for the countries you represent?
What type of economy exists in the countries that you represent?
What is the current political situation ? (Democracy, monarchy...Stable? Unstable?)
What type of industry exists ?
How would signing this treaty effect economic growth of your representative nations?
By signing this treaty what countries will you be in agreement with?
How will this effect your relationship with these countries?
By not signing this treaty what countries will you be in agreement with?
How will this effect your relationship with these countries?
How will this effect the popularity of the government in power?
What impact will this have on electoral chances of the party in power?
Which interest groups do the people in power need to appease?
Who makes the final decision? Is the president active or does he delegate responsibility to experts?
How would your ideal piece of legislation on Global Warming read?
Do you intend to agree to the proposed piece of legislation?
As a scientist your role on a committee is to assess and explain the chemistry of the green house gases and how they affect the atmosphere. Your research should include historical patterns of whether and climatic change as well as new trends since the industrialized revolution.
As the scientific body, you must address the following questions:
What is Global Warming?
What are the causes of Global Warming?
Explain the chemistry of the gases involved in Global Warming?
What types of industries contribute most to greenhouse gas emissions ?
Is Global Warming fact or fiction?
What sort of technology exists that can prevent the release of greenhouse gases
How would your ideal piece of legislation on Global Warming read?
Do you intend to agree to the proposed U.N. piece of legislation?
Decide as a group how to structure your presentation, and what sorts of media you wish to include in your design. While not limited to the topics above, be sure that each group member at least is responsible for the subtopics and/or points listed in each role.
These links have been reported by KAMSC students as helpful for their research. They are listed in no particular order.
climatechange.chicago.gov/climate-impacts/climate-impacts-agriculture-and-food-supply
https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/countries-with-the-highest-carbon-footprint
https://developingeconomics.org/2020/10/22/what-is-a-developed-country/
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/global-warming/
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/what-are-effects-climate-change#weather
Remember, this list is not all inclusive - it is just a starting point. You will be asked at the end of this project to report your own "top five" links to assist future KAMSC students. Please report any broken or inactive links to your teacher.