English — Reading: Climate Change and the Environment — 2nd Year Literary Stream — Algeria

Climate Change and the Environment

Introduction

Climate change is one of the most serious challenges facing humanity today. It refers to long-term changes in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities. This lesson explores the causes, effects, and solutions to climate change.

Key Vocabulary

• Climate change: Long-term alteration of global weather patterns.
• Global warming: The rise in Earth's average temperature.
• Greenhouse gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere (CO2, methane).
• Carbon footprint: The amount of CO2 produced by human activities.
• Renewable energy: Energy from sources that regenerate naturally (solar, wind).

Causes of Climate Change

1. Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) for energy.
2. Deforestation and land use changes.
3. Industrial processes and agriculture.
4. Transportation emissions.

Effects

Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, desertification (affecting Algeria), loss of biodiversity, food and water shortages.

Reading Text

“Algeria is affected by climate change through increased desertification, water scarcity, and rising temperatures. The government has launched renewable energy projects, including solar power plants in the Sahara. International cooperation is essential to address this global challenge.”

Exercises

What are the main causes of climate change? How is Algeria affected? Suggest three solutions.

Summary

Climate change requires urgent action at all levels. For more: Vocabulary: Environment and Ecology – 3rd Year – Vocabulary: Science and Technology – 3rd Year