Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
Global warming, which is a gradual rising of Earth's temperature, is different from all these,
representing a scale of threat greater than anything humans have faced in recent history.
Unless we tackle the problem soon, it could transform the planet we live on, making the climate
(Earth's weather patterns) much more erratic, forcing many species into extinction, and making
life much harder—especially for people in developing countries.
Due to the importance of the subject climate change is no longer only studied by scientists.
Increasingly policy makers and citizens, including teachers, students and families are discussing
and grappling with serious climate change issues facing the nations and the planet. Students
are ready to learn and explore this complex topic and its importance in their world. They are
energy consumers today as well as tomorrow’s policy makers. They have the ability to continue
on the same track or to help slow climate change.
This guidebook is part of ‘Cool our planet’ the last activity of our five yearly campaign ‘Green
Ways’, with an aim to help students and their families develop the knowledge and skills needed
to become informed participants in society’s climate change discussions and to take action. The
contents of each Guidebook are carefully developed in accordance with the capacities of the
students in their respective grades and association of the teachers and supporters which could
make those more meaningful and practical for the Green Angels. In addition to teaching facts,
the suggestions and guidelines in the guidebooks are intended to provide students valuable life
tools, like critical thinking, and encourage students to be active and responsible Pakistani
citizens.
Establishing a comprehensive project ‘Cool our Planet’ for the students and their families had
been a real challenge with its capacity to facilitate all Green Angels in their different
educational grades, having diverse subjects and studying in varied educational institutes. There
were many aspects to making this happen, but technical team has successfully accomplished
the task.
And implementation of this project was never possible without active participation by the
dedicated administration of our Green Partner Schools and their Campuses. We thank you and
believe our valuable association with the partner schools will bring a real positive change in the
society.
2
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
3
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
• water vapour
occurs naturally in the atmosphere.
• carbon dioxide
produced naturally when people and animals breathe. Plants and trees absorb carbon
dioxide to live. Volcanoes also produce this gas. Carbon dioxide is not the same as carbon
monoxide
• methane
comes from cattle as they digest their food. The gas also comes from fields where rice is
grown in paddy fields.
• nitrous oxide
when plants die and rot, nitrous oxide is produced.
• ozone
occurs naturally in the atmosphere.
Some of the activities of man also produce greenhouse gases. These gases keep increasing
the atmospheric temperature. The balance of the greenhouse gases changes and this has
effects on the whole of the planet.
Burning fossil fuels - coal, oil and natural gas - releases carbon
dioxide into the atmosphere. Cutting down and burning trees also
produces a lot of carbon dioxide.
4
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
A lot of scientists agree that man's activities are making the natural
greenhouse effect stronger. If we carry on polluting the atmosphere
with greenhouse gases, it will have very dangerous effects on the Earth.
THE EFFECTS
With more heat trapped on Earth, the planet will become warmer,
which means the weather all over Earth will change. For example,
summers will get hotter, and winters too. This will have dangerous
effects on the living things, because the conditions we are living in
are perfect for life, and a large rise in temperature could be
terrible for us and for any other living thing on Earth.
The Weather
5
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
All over the world, these weather changes will affect the kind of
crop that can be grown. Plants, animals and even people may find it
difficult to survive in different conditions.
Sea Levels
Higher temperatures will make the water of the seas and oceans expand.
Ice melting in the glaciers (Pakistan’s northern tops, Antarctic and
Greenland) will flow into the sea.
All over the world, sea levels may rise, perhaps by as much as 20 to 40
cm, by the beginning of the next century.
Higher sea levels will threaten the low-lying coastal areas of the
world, such as the Netherlands, Japan and Bangladesh. Throughout
the world, millions of people and areas of land will be at danger
from flooding. Many people will have to leave their homes and large
areas of farmland will be ruined because of floods.
Farming
The changes in the weather will affect the types of crops grown in
different parts of the world. Some crops, such as wheat and rice grow
better in higher temperatures, but other plants, such as maize and
sugarcane do not. Changes in the amount of rainfall
will also affect how many plants grow.
The effect of a change in the weather on plant growth may lead to some
countries not having enough food. Brazil, parts of Africa, south-east
Asia and China will be affected the most and many people could suffer
from hunger.
Water
6
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
IN DANGER!
For example, polar bears and seals will have to find new land for
hunting and living, if the ice in the Arctic melts.
People
The changes in climate will affect everyone, but some populations will
be at greater risk. For example, countries whose
coastal regions have a large population, such as
Egypt and China, may see whole populations move
inland to avoid flood risk areas. The effect on
people will depend on how well we can adapt to
the changes and how much we can do to reduce
climate change in the world.
Acid Rain
Rain is very important for life. All living things need water to live, even people. Rain brings
us the water we need. But in many places in the world even in the Asian countries, rain has
become a menace.
Because of pollution in the air, acid gases from factories, cars and homes, the rain is
becoming dangerous for the life of every living creature. This rain is known as 'acid rain'.
7
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
Acid gases are produced when fossil fuels like coal and oil are
burned in power stations, factories and in our own homes. Most
of these acid gases are blown into the sky, and when they mix
with the clouds it can cause rain - or snow, sleet, fog, mist or hail
- to become more acidic.
8
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
We call 'air pollution' the bad gases that we produce and release in the air.
'Sulphur dioxide' and 'nitrogen oxides' are the most important causes of acid rain.
9
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
Acid rain can have terrible effects on a forest. The acid takes away
important minerals from the leaves and the soil.
Minerals are like vitamins for trees and plants. Without them, trees and
plants cannot grow properly. They lose their leaves and become very
weak. They are no longer strong enough to fight against illnesses and
frost. They become very ill and can even die.
Some soils are alkaline, when acid rain falls on them the acid becomes
neutral. Plants and trees living on these soils are not in any big danger.
Acid rain has a terrible effect on water life. Even if the acid
rain does not fall straight into the lake, for example, it may
enter from rivers and streams. Some of the life in the lake such
as fish and plants may end up dying, because they cannot survive
in acidic lakes.
You can recognise a lake dead from acid rain by its clean and crystal clear water. But they
look clean because there is very little living in them anymore. Tiny plants and animals are
mostly unable to survive.
OUR HEALTH
10
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
BUILDINGS
Acid rain can also ruin buildings because the acid eats into metal
and stone. It also damages stained glass and plastics. Some types
of building materials are softer than others, and it is the softer
ones which are most affected by acid rain. Sandstone and
limestone are examples of stone which are fairly soft and are
damaged easily. Granite is an example of a harder stone that can
resist the effects of acid rain.
In many places in the world, ancient and famous buildings and monuments are
affected by acid rain. For example, one of the world’s historical treasures,
Taj Mahal in Agra (India), needs restoration because of acid rain damage.
Buildings are naturally eroded by rain, wind, frost and the sun, but when
acidic gases are present, it speeds up the erosion.
Air Quality
You need to breathe to stay alive. But how clean is the air you breathe? If you breathe
dirty air, you are more likely to develop health problems and become ill. Plants and animals
need clean air too. A lot of the things that make our lives more comfortable such as cars,
electricity and heating, create bad gases which make the air dirty. The problem of air
pollution started with the burning of coal in homes and factories. Dirty air is called
'polluted air'.
11
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
'Air pollution' is what we say to describe all bad gases and particles in the air that we
breathe and that are dangerous for us. But do not worry! Not all gases are bad!
Take a few deep breaths. Can you feel your rib cage
moving in and out? This opens up your lungs so that air is
sucked in.
In the lungs, a gas called oxygen passes from the air into
your blood. The oxygen is carried in the blood all round your body. You need oxygen
so that you can use the energy in the food you eat. It is the oxygen in the air that
helps keep you alive.
Coal, when burnt makes a lot of smoke, which makes the air very
dirty.
12
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
Smog was a big problem in the winter. Because of the cold weather, more
coal was burnt to warm houses and this made more smoke.
When smog was stuck over a city, it became really hard to breathe and
see clearly. In 1952, the Great London Smog occurred and more than
4000 people died because of the smog!
These laws were made so that air would become cleaner. The laws encouraged
people to use less coal or use cleaner coal in their homes and switch to other
fuels such as gas. Factories started using tall chimneys so that the smoke
would go high up in the sky and no longer cover cities. The new factories were
built outside cities in the countryside. Gradually smog occurred less often
and the air became cleaner.
Have you ever noticed that the air in a city smells different
from air in the village? One of the reasons is that exhausts
from vehicles give off fumes, or gases,
which can poison you.
The car exhausts eject a lot of bad gases, which create air pollution. These
gases can be very dangerous for children. Although the fuels are becoming
cleaner, it will not be making that much difference because each year
there are more and more cars on the roads.
13
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
There is less pollution from coal, but our changing lifestyles create
greater air pollution. Today, air pollution has not really fallen, because
new bad gases are released in the air, and there are a lot of them.
Transport is not the only reason why we have air pollution. Factories
also release bad gases in the air, even with the increasing awareness, it
still causes a lot of air pollution. This air pollution that they make is
the main cause of rising health issues in the society.
• Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a gas that pollutes the air, and is
mainly released by cars and other vehicles. It has no
colour or smell.
• Nitrogen oxides
Nitrogen oxides are emitted from vehicles, like cars and trucks. During rush hour
periods, a lot more is released in the air. Nitrogen oxides are also emitted from
power stations. These gases also make acid rain.
• Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons are produced when petrol is not fully burnt. They are one of the
causes of modern-day smog.
• Particulates
Particulates are very small particles, like soot, dust and fumes that
are released in the air. They are caused by vehicles, factories and
smoke from homes burning coal for heating.
14
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
But one of the main causes of indoor air pollution is smoking. Smoking cigarettes and
tobacco can be very dangerous for health. The poison in the smoke can
cause heart problems, lung cancer and other lung diseases. Smoking has
really bad effects on all vital organs in our body which function to
maintain our life.
Cigarette smoke is dangerous for people smoking but also for those who
do not! Breathing in air, which contains other people's smoke, can cause
To reduce 'indoor air pollution', make sure the room is well ventilated
while painting. Try ventilating your home often, you can open windows or
use a fan. And if your parents or relatives smoke, ask them to smoke
outside. And best of all NEVER START SMOKING!!!
15
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
Ozone Hole
The Earth is wrapped in a blanket of air called the 'atmosphere', which
is made up of several layers. About 19-30 kilometres above the Earth is
a layer of gas called ozone, which is a form of oxygen. Ozone is produced
naturally in the atmosphere.
The ozone layer is very important because it stops too many of the sun's
'ultra-violet rays' (UV rays) getting through to the Earth - these are the
rays that cause our skin to tan. Too much UV can cause skin cancer and
will also harm all plants and animals. Life on Earth could not exist without
the protective shield of the ozone layer.
The loss of the ozone layer occurs when more ozone is being destroyed
CFCs are used in some spray cans to force the contents out of the can.
16
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
They are also used in refrigerators, air conditioning systems and some
fire extinguishers. They are used because they are not poisonous and do
not catch fire. Most countries have now stopped using new CFCs that can
be released into the atmosphere, but many scientists believe we must
stop using old ones as well.
17
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
But when the gas ozone is found lower down where we can breathe it in, it becomes very
dangerous for our health. This ozone is caused by a reaction between air pollution and
sunlight and can cause modern-day smog. This is different to the smog that formed in the
early 20th century from smoke and fog.
There are many things we can do to help reduce air pollution and
global warming.
Use buses and trains instead of cars, as they can carry a lot more
people in one journey. This cuts down the amount of pollution
produced.
Walking or cycling whenever you can, will be even better, as it does not
create any pollution. It will also be good for your body, as regular
exercise will keep you fit and healthy.
If your parents must use the car, ask them to avoid using it for very
short journeys if possible, as this creates unnecessary pollution. Try to
encourage them to share their journeys with other people, for example
when they go to work or go shopping. Also encourage them to drive more
slowly as this produces less pollution and less carbon dioxide.
18
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
We can also help prevent pollution from our own homes which
may contribute to acid rain and poor air quality, and increases
emissions of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Turning off lights
when they are not needed and not wasting electricity will reduce
the demand for energy. Less electricity will need to be produced
and so less coal, oil and gas will have to be burnt in power
stations, which means less air pollution and less carbon dioxide!
19
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
fellow students and teachers on board to have the school reduce energy
consumption.
3. Keep learning.
These ideas all involve conservation. While that's important, what's more important is
finding and implementing sources of energy that do not pollute the environment. Who is
going to do that?
20
Green Living Association – ‘Cool our Planet’, Category 3 Guidebook (Grades 6 to 8)
Copy rights
Information in this guidebook can be shared/reproduced only with clearly stated attribution to
Green Living Association (GLA) © 2016. All Rights Reserved
21