Climate Change

C H A L L E N G E P A C K

Contents
Foreword from Royal Mail 3

Introduction for teachers 4

How does global warming work? 7

Causes 13

Think Global, Act Local 13

Effects 17

What will happen if we do nothing? 18

Effects on the environment 19

Possible solutions 37
Energy 39
Renewable energy sources 40
Industry 42
Transport 44
Journeys to school 47
Home 51

Lesson activities 59

UNIT 1: Finding out about global warming 59

UNIT 2: Journeys to school 59
UNIT 3: The home front 63
UNIT 4: Home energy survey 66
UNIT 5: Looking at industry 69

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Climate Change C H A LL E N G E PA C K

This Environment Pack is printed on 9Lives80, an

80% recovered paper comprising 10% packaging
waste, 10% best white office waste and 60% de-inked
waste fibre with 20% virgin Totally Chlorine Free (TCF)
fibre sourced from sustainable forests and which holds
the NAPM Approved Recycled Mark. This edition has
been despatched as a carbon neutral mailing, with
the carbon dioxide emissions being fully offset by
Royal Mail Group Ltd’s environmental activities.

Additional photo credits

Glacier divider: Barbara Crawshaw

Sea ice divider: Mark Cherrington
Rugged mountain divider: Barbara Crawshaw
Back cover and contents page world images from space: NASA

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Climate Change C H A LL E N G E PA C K

Foreword
The world is facing a potential catastrophe of global
proportions and yet, at the same time, the greatest
opportunity for change towards sustainable living.
We cannot step back and ignore the facts. Nations
must recognise that now is the time for action and
not simply words. Our way of life must change if
we are to have a stable climate, essential for our
sustainable future. We need to move towards a more
holistic way of living and reduce our dependence
on fossil fuels. We need to seize this opportunity for
change, accept the Climate Change Challenge now
and encourage our pupils to question the information
they receive in order to develop a better appreciation
of the positive impact they can have as individuals.
The debate over the causes of climate change is
largely over and has now moved to what can be done
to limit its impacts. Climate change is a global issue
facing individuals, companies, organisations and
governments in both the developed and developing
world. Every company, organisation and individual
has a carbon footprint of some magnitude. Royal Mail
Group is one of many companies that are working
to manage their carbon footprint. But each of us has
our own role to play in addressing the causes and
mitigating the impacts of our own carbon footprints.
It is hoped this resource will help to raise pupil
awareness, not only of what has already been done,
but to stimulate thinking as to what they themselves
might do now and in the future to reduce their own
carbon footprint. They must also appreciate the
impact they can have as individuals to influence
business and governments to act responsibly on
climate change and other important environmental
issues. What is described by many as a serious
threat to the survival of our world must also be
seen as providing us with the greatest opportunity
for change.
Feedback from schools is greatly appreciated and it
is hoped your comments and observations will be
incorporated into future updates.
Dr Martin A. Blake
Head of Sustainability
Royal Mail Group Ltd
martin.blake@royalmail.co.uk

There are no short-term fixes. However, action now

will be significantly more effective than delaying for
another 10, 20 or 50 years.

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Climate Change C H A LL E N G E PA C K
Introduction for teachers
Global warming is now accepted as a
reality by scientists throughout the world.
Governments are waking up to the notion
that the effects are with us now and will
accelerate over coming years. The need to
address the causes of the problem now,
before a stage of irreversible change is
reached, would appear to be essential for
survival, a point made forcefully by the
Stern Review on the Economics of
Climate Change published in October 2006
and the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment
Report on Climate Change published in
February 2007. Clearly the realisation of the
magnitude of the problem is not enough on
its own. Dealing with the greenhouse gas
emissions of energy production, industry,
transport and domestic usage is an
enormous undertaking. In March 2007
former Prime Minister Tony Blair signed
the Draft Climate Change Bill Consultation
Document which commits to the following:
“All four countries of the UK are
committed to working in partnership to
combat climate change and to achieve
the existing (non statutory) target of 60%
reduction in carbon dioxide emissions
by 2050”. The short-term costs in search
of long-term solutions affect every aspect of
our lives if we are serious about effecting
change that will benefit future generations.
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The problem of global warming asks questions of
us all:
• What do we expect our governments to do in
our name?
• What are we willing to do ourselves?
The aim of this resource is to encourage pupils to
question. The guidance for the revised National
Curriculum from QCA stresses the importance of
developing independent enquiry in all pupils, across
all subjects. Asking questions is at the heart of
effective enquiry as much as the skills of collecting
relevant data/information, interpreting evidence or
reaching valid conclusions. Pupils who can question
the information they receive from an increasing
number of media sources are less likely to passively
accept what they are told. Rather they can develop
a better appreciation of the positive impact we can
have as individuals, communities and businesses
on our environment.
The case studies in this resource illustrate a range
of innovatory practice in reducing greenhouse
gas emissions in the UK and beyond. They include
evidence of businesses effecting significant change
in their own practice and serve to raise pupil
awareness, not only of what has already been
done, but to stimulate thinking as to what they
themselves might do in the future. The activities
encourage pupils to consider:
• their own views
• what they believe to be their rights and
responsibilities in the debate
• how their beliefs on key issues surrounding
global warming may affect their expectations
of their future world in terms of domestic life,
place of work and environment
• what they are prepared to do to ensure a
safer world for their own children to inherit.
What sacrifices do they think they might need
to make to safeguard the planet for the sake
of future generations?
Climate Change C H A LL E N G E PA C K

In addition to the case studies, sections on causes,

impacts and possible solutions are provided to offer
a resource that will encourage questions, support
enquiry and act as a stimulus for informed debate.

KEY FINDINGS OF THE IPCC REPORT

• It is very likely that human activities are causing global warming.

• Probable temperature rise by the end of the century will be between

1.8°C and 4°C (3.2–7.2°F).

• Possible temperature rise by the end of the century ranges between

1.1°C and 6.4°C (2–11.5°F).

• Sea levels are likely to rise by 28–43cm.

• Arctic summer sea ice is likely to disappear in second half of century.

• It is very likely that parts of the world will see an increase in the number
of heatwaves.

• Climate change is likely to lead to increased intensity of tropical storms.

Source IPCC Fourth Assessment Report on Climate Change published in February 2007

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Climate Change C H A LL E N G E PA C K

KEY FINDINGS OF THE STERN REPORT

• There is still time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, if we take
strong action now.

• Climate change could have very serious impacts on growth and development.

• The costs of stabilising the climate are significant but manageable; delay would
be dangerous and much more costly.

• Action on climate change is required across all countries, and it need not cap
the aspirations for growth of rich or poor countries.

• A range of options exists to cut emissions; strong, deliberate policy action is

required to motivate their take-up.

• Climate change demands an international response, based on a shared

understanding of long-term goals and agreement on frameworks for action.

• Key elements of future international frameworks should include:

– Emissions trading
– Technology co-operation
– Action to reduce deforestation.

Adaptation: Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change

30 October 2006 © Cabinet Office/HM Treasury www.sternreview.org.uk