Carbon footprints
I can explain what a carbon footprint is and identify changes likely to make a positive difference.
Carbon footprints
I can explain what a carbon footprint is and identify changes likely to make a positive difference.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A carbon footprint is a measure of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of our activities.
- By adding more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, people are supercharging the natural greenhouse effect.
- Human activity is a major cause of rapid climate change; the main cause is burning fossil fuels.
- Calculating our carbon footprint helps us to measure our impact on the planet and plan our daily activities accordingly.
Keywords
Climate change - Climate change is a large-scale and long-term change in the planet’s climate, including weather patterns and average temperatures.
Greenhouse gas - Greenhouse gases are gases in Earth’s atmosphere that trap heat.
Global warming - Global warming is the increase in Earth's average temperature over a long period of time.
Fossil fuels - Fossil fuels are natural substances that were formed over millions of years from the buried remains of ancient organisms; they include coal, oil and gas.
Common misconception
Children may have heard about the ozone layer and think this is the main cause of climate change.
Whilst ozone depletion and climate change are linked, it is not a major cause of climate change.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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