1. Teaching Objectives
2. Video Watching: An Inconvenient Truth; Earth Song
3. Background Information of Al Gore and The Aral Sea

Answer the following questions.

1. What kind of lifestyle is do you think we should promote in order to improve the environment?
2. Why riding bikes should be taken as a main means of transformation?
3. What should we do in our daily life to preserve the environment?

Key: 
1. Low carbon lifestyle.
2. Riding bikes is helpful not only for improving the problem of air-pollution but for easing the traffic problem.
3. Open question.

Discussion: what are the major causes of climate changes?

Key:

Throughout Earth’s history, the climate has fluctuated many times. Recently, scientists have become concerned that the Earth is becoming rapidly warmer. This warming will have effects on life across the planet. There are many possible causes to this climate change, some human and some natural. The true cause is likely a complex combination of factors that no one yet fully understands.

A greenhouse gas is defined as any gas that effectively holds and stores heat energy. Water vapor and carbon dioxide are the two most common examples. Both are produced in large quantities by human industrial processes.

Deforestation reduces the ecosystem's ability to process carbon dioxide.

The exploitation of natural resources indirectly contributes to climate change in several ways. Large volcanic eruptions can emit a variety of greenhouse gases. However, the ability of dust and other compounds to reflect sunlight is more powerful than any greenhouse effect.

A stronger sun can mean rising temperatures. If the sun were to radiate a greater amount of energy, logically the average temperature on Earth would rise.

1. The Causes of Global Warming

链接： http://www.ehow.com/info_8204809_causes-global-warming.html

2. What’s at Stake?

链接： http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming