Climate Change Basics
What gas do humans emit by burning fossil fuels?
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
What happens when Earth gets a few degrees warmer?
Ice melts and sea levels rise
What’s one way to reduce carbon emissions?
Switch to renewable energy or drive less.
What is the name of our country?
Waterland!
Why might someone support a Carbon Tax?
It makes polluters pay and encourages clean energy
Name one way carbon gets into the air
Driving cars, using electricity, burning coal, etc.
What do rising sea levels do to coastal communities?
They flood them and make people lose homes and jobs
What does a “carbon tax” do?
It charges companies for releasing CO₂ into the atmosphere
In Waterland, who votes on climate solutions? (Same as the United States!)
The House of Representatives and the Senate
Why might someone oppose a Carbon Tax?
It could raise prices and hurt businesses.
What is a greenhouse gas?
A gas that traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere
How does warmer weather affect the polar ice caps?
It causes glaciers and ice sheets to melt faster
What’s a renewable energy source? (examples)
Solar, wind, hydro, geothermal
Who enforces the climate laws in Waterland? (Same as the United States!)
The Executive Branch / Government agencies
How does this debate show democracy in action?
Different sides share ideas, vote, and create laws together.
Why does carbon dioxide trap heat on Earth?
It absorbs heat from the sun and keeps it from escaping
Why is sea level rise a big deal for cities?
It can make cities unlivable and cause mass displacement
What question should you ask before supporting a climate solution?
Is it affordable, safe, or realistic?
What is the job of the House of Representatives in response to climate change?
To come up with and vote on a solution to climate change
What is one challenge in getting people to agree on climate policy?
Different groups have different priorities—some care more about jobs, others about the environment.
Why do people keep emitting carbon even though it's harmful?
Because it powers our economy—energy, transportation, industry, etc.
What’s a funny but real consequence of flooding? (from the slideshow)
No Fortnite (servers get affected or people lose access)
Why is climate change hard to solve?
Because it affects the economy, politics, and people differently
What should lawmakers consider before voting on a solution?
Feasibility, cost, safety, and fairness.
What does “feasible” mean when debating a climate solution?
It means the solution is realistic and possible to actually do, not just a good idea on paper.