CC7.1. Keeping the Facts Straight
{ Climate Change Contents } { All GSS Books }
You may also download this Worksheet as: PDF.
Name _____________________________________________________ Class Period ______________
Evidence that is causing scientists and others concern about the state of our global environment is:
- The average global temperature is going up.
- Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are increasing.
- Many human activities release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
As a result of the evidence, claims are made about what might be happening.
Each time we read about a claim related to global warming it is helpful to list:
- evidence (observations and facts) that support that claim and
- qualifiers – limitations on the claim or the evidence for that claim.
Analyze the following claims in terms of support and qualifiers based on text and graphs in Chapter 7.
Claim: The observed warming is part of a long-term natural cycle.
| Support – observations, facts, research that back up the claim. | Qualifier – restrictions or limitations on the supporting statements or on the claim. |
Claim: Changes in the solar cycle are responsible for the warming observed in the last 100 years
| Support – observations, facts, research that back up the claim. | Qualifier – restrictions or limitations on the supporting statements or on the claim. |
What do you think?
Is the current heating of our atmosphere caused by the build-up of
human-generated greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?
Start by highlighting three of the strongest statements from you analysis of the support and qualifiers for the claims related to this statement. Next, write a paragraph stating your opinion using these statements to communicate your position.