“Global Warming is a global issue – not much can be done locally”

Debate Event followed by Quiz

09 April 2011, Suri, Birbhum

Why debate on global warming?

1. “Global warming is bigger threat than terrorism” – Sir

David King, Chief Scientific Officer, UK.

2. A very important topic for competitive examinations

such as IAS, WBCS, CDS, Banking etc.

4. Let us be part of the solution to such a global

problem..

Structure of the Event

• Introduction – 10 mins

• Before debate quiz – 10 mins

• Debate Part-1: 60 mins

• Break – 5 mins

• Debate Part-2: 30 mins

• After debate quiz – 10 mins

• Wrap-up – 10 mins

TOTAL: 2 HRS (Approx)

What is global warming / Climate Change?

• Naturally ‘Greenhouse Effect’ exists.

• CO2 (& other GHGs) Imbalance impacts the natural balance.

• Global average temperature goes up.

• Leads to Erratic Weather behaviour, hence broader term

‘Climate Change’.

• Scientific consensus exists on human influence in global

warming.

What human activities causes climate change?

• Anything that adds greenhouse gases (CO2, Methane, water vapour etc).

Your flight to Mumbai The street lights that are still on at 07:00 in the morning Burning of coal, oils etc

• Anything that weakens/removes sink of greenhouse gases Cutting trees Increased temperature of the Sea Water

What are the impacts of climate change?

• Extreme Weather conditions (Flood, Storms, Droughts, Heat wave, Massive snowfall..)• Water shortage• Food Production /Agriculture is badly impacted• Plant and Animal Extinctions• Diseases – Malaria, Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.

International and National Actions

• No of ‘UNITED NATIONS’ bodies (e.g. WEP, IPCC) involved in study, policy formulation and implementation.• No of pressure groups (mostly NGOs) are working (e.g. Greenpeace, Friends of Earth, WWF, AOSIS).• Kyoto Protocol formulated in 1997 & ratified in 2005 as an international agreement to reduce carbon emissions.• Govt of India actions – Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), Climate Change Action Plans (National Solar Mission, Green India etc).

Can an individual do anything?

• Just being aware and sensitive is good in a democracy as it runs on your vote.• Do not waste anything that emits CO2.

Use cars only when necessary Switch off lights when not necessary Save water, electricity, gas If time permits, travel by rail rather than by a plane

• Plant trees.. • Tell others and create public opinion.• Have hope, have fun!!

Thank you