25 Climate Change and the Environment
Discuss climate science, renewable energy and climate policy perspectives in English.
85 min
8 oppgaver
Greenhouse effectRenewable energyClimate policyEnvironmental vocabulary
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Climate Change and the Environment
Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time. Scientists, politicians, activists and ordinary citizens around the world are debating what is happening to the planet and what should be done about it.
To participate meaningfully in these conversations — whether in English class, at the dinner table, or online — you need two things: scientific vocabulary and the ability to evaluate different perspectives.
In this chapter, you will learn:
1. How the greenhouse effect works and why it matters
2. Key vocabulary for discussing renewable energy and environmental policy
3. How to read and understand scientific texts in English
4. How to recognise and evaluate different perspectives on climate policy
This chapter presents the scientific consensus alongside different viewpoints on policy solutions. Understanding multiple perspectives is essential for informed, democratic participation.
The Greenhouse Effect and Climate Science Vocabulary
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth's surface. When the Sun's energy reaches the Earth, some of it is reflected back to space and some is absorbed. The absorbed energy warms the surface, which then radiates heat. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere — such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and water vapour — trap some of this heat, preventing it from escaping into space.
Without the greenhouse effect, the Earth's average temperature would be about -18 °C — far too cold for most life.
The enhanced greenhouse effect occurs when human activities increase the concentration of greenhouse gases, trapping more heat than normal. The main human sources are:
- Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) for energy and transport
- Deforestation — removing trees that absorb CO2
- Agriculture — livestock produce methane; fertilisers release nitrous oxide
- Industrial processes — cement production, chemical manufacturing
Key vocabulary:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Greenhouse gas | A gas that traps heat in the atmosphere (e.g. CO2, methane) |
| Fossil fuel | A fuel formed from ancient organic matter (coal, oil, natural gas) |
| Carbon footprint | The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by a person, organisation or product |
| Emissions | Gases released into the atmosphere, especially from burning fuels |
| Global warming | The long-term increase in Earth's average temperature |
| Climate change | Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, including but not limited to warming |
✏️Example: Reading a scientific text
Read the following extract from a simplified scientific report and answer: (a) What is the main finding? (b) What evidence is given? (c) What vocabulary signals that this is a scientific text?
"Global mean surface temperature has increased by approximately 1.1 °C since the pre-industrial period (1850-1900). Data from ice cores, ocean sediments and tree rings confirm that current warming is unprecedented in at least the past 2 000 years. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concludes with high confidence that human activities, principally through emissions of greenhouse gases, have been the dominant cause of observed warming since the mid-20th century."
(a) Main finding: The Earth's surface temperature has risen by about 1.1 °C since before industrialisation, and human activities are the main cause.
(b) Evidence: Ice cores, ocean sediments and tree rings show that current warming is unusual compared to the last 2 000 years. The IPCC — the leading international scientific body on climate — attributes the change to human emissions with "high confidence".
(c) Scientific language signals:
- Precise measurements: "approximately 1.1 °C", "past 2 000 years"
- Technical terms: "global mean surface temperature", "pre-industrial period", "ice cores", "ocean sediments"
- Hedging language: "approximately", "with high confidence" — scientists state confidence levels rather than absolute certainty
- Citations of authority: reference to the IPCC
- Passive voice: "has increased", "have been the dominant cause" — common in scientific writing to focus on the findings rather than the researcher
📝Oppgave 25.1
What is the greenhouse effect?
📝Oppgave 25.2
Match each term with the correct definition by writing the letter next to the number.
Terms:
1. Carbon footprint
2. Fossil fuel
3. Emissions
4. Deforestation
5. Global warming
Definitions:
a) The long-term increase in Earth's average temperature
b) Gases released into the atmosphere from burning fuels or industrial processes
c) Removing large areas of forest, reducing the amount of CO2 absorbed
d) The total greenhouse gases produced by a person, organisation or product
e) A fuel formed from ancient organic matter, such as coal, oil or natural gas
Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable energy comes from sources that are naturally replenished and do not run out on a human timescale. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable sources produce little or no greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
Major renewable energy sources:
1. Solar energy
Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight directly into electricity. Solar farms can be built on land or water. Limitations: depends on sunlight availability; energy storage (batteries) is needed for cloudy days and nighttime.
2. Wind energy
Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into electricity. Wind farms operate onshore (on land) and offshore (at sea). Limitations: wind is variable; turbines can affect bird populations and landscapes.
3. Hydropower
Uses the energy of flowing or falling water to generate electricity. Norway produces about 90 % of its electricity from hydropower. Limitations: requires suitable geography; dams can disrupt ecosystems and displace communities.
4. Geothermal energy
Uses heat from deep within the Earth. Iceland, for example, heats most of its buildings with geothermal energy. Limitations: only available in geologically active areas.
5. Biomass and biofuels
Energy from organic materials (wood, crops, waste). Can be carbon-neutral if managed sustainably. Limitations: land use competition with food production; can cause deforestation if poorly managed.
Key vocabulary:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Renewable | Can be replenished naturally and does not run out |
| Non-renewable | Exists in limited supply and will eventually be exhausted (e.g. coal, oil) |
| Sustainability | Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs |
| Carbon-neutral | Producing no net release of CO2 into the atmosphere |
| Energy transition | The shift from fossil fuel-based energy systems to renewable sources |
✏️Example: Comparing energy sources
A student is writing an essay comparing two energy sources. Read the outline below and identify: (a) which source is renewable and which is non-renewable, and (b) one advantage and one disadvantage of each.
Source 1: Natural gas
- Used for heating, cooking and electricity generation
- Produces CO2 when burned, but less than coal
- Supplies are finite and must be extracted from underground reserves
Source 2: Offshore wind
- Wind turbines at sea generate electricity
- Produces no emissions during operation
- Requires large upfront investment; output varies with weather conditions
(a) Classification:
- Natural gas = non-renewable (finite supply, extracted from underground)
- Offshore wind = renewable (wind is naturally replenished)
- Natural gas = non-renewable (finite supply, extracted from underground)
- Offshore wind = renewable (wind is naturally replenished)
(b) Advantages and disadvantages:
Natural gas:
- Advantage: Produces fewer CO2 emissions than coal, making it a cleaner transitional fuel.
- Disadvantage: Still produces greenhouse gases and supplies will eventually run out.
Offshore wind:
- Advantage: Produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
- Disadvantage: Output depends on weather (variable wind) and requires large initial investment.
Note: When comparing energy sources, it is important to consider not only emissions but also cost, reliability, environmental impact and availability in different regions.
📝Oppgave 25.3
Norway produces about 90 % of its electricity from one renewable source. Which one?
📝Oppgave 25.4
Choose one renewable energy source (solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal or biomass). Write a short paragraph (80-120 words) in English explaining how it works, one advantage, and one limitation. Use at least three vocabulary terms from this chapter.
Perspectives on Climate Policy
Climate science tells us what is happening. Climate policy concerns what we should do about it — and here, people hold a wide range of views.
Understanding different perspectives does not mean all opinions are equally supported by evidence. It means recognising that policy decisions involve trade-offs between competing values: economic growth, environmental protection, social equality and individual freedom.
Perspective 1: Rapid, large-scale government action
Supporters argue that the scale and urgency of climate change require strong government intervention: binding emissions targets, carbon taxes, bans on fossil fuels, and large public investment in renewable energy. They point to scientific warnings about tipping points and irreversible damage.
Perspective 2: Market-driven and technology-focused solutions
Supporters argue that innovation, competition and economic incentives are the most effective drivers of change. They favour policies like carbon trading, research funding and tax breaks for clean technology rather than bans and mandates. They argue that heavy regulation can slow economic growth and harm vulnerable communities.
Perspective 3: Climate justice and equity
Supporters emphasise that climate change affects people unequally. Developing countries, Indigenous communities and low-income populations are often hit hardest despite contributing least to emissions. This perspective calls for wealthy nations to bear more of the cost and for climate policies to address social inequality.
Perspective 4: Scepticism about proposed solutions
Some people accept the science but question whether specific policies (e.g. carbon taxes, renewable energy mandates) will be effective or affordable. They may argue that adaptation (preparing for climate change) should receive as much attention as mitigation (reducing emissions).
Important: In academic discussion, you should engage with different perspectives respectfully, evaluate the evidence behind each argument, and form your own view based on reasoning — not simply adopt or dismiss a position.
✏️Example: Evaluating arguments in a debate
Two speakers in a school debate present their positions on whether Norway should stop exporting oil and gas. Read both arguments and identify: (a) which perspective each speaker represents and (b) the strongest point in each argument.
Speaker A: "Norway has a moral responsibility to lead by example. We are one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and much of that wealth comes from fossil fuels. If we continue exporting oil while telling other countries to reduce emissions, we are being hypocritical. The profits from oil should be reinvested in renewable energy to create new green jobs."
Speaker B: "I agree that climate change is serious, but shutting down oil exports overnight would devastate the Norwegian economy and cost thousands of jobs in western Norway. A better approach is a gradual transition — investing in new technology while maintaining oil production during the shift. We also need to remember that if Norway stops producing oil, other countries with worse environmental standards will simply fill the gap."
(a) Perspectives:
- Speaker A represents Perspective 1 (rapid government action) combined with elements of Perspective 3 (climate justice — wealthy nations should lead).
- Speaker B represents Perspective 2 (market-driven, technology-focused, gradual transition) with elements of Perspective 4 (questioning whether one specific policy will be effective).
- Speaker A represents Perspective 1 (rapid government action) combined with elements of Perspective 3 (climate justice — wealthy nations should lead).
- Speaker B represents Perspective 2 (market-driven, technology-focused, gradual transition) with elements of Perspective 4 (questioning whether one specific policy will be effective).
(b) Strongest points:
- Speaker A's strongest point: The argument about hypocrisy — it is difficult for Norway to advocate for global emissions reductions while profiting from fossil fuel exports. This is a strong moral and logical argument.
- Speaker B's strongest point: The "carbon leakage" argument — if Norway stops producing oil, other countries may increase production with worse environmental standards, resulting in no net reduction in global emissions. This is a practical, evidence-based argument.
Note: Both arguments have merit. A strong essay would acknowledge the valid points on both sides while ultimately defending a position with clear reasoning.
📝Oppgave 25.5
What does "climate justice" primarily focus on?
Summary
The greenhouse effect is a natural process where atmospheric gases trap heat from the Sun. Human activities — burning fossil fuels, deforestation and agriculture — have enhanced this effect, causing global temperatures to rise by approximately 1.1 °C since pre-industrial times.
Renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, biomass) produce little or no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. Each has advantages and limitations related to cost, geography, reliability and environmental impact. Norway generates about 90 % of its electricity from hydropower.
Scientific texts use precise measurements, technical vocabulary, hedging language and references to authoritative sources. Learning to read these texts is an important academic skill.
Climate policy involves trade-offs between competing values. Perspectives range from rapid government action to market-driven solutions, from climate justice to scepticism about specific policies. Understanding these perspectives — and evaluating the evidence behind them — is essential for informed democratic participation.
The key skills from this chapter: reading scientific English, using climate vocabulary accurately, and engaging respectfully with different viewpoints.
📝Oppgave 25.6
In the scientific extract about global warming, the text says the IPCC concludes "with high confidence" that human activities are the dominant cause. Why do scientists use phrases like "with high confidence" instead of saying "it is certain"?
📝Oppgave 25.7
Write a short argumentative text (150-200 words) in English on the following question: "Should wealthy countries like Norway do more to combat climate change than developing countries?" Present at least two perspectives and state your own reasoned conclusion.