18 52 Globalisation The big picture: Climate change in our global world a) Read the following text on globalisation. Look for the phrases from the green box in the text and underline them. Tip T See unit in the coursebook • Prime Time 6: Unit 5 page 60 1 everything is connected • impacts everyone, especially young people • big and lasting changes • melting ice caps • rising sea levels • crazy weather • world is more connected • moving goods around the world • use social media • carbon footprints • energy from things like the sun • involved in groups or projects In today’s world, everything is connected. Countries, cultures, and people are closer than ever because of technology and trade. One big issue that connects all of us, no matter where we live, is climate change. It’s a huge problem that doesn’t care about borders and is a key part of globalisation that impacts everyone, especially young people like you. Understanding climate change Climate change means big and lasting changes in our planet’s weather patterns. Humans cause it, mainly by burning stuff like coal, oil and gas. This releases so-called greenhouse gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing the planet to get warmer. This leads to melting ice caps, rising sea levels and crazy weather. How globalisation plays a role Globalisation is about how the world is more connected and dependent on each other through trade, technology and travel. This has lots of good points, like getting cool stuff from different countries and learning new things. But it also has a downside, like adding to climate change. Moving goods around the world, which is a big part of trade, releases a lot of greenhouse gases, especially from ships and planes. Making things in places with fewer rules about pollution can also mean more carbon emissions. You can make a difference You might think climate change is too big for you to help with. But your generation knows a lot about technology, is really connected online and cares a lot about the environment. You can use social media to spread the word and start movements. Young people have shown that you don’t have to be old to make a big difference. What you can do Learn as much as you can about climate change and how globalisation makes it worse. Then, raise awareness by telling your friends, family and everyone online. Choose to buy things from companies that try to lower their carbon footprints. Support using less harmful ways to travel and using renewable energy from things like the sun and wind. Try to live in a way that doesn’t create a lot of waste. Use things that you can reuse and recycle as much as you can. Get involved in groups or projects in your area that care about the environment. When lots of people work together, they can really change things. Tell people in charge, like local leaders, that you want them to do more about climate change. Future thoughts As our world gets more global, even small things you do can make a big difference. Your generation is leading the way in using technology, and with that power, you have a big responsibility to help make a better future. By understanding and acting on how globalisation and climate change are linked, you’re not just helping the environment; you’re shaping how our planet will be for years to come. 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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