This video could be used by science classes when learning about the impacts of nonrenewable energy.
Science teachers can extend on this resource by using the activity Powering the Planet: Renewable Energy afterward to explore solutions to fossil fuel usage.
For the most up to date information on levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, have your students explore this resource from NOAA.
Scientist Notes
This resource is a 6-minute video that asks the question: What would happen if we used up all of the Earth's fossil fuel resources? The scenario is roughly equivalent to 2000 ppm of carbon dioxide, which is a very high emitting future scenario. The resource presents the potential sea level rise, temperature increase, and impacts on droughts and flooding, as well as giving some clear actions to avoid this future scenario. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Science
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
4.ESS3.1 Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and that their uses affect the environment.
5.ESS3.1 Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
6.ESS3.3 Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
6.ESS3.5 Ask clarifying questions based on evidence about the factors that have caused climate change over the past century.
HS.ESS3.1 Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity.
