

Scientists often use the transitional "signal" words and phrases to indicate cause and effect relationships. You can explain a cause and effect relationship using these words and phrases, and/or identify cause and effect relationships written by other scientists upon spotting these words and phrases in published scientific studies.

Well, lets first take it back to the basic composition and function of the Earth's atmosphere. The Earth's atmosphere is made up of a mixture of gases-- mostly Nitrogen, Oxygen, water vapor (the gas state of water)-- which is held in place by Earth's gravity. The atmosphere acts like a blanket for the Earth, keeping it nice and warm, while protecting it from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
- “People want corn and corn products faster and cheaper. As a result, more chemical fertilizers are used, which give off nitrous oxide. Therefore, there is an increase in nitrous oxide in the Earth’s atmosphere.”
- “People around the world love McDonalds. Consequently, the amount of livestock increases, which produce more methane gas. As a result, there is an increase in methane gas in the Earth’s atmosphere.”
- "People buy more and waste more. Therefore, landfills are packed, giving off a ton of methane gas. This leads to an increase in methane gas in the Earth’s atmosphere.”
- “People love to drive big, fancy cars. That is why more gasoline is burned, putting more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Therefore, there is an increase in carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere.”
- “People use and waste a lot of paper products. Therefore, more forests, which usually absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, are cut down. As a result, there is an increase in carbon dioxide lingering in the Earth’s atmosphere.”
- “People love their electronic gadgets. Consequently, more fossil fuels are burned to provide electricity. Therefore, there is an increase in carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere.”
Note the different transitional "signal" words. Also, note the common word beginning each cause... people! Human activity is by far the largest cause of global warming. Learn more about how mankind is changing the Earth's climate here: http://climate.nasa.gov/causes. But what are the effects of the increase in carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide in the Earth's atmosphere? What is the effect of global warming? Check out a video by NASA to learn more about both the causes and effects of global warming: |
- http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/gw-effects/
- http://planetsave.com/2009/06/07/global-warming-effects-and-causes-a-top-10-list/
- http://www.climatehotmap.org/global-warming-effects/
- http://timeforchange.org/cause-and-effect-for-global-warming
Homework: Read at least two of the articles above. Then write 3 different effects of the increase in carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide in the Earth's atmosphere. Make sure to use the transitional cause and effect "signal" words (above), and write in complete sentences. Use the example sentences to help get you started. Remember, we are discussing EFFECTS this time, not causes.
- "The result of the increase in carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide in the Earth's atmosphere is ________________."
- As a result of the increase in carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide in the Earth's atmosphere, __________________."
- "The effect of the increase in carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide in the Earth's atmosphere is. _______________."
- "One effect of global warming due to the increase in greenhouse gases is ____________."