Changes in Global CO2

Provided by: Paleontological Research Institution |Published on: April 27, 2021

Videos

9101112

Scientist Reviewed ↗

Synopsis

This short video explains the change in carbon dioxide levels in Earth's atmosphere using graphs and data from the Mauna Loa Observatory to demonstrate the trends in atmospheric carbon dioxide.
The narrator thoroughly explains seasonal variation in vegetation as an explanation for the saw tooth pattern, using NASA imaging to convey global vegetation patterns.
The video then concludes with increasing carbon dioxide levels being attributed to fossil fuel use and a recognition that the pace with which carbon dioxide is increasing in the atmosphere is speeding up.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Mathematics

Authors: Paleontological Research Institution

Region: Global

Languages: English

View Resource

Teaching Materials

Positives

The use of credible data and research is effective in describing the problem of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
The video is short but provides the basics of this concept in a scientific way, using a variety of visual data as evidence.

Additional Prerequisites

Students should be comfortable reading line graphs and describing trends in graphs.

Differentiation

Consider having students dig deeper into some of the data and graphs presented in the video. Teachers could print off some of the graphs and visual data to have students review before watching the video. Students could discuss their thoughts and observations of the data and formulate questions. Perhaps, then, the video would address their observations and questions.
Trends in Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide is a resource that would pair nicely with this video.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

About the Partner Provider

Paleontological Research Institution

Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) is a national leader in Earth systems science education. They strive to help make sense of the present and potential future climate change, while also increasing understanding of global change in Earth’s past. Their programs focus on systems thinking, understanding scale and learning in your own backyard.

Scientist Reviewed

This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.

Learn about our review process →

Related Teaching Resources

All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.

Cookie Preferences

Changes in Global CO2

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

About the Partner Provider

Scientist Reviewed

Related Teaching Resources