• In this recorded presentation, physicist Ingrid Zabel demonstrates how scientists have collected data proving that the unprecedented amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is linked to an increase in global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution. 
• Students will learn that deforestation, agriculture, volcanic eruptions, ocean outgassing, and fossil fuel burning all contribute carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, but evidence from carbon isotopes shows that fossil fuels are the dominant cause of climate change. 
• The video gives many examples of individual-level actions that can help combat climate change, as well as society-level solutions. 

Positives

• This video gives an excellent and easy-to-follow explanation of how scientists know that climate change is being caused by fossil fuels.
• Students will learn that there are pros and cons to many climate solutions, and no one solution will solve climate change.

Additional Prerequisites

• Students should be familiar with the concept of isotopes.
• The video is long, so teachers may want to show it in parts.

Differentiation

• Chemistry classes could use this video to learn more about carbon isotopes and real-world applications of chemistry concepts.
• Science classes could make a list of the video's suggestions for individuals to use less energy and then add other ideas to the list.
• Students can predict which of the potential suspects among deforestation, agriculture, volcanic eruptions, ocean outgassing, and fossil fuel burning is most responsible for the carbon dioxide building in our atmosphere.
• Other resources on this topic include this comprehensive lesson on isotopes, this interactive diagram of the carbon cycle, and these interactive graphs that show atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
  

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