Write a cause and effect essay on the following task: “Describe the human causes of climate change and the effects that climate change will have on the planet.”
The introduction and the conclusion paragraphs have been provided as follows:
Introduction paragraph: “The Earth’s climate has changed several times throughout history. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), there have been seven cycles of warming and cooling in the last 650,000 years. These earlier cycles occurred naturally as a result of changes in the atmosphere. In contrast, nearly all climate scientists agree that the climate changes we are seeing today are caused by human activities, especially _, and these activities are having serious negative effects on our planet.”
Here is the conclusion paragraph: “To conclude, human activity is clearly causing climate change, and as a result, the planet is experiencing a number of negative effects. It is important that we reduce our negative impact on the planet as much as possible – for example, by using renewable energy instead of fossil fuels – before it is too late.” (Source Unlock Reading & Writing and Critical Thinking 3, p. 55)
Complete the essay by writing TWO body paragraphs:
One about the human causes of climate change and another about the effects. Remember to list the two or three causes you mentioned in the introduction where a gap is provided above.
Here are the causes and effects of climate change that you may include in your essays: Causes: greenhouse gases, growing world population, burning fossil fuels, cutting down trees, commercial farming, industrial logging, clear-cutting by local farmers, destruction of forests. Effects: melting glaciers, rising sea levels, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere increases, habitat loss, species extinction, health problems such as asthma, heavy erosion of land and flooding, less CO2 consumed less oxygen produced by trees greenhouse effect.
Use suitable topic sentences for each body paragraph. Include supporting sentences. Include facts, examples or reasons to explain each supporting sentence. Be careful about the unity in the paragraph. Use correct collocations for the environment. Use verbs of cause and effect correctly.
HUMANS, CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE PLANET
Introduction: The Earth’s climate has changed several times throughout history. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), there have been seven cycles of warming and cooling in the last 650,000 years. These earlier cycles occurred naturally as a result of changes in the atmosphere. In contrast, nearly all climate scientists agree that the climate changes we are seeing today are caused by human activities, especially burning fossil fuels, cutting down trees, and destruction of forests, and these activities are having serious negative effects on our planet.
Body Paragraph 1: One of the main causes of climate change is the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, and transportation contribute to the increase of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and other gases in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat and cause the Earth’s temperature to rise. In addition to fossil fuel burning, deforestation is also a major contributor to climate change. Trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, and when they are cut down, the CO2 is released, adding to the already high levels of greenhouse gases. The increase in greenhouse gases is causing the Earth’s temperature to rise at an alarming rate, resulting in the melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, and more extreme weather events such as hurricanes and droughts.
Body Paragraph 2: The effects of climate change are widespread and devastating. One of the most visible effects is the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps, which leads to rising sea levels. This puts low-lying areas and island nations at risk of being submerged under water. Climate change also causes habitat loss and species extinction as animals struggle to adapt to the changing environment. The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere is increasing, which can lead to health problems such as asthma and respiratory issues. The destruction of forests and increased erosion of land can also lead to flooding and landslides. In addition, the reduction of trees means less CO2 is consumed and less oxygen is produced, exacerbating the greenhouse effect.
Conclusion Paragraph: To conclude, human activity is clearly causing climate change, and as a result, the planet is experiencing a number of negative effects. It is important that we reduce our negative impact on the planet as much as possible – for example, by using renewable energy instead of fossil fuels – before it is too late. (This sentence can be added: The causes and effects of climate change are not isolated to one area or group of people, and it will take a concerted effort from everyone to mitigate the effects and prevent further damage to our planet.)
ALTERNATIVE ESSAY
THE EFFECTS OF HUMANS ON THE EARTH
Introduction: The Earth’s climate has changed several times throughout history. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), there have been seven cycles of warming and cooling in the last 650,000 years. These earlier cycles occurred naturally as a result of changes in the atmosphere. In contrast, nearly all climate scientists agree that the climate changes we are seeing today are caused by human activities, including the release of greenhouse gases, deforestation, and the burning of fossil fuels, and these activities are having serious negative effects on our planet.
Body Paragraph 1: One of the primary human causes of climate change is the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases, which contributes to global warming. Industrial processes, such as cement production and the use of refrigerants, also release greenhouse gases. Additionally, deforestation, especially in the Amazon rainforest, contributes to rising temperatures. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and when they are cut down or burned, the carbon dioxide is released. These human activities contribute to global warming, which causes a number of negative effects on the planet.
Body Paragraph 2: Climate change has numerous negative effects on the planet, including rising sea levels, increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, and ecosystem disruption. As temperatures continue to rise, glaciers and ice caps are melting, causing sea levels to rise. This puts coastal areas at risk of flooding and increases the potential for storm surges during hurricanes and other storms. Extreme weather events, such as droughts, heat waves, and intense storms, are becoming more common and severe, causing damage to infrastructure, crops, and homes. Climate change also disrupts ecosystems and threatens biodiversity, as species struggle to adapt to changing conditions. Coral reefs, for example, are dying due to warming waters, which has ripple effects throughout the ocean food chain.
Conclusion: In conclusion, human activity is a major cause of climate change, and its effects on the planet are far-reaching and serious. The release of greenhouse gases, deforestation, and the burning of fossil fuels all contribute to global warming, which in turn causes rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ecosystem disruption. It is crucial that we take action to reduce our impact on the environment, such as transitioning to renewable energy and reducing our carbon footprint. The consequences of inaction are dire, and we must act now to preserve the planet for future generations.
