7
Environmental
Science
Quarter 3 - Week 3
The Impact of Climate Change to the Environment
1
Science– Grade 7
Quarter 3 – Module 3: The Impact of Climate Change to the Environment
Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall
subsist in any work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior
approval of the government agency or office wherein the work is created
shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit. Such an agency
or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of
royalties.
Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos,
brand names, trademarks, etc.) included in this book are owned by their
Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad Assistant
Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin
Development Team of the Module
Writers: Karen I. Valdemoro
Editors: Manuel F. Teodoro
Reviewers: Manuel F. Teodoro
Illustrator: Arturo B. Grafilo Jr.
Layout Artist:
respective copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and
seek permission to use these materials from their respective copyright
owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership
over them.
1
Introduction
Climate change refers to the long-term alterations in temperature, weather
patterns, and other climatic factors. It is a global issue with far-reaching consequences
that touch every corner of the Earth. As inhabitants of this planet, it is crucial for us to
grasp the profound impacts it has on our environment and the ecosystems that support
life.
Throughout this module, you will delve into various aspects of climate change,
from the causes and effects to its implications for biodiversity, communities, and the
world at large. By the end, you will not only have a clearer understanding of this
complex phenomenon but also be equipped with knowledge and awareness to make
informed decisions about our collective responsibility in mitigating its effects.
So welcome aboard on this educational journey together and explore the
intricate web of connections between climate change and the environment. Get ready
to be informed and be empowered to make a positive difference in our world.
1
Karen . I’m here to
Hello there! I’m Teacher
guide you in your journey as you learn the
impacts
of climate change on the environment.
The learning competency
of this module is:
Discuss the impacts of climate change to the environment
Learning Objectives
At the end of this module the learners are expected to:
1. explain the concept of climate change and its causes;
2. Analyze the impacts of climate change on various ecosystem s;
3. recognize the importance of mitigating climate change through individual and
collective actions.
1
“Now that you know where
you’re going let’s start
activating your prior
knowledge about Climate
Change and its Impacts.”
Pre-Test
Directions: Please answer the following questions to the best of your
knowledge. There is no time limit. Be sure to read each question carefully before
selecting your answer.
1. What is climate change and its main causes?
A) Climate change is a short-term fluctuation in weather conditions.
B) Climate change is a natural phenomenon and is not influenced by human
actions.
C) Climate change refers to a sudden change in weather patterns caused by
human activities.
D) Climate change is a long-term alteration in temperature, weather patterns,
and other climatic factors. It is mainly caused by human activities such as
burning fossil fuels.
2. Which of the following is a consequence of climate change on the environment?
A) Decreased sea levels
B) Reduced biodiversity
C) Increased ice cover in the Arctic
D) More predictable weather patterns
3. How does climate change affect polar bears and their habitats? A) Climate
change has no impact on polar bears.
B) Polar bears thrive in warmer climates due to increased food availability.
C) Polar bears migrate to warmer regions to escape the changing climate.
D) Melting sea ice affects polar bears' ability to hunt for seals, leading to
population decline.
4. What is one way climate change can affect agriculture?
A) It improves the quality of soil, benefiting crop growth.
B) Climate change has no significant impact on agriculture.
2
C) It leads to increased crop yields due to warmer temperatures.
D) Changing rainfall patterns can result in droughts or floods, negatively
impacting crops.
5. How does climate change contribute to extreme weather events? A) Climate
change has no influence on extreme weather events.
B) By decreasing the temperature variations in different regions.
C) Extreme weather events are entirely unrelated to climate change.
D) By altering atmospheric conditions and increasing the likelihood of events
like hurricanes and heatwaves.
6. Which of the following is NOT a way in which humans contribute to climate
change?
A) Deforestation
B) Burning fossil fuels for energy
C) Industrial processes releasing greenhouse gases.
D) Using renewable energy sources like wind and solar power
7. How does climate change impact ocean life?
A) Climate change only affects terrestrial ecosystems, not oceans.
B) Warmer ocean temperatures have no effect on marine ecosystems.
C) Oceans become more acidic, harming marine life like corals and shellfish.
D) Climate change benefits ocean life by providing more suitable conditions for
marine organisms.
8. What is a potential consequence of rising global temperatures for coastal cities?
A) Decreased risk of flooding due to rising sea levels.
B) Improved beach tourism due to warmer temperatures.
C) Coastal cities are not affected by rising global temperatures.
D) Increased risk of coastal flooding and damage from storm surges.
9. Why is it important to take action to address climate change?
A) Climate change is not a significant issue and does not require action.
B) Climate change is a natural process and cannot be influenced by human
actions.
C) Acting on climate change only benefits certain regions, not the global
community.
2
D) To protect the environment, safeguard human health, and ensure a
sustainable future for all living beings.
10. What can individuals do to help combat climate change?
A) Individuals have no role to play in mitigating climate change.
B) It is not necessary for individuals to take any action to combat climate
change.
C) Climate change can only be addressed through large-scale government
policies
D) Take actions like reducing energy consumption, using public transport,
and
.
Hey guys it’s ok if you don’t
know the answers to some of
the questions, later as you
navigate this module surely
you will learn more.
supporting renewable energy initiatives.
Pre- Requisite Knowledge
We are usually confused if we are thinking of climate and weather. Sometimes
we could not differentiate these two. However, how are the weather and climate being
different from each other?
Weather is described as the immediate condition in a specific place. For
example, if you see that it is raining outside right now, that is a way to describe today’s
weather. Rain, snow, wind, hurricanes, tornadoes — these are all-weather events. On
the other hand, the climate is more than just one or two rainy days. It describes the
weather conditions that are expected in a region at a particular time of year. It is also
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the usual weather of a place. The climate can vary in every season. A place might be
mostly warm and dry in the summer, while it may be cool and wet in the winter.
Different places can have different climates.
https://clickonenglish.blogspot.com/2018/11/weather-vs-climate.html
https://www.slideshare.net/stevenheath148/weather-and-climate-73293753
Now that you have a solid grasp on the difference between weather and climate,
let’s examine the specific phenomena currently affecting our climate. What potential
consequences have for our environment?
Come on, Let’s find out!
Elicit
The activity below will acquaint you with some terms which you will encounter
in this module. Answer the item below by supplying the missing letter/s in the box to
complete the word/term that described each picture.
2
1. Gases in the earth’s atmosphere trap heat from the sun, preventing it from
escaping back into space.
G __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
__ __ __ __ S
2. It is a result of heavy rainfall, storm surges or melting of ice and snow.
F __ __ __ d __ __ __
3. The clearing or removal of forests.
__ __ f __ r __ __ __ __ __ __ __ n
4. The long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human
activities.
__ __ __ b __ __
w __ __ __ __ __ __
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5. A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall or an extended lack of water
supply.
D __ __ __ __ __ t
Because of that you can now proceed to the next
activity!
ENGAGE
Let’s play the Climate Detective
(Group Activity)
Direction:
1. Group yourself into 5 groups with 4 to 5 members.
(Note: if this activity will be done at home do this activity with the help of family
members)
2. Your group will be provided with a manila paper and marker
3. Pretend that you are a detective. Help your group in investigating the causes of
climate change.
4. Asked them to brainstorm and list down as many factors or activities that they
think contribute to climate change.
5. Each group will be asked to present their findings creatively.
(role play, use of climate change chart, field reporting etc.)
Guide Questions:
1. Read your findings. Why do you consider them as the major contributors to
climate change?
2
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________. 2.
What potential impacts or repercussions do these causes have?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________. 3.
Are there any current efforts to address these causes?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________.
5
Excellent
4 Very
good
3
Good
2
1
Fair
Needs
Improvement
Generate 5
Generate 4
Generate 3
Generate 2
Generate at
diverse and
diverse and
diverse and
diverse and
least 1 of
comprehensive comprehensive comprehensive comprehensive
cause of
list of causes
list of causes
list of causes
list of causes climate change
of climate
of climate
of climate
of climate
change
change
change
change
Provides
Provides
Provides clear
Provides some
Provides
insightful and
insightful and
and well-
explanations
limited
well-supported
well-supported
with some
explanations
explanations for
all the causes
explanations
supported
explanations
supporting
details
with minimal
for the
selected
causes
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supporting
details
Engages the
audience with
creative and
informative
presentation
Engages the
audience with
creative and
informative
elements.
Engages the
Engages the
Struggle to
audience with
audience with
engage the
creative
elements but
may need
improvement
basic elements audience and
but needs
lacks creativity
improvement
Rubric For Scoring
You did a great job! Now, let’s go deeper this time. You will be
provided with an activity that will broaden your
understanding about climate change.
2
RE AD ME!
In our last module, we learned about why natural disasters happen and how
they affect people and the world around us. We talked about things like earthquakes,
floods, and storms, and how they can be tough for communities. Now, we're moving
on to a new topic: climate change. This is all about how our planet's weather has been
changing over a long time and how it's impacting the environment. So, it's like a fresh
start to learn something new!
In this module, we'll focus on understanding climate change and how it affects our
environment. Climate change means long-term changes in things like temperature
and rainfall in a specific area. When we talk about "global climate change," we're
referring to these long-term changes happening all over the Earth. This includes things
like temperatures going up and changes in how much rain falls. This also leads to
other important effects like:
•
The sea levels rising
•
Glaciers on mountains getting smaller
•
Ice melting faster in places like Greenland, Antarctica, and the Arctic
•
Changes in when flowers and plants bloom.
So, in this module, we'll explore whether climate change is something that naturally
happens, something people cause, or maybe a combination of both.
Are You excited to learn?
more? Alright, then what are
you waiting for get
ready with
the next activity.
4
EXPLORE
Activity 1: Climate Change Explorer: Spotting the Nature’s Makeover
Directions: Analyze the various impacts on us and to the environment from the given
pictures. Write your answer on the blank below the picture and answer the guide
questions that follow.
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
4
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
Rubric for Scoring
Criteria
Outstanding
Very good
Good
Satisfactory
4
3
2
1
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Description
and Analysis
Student
accurately
identifies and
describes
multiple key
elements in the
picture,
including
specific signs of
climate change
impacts.
Student
identifies and
describes most
of the key
elements in the
picture,
including signs
of climate
change impacts
Student
Student's
identifies some
observations
key elements in
are limited and
the picture but
do not capture
may miss some
significant signs
of climate
change
impacts.
important signs
of climate
change impacts
Guide Questions:
1. What important lesson or message do you get from the given pictures?
2. How are these impacts linked to the activities carried out by humans?
3. Consider a species or ecosystem affected by climate change in the pictures, how do you
think they may adapt to these changes? Cite a solution that could help support their
survival.
EXPLAIN
"Scientists started learning about climate change way back in the early 1800s. They noticed
some big changes in Earth's past, like the ice ages, and figured out something called the natural
greenhouse effect. Later, in the late 1800s, scientists began to say that things people do, like burning
fuels, could also change our climate. They had different ideas about what causes climate change,
like volcanoes and changes in the sun's energy.
Climate change means big and long-lasting changes in how our weather works. For example,
it might make some places hotter or wetter than usual, or even cause more big storms. Climate
change happens because of different things, like how the oceans move, living things like plants,
energy from the sun, and even big movements in Earth's plates or volcanoes.
One thing that people are doing, like using a lot of energy from burning fossil fuels, is making
our planet warmer. This is what we call 'global warming,' and it's a big part of what we mean when
we talk about 'climate change.'
.
These changes are primarily driven by human activities, including burning fossil fuels,
deforestation, and intensive livestock farming. These activities release significant quantities of
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which act like a blanket, trapping heat and causing global
warming.
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Greenhouse gases, which include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, nitrous oxide, and
fluorinated gases, occur naturally in Earth's atmosphere. However, human activities have
significantly increased their concentrations, particularly CO2. It is the most prevalent greenhouse
gas produced by human activities, responsible for 64% of human-induced global warming (United
States Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], n.d.). For example, the burning of coal, oil, and gas
releases CO2 and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere. When forests are cut down (deforestation),
trees lose their ability to absorb CO2, and the carbon stored in them is released into the atmosphere,
further contributing to the greenhouse effect. Livestock farming, especially cows and sheep,
produces large amounts of methane when they digest their food. Fertilizers containing nitrogen led
to the release of nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases, though released in smaller quantities, have a
much more potent warming effect compared to CO2 (EPA, n.d.).
 Is global warming and climate Change one and the same?
Global warming, a critical consequence of climate change, is evident in the
rise of the Earth's average temperature. As of March 2020, the global average
temperature was 1.16ºC (2.09 ºF) higher than in the late 19th century. Each of the past
three decades has been warmer than any preceding decade since records began in
1850. Scientists agree that human activities have been the primary cause of observed
warming since the middle of the 20th century.
Unlike past natural climate fluctuations, today's global warming is largely
attributed to the increase in heat-trapping gases produced by human activities. Over
the last five decades, natural factors would have led to a slight cooling of Earth’s
surface temperature, but human-induced emissions have reversed this trend.
Furthermore, the current rate of global warming is unprecedented, occurring much
faster than at any point since modern civilization and agriculture developed over the
past 11,000 years or during any warm interglacial periods of the last million years
(Kennedy and Lindsey, 2015).
 What are the other impacts of climate change on the environment?
1. Rising Temperature – Global temperatures are increasing. The higher the
temperature the higher rate also of heat related illnesses. This can harm the
ecosystem. Wildfires start more easily and spread more rapidly when conditions
are hotter.
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2. Melting Ice and Rising Sea Levels – as temperatures rise, polar ice caps and
glaciers melt faster. As these ice sheets and glaciers melt, the water eventually
runs into the ocean, causing the sea level to rise. This can lead to coastal
flooding, erosion, and threats to coastal communities.
3. Extreme weather event – climate change is linked to frequent occurrence of
typhoons, droughts, floods, and wildfires. These events can cause damage to
communities, agriculture, and natural habitats.
4. Disruption of Ecosystem – Changes in temperature and weather patterns can
disrupt the ecosystem. This may cause the displacement (animal migration) or
loss of many species. Climate change combined with habitat disruption may
result in loss of biodiversity.
5. Ocean Acidification - Increase carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere which is
mainly caused by burning of fossil fuels leads to ocean acidification. This harms
marine life, especially creatures with calcium carbonate shells like corals and
shellfish.
6. Altered Rainfall Patterns - Changes in precipitation patterns can lead to droughts
in some regions and increased rainfall in other regions. (El niħo and la niħa
phenomena)
7. Food shortage - food production (crops, availability of fish, and other food
sources) becomes more difficult and uncertain due to changes in weather
patterns, extreme weather events and environmental disruption.
8. Health Risks – climate change can worsen health problems. Many heat- related
illnesses arise today.
ELABORATE
Activity: Climate Change Hero
Objective: Recognize the importance of mitigating
climate change through individual and collective actions.
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Procedures:
1. Look around you. Recall events or phenomena in our country, or our town have experienced that
may be a result or effect of climate change.
2. In your own little way how can you be a “Climate Change Hero”?
3. Write down specific actions that you will take to reduce the environmental impact caused by climate
change and contribute to a positive change.
4. Write your answer in your journal notebook.
Thank You for taking the challenge of becoming a climate
change HERO! Don’t forget to read our rubric for scoring to
guide you in writing your essay.
Rubric For Scoring
Criteria
Excellent
Very good
Good
10
7
5
Understanding of
The essay
The journal/essay
The journal/essay
Climate Change
demonstrates a
shows a basic
demonstrates a
deep understanding
understanding of
limited
of climate change,
climate change,
understanding of
including its causes,
including some
climate change,
impacts, and the
causes, impacts,
with vague or
importance of
and the relevance
incorrect
individual actions.
of individual
information about
The writer provides
detailed and
actions. Some key
details may be
its causes, impacts,
and the role of
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Plan Of Action
accurate
information.
lacking.
individuals.
The writer presents
The writer discusses
The writer's plan for
a clear and
some
personal actions to
comprehensive plan
personal actions
address climate
for how he/she can
he/she can take to
change is vague,
personally
address climate
incomplete, or lacks
contribute to
change, but the
practicality. Lacks
addressing climate
plan may lack
meaningful insights
change. Specific,
specificity or may
practical, and
not cover a wide
or a strong sense of
personal
responsibility.
impactful actions are
range of actions.
outlined. It
Insightful
offers insightful
perspective and
perspectives and
strong personal
demonstrates a
responsibility is not
too evident or clear.
strong sense of
personal
responsibility.
Guys, it’s time to know how far
have you understood the lesson
Post Test
1. What is climate change and its primary causes?
A) Climate change is a short-term fluctuation in weather conditions.
B) Climate change is a natural phenomenon and is not influenced by human actions.
C) Climate change is a sudden change in weather patterns caused by human activities.
D) Climate change is a long-term alteration in temperature, weather patterns, and other
climatic factors, mainly caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels.
2. Which of the following is a consequence of climate change on the environment?
A) Changes in weather patterns
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B) Enhanced sea levels
C) Increased biodiversity
D) Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
3. How does climate change affect polar bears and their habitats? A) Climate change has no
impact on polar bears.
B) Melting sea ice affects polar bears' ability to hunt for seals, leading to population decline.
C) Polar bears migrate to warmer regions to escape the changing climate.
D) Polar bears thrive in warmer climates due to increased food availability.
4. What is one way climate change can affect agriculture?
a) It leads to increased crop yields due to warmer temperatures.
b) Changing rainfall patterns can result in droughts or floods, negatively impacting crops.
c) Climate change has no significant impact on agriculture.
d) It improves the quality of soil, benefiting crop growth.
5. How does climate change contribute to extreme weather events?
a) Climate change has no influence on extreme weather events.
b) By altering atmospheric conditions and increasing the likelihood of events like hurricanes
and heatwaves.
c) Extreme weather events are entirely unrelated to climate change.
d) By decreasing the temperature variations in different regions.
6. Which of the following is NOT a way in which humans contribute to climate change? a) Burning
fossil fuels for energy
b) Deforestation
c) Using renewable energy sources like wind and solar power
d) Industrial processes releasing greenhouse gases
7. How does climate change impact ocean life?
a) Oceans become more acidic, harming marine life like corals and shellfish.
b) Warmer ocean temperatures have no effect on marine ecosystems.
c) Climate change benefits ocean life by providing more suitable conditions for marine
organisms.
d) Climate change only affects terrestrial ecosystems, not oceans.
8. What is a potential consequence of rising global temperatures for coastal cities?
a) Decreased risk of flooding due to rising sea levels.
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b) Increased risk of coastal flooding and damage from storm surges.
c) Coastal cities are not affected by rising global temperatures.
d) Improved beach tourism due to warmer temperatures.
9. Why is it important to take action to address climate change?
a) Climate change is a natural process and cannot be influenced by human actions.
b) To protect the environment, safeguard human health, and ensure a sustainable future for
all living beings.
c) Climate change is not a significant issue and does not require action.
d) Acting on climate change only benefits certain regions, not the global community.
10. What can individuals do to help combat climate change?
a) Individuals have no role to play in mitigating climate change.
b) Take actions like reducing energy consumption, using public transport, and supporting
renewable energy initiatives.
c) Climate change can only be addressed through large-scale government policies.
d) It is not necessary for individuals to take any action to combat climate change.
A resounding clap to you, you did great!
EXTEND
Activity: One Voice for the Environment
Objectives:
1. Raise awareness among grade 7 learners on environmental issues and the impacts of
human activities on our planet.
2. Motivate the learners and other youths to take positive actions towards environmental
stewardship and conservation.
Procedures:
1. Compose a poem or a song that conveys your message about the environment.
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2. Through your poem or song motivate your audience to take positive actions to mitigate the
impacts of climate change. This may include a step-in recycling, conserving energy, planting
trees and etc.
And here is the Rubric for Scoring:
 Content – 30 points
 Clearly addresses environmental issues and human impacts.
 Accurately states positive actions towards environmental stewardship and
conservation.
 Demonstrates understanding of the importance of awareness.
 Engaging and imaginative expression
 Originality in addressing theme
 Creativity in language and style
 Language usage and organization – 20 points
 Effective organization of verses and stanzas
 Demonstrates understanding of poetic or song writing technique.
 Presentation - 20 points
 Clear and audible presentation
 Appropriate expression and tone
 Creativity in the presentation proper.
TOTAL – 100 POINTS
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 Creativity – 30
points
Answer Key
Pre-Test
1. D
6. D
2. B
7. C
3. D
8. D
4. D
9. D
5. D
10. D
Elicit
1. Greenhouse gases
3. Global warming
2. Flooding
5. Drought
3. Deforestation
Explore and Elaborate Activity See the Rubric for Scoring
Post-Test
1. A
6. D
2. D
7. C
3. A
8. D
4. A
9. D
5. A
10. D
Extend Activity refer to the Rubric for Scoring
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References
“Greenhouse Effect Models: Hot Stuff! - Activity – TeachEngineering.” Accessed
December 30, 2020. http://bit.ly/2Xr688H
“What Is Climate Change? | NASA Climate Kids.” Accessed December 30, 2020.
http://go.nasa.gov/35sx789
“Climate change word search- WordMint.” Accessed December 30, 2020.
http://bit.ly/3nxL8Yt
“What Is Climate Change? | NASA.” Accessed December 30, 2020.
http://go.nasa.gov/2XoBTiE
“Global Warming.” Accessed December 30, 2020. https://bit.ly/3sejWBM
“Causes of climate change | Climate Action.” Accessed December 30, 2020.
http://bit.ly/2Lzlh5g
"Greenhouse Gas Emissions” |United States Environmental Protection Agency,
Accessed December 30, 2020. https://tinyurl.com/zeodmrl
Caitlyn Kennedy and Rebecca Lindsey (June 17, 2015) What's the difference between global
warming and climate change?. NOAA. Accessed December 30,2020.
https://tinyurl.com/jbedbav
https://www.photosforclass.com/search/climate%20change
Kennedy, A., & Lindsey, R. (2015). Global Temperature. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - Climate Change: https://climate.nasa.gov/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Climate.gov: https://www.climate.gov/
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https://www.australianenvironmentaleducation.com.au/education-resources/climate-vs-weather/
https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=567422110&q=weather+and+climate+definition&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa
=X&ved=2ahUKEwjd8daD-byBAxW8SGwGHV-bB
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