Complete your research for your research text. Review the prompt again if needed:

Question

Write a research paper on one example of how human activity affects the environment and how this problem can be solved. Include digital sources in your research, and write your paper in a way that allows you to easily turn it into a presentation.
Follow these steps:

Use a variety of sources, including both print and digital sources.
Include visuals in your search; you will need two or three for the slideshow presentation you create after you write your research text.
Record information about the sources you choose, such as author, article title, date of information, and name of source.
Take notes on the content of each source and how it connects with the writing prompt.
Complete your Research Text Planner when you have identified enough sources for your project.

write it like a 10th grader

Answer 1

Human Activity and Its Impact on Climate Change: A Case Study of Carbon Emissions

Introduction

Human activity significantly affects the environment in various ways, but one of the most pressing issues is climate change, primarily driven by carbon emissions. This research paper explores how these emissions contribute to global warming and examines potential solutions to mitigate this environmental problem.

Understanding Carbon Emissions

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from human activities, particularly through burning fossil fuels for energy and transportation, are the leading cause of climate change (EPA, 2022). In the past century, CO2 levels have increased dramatically, from about 280 parts per million (ppm) before the Industrial Revolution to over 400 ppm today. This rise in carbon emissions traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to global temperature increases.

Visual 1: CO2 Emissions Over Time

Impact of Climate Change

The consequences of climate change are far-reaching. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), rising temperatures lead to more frequent and severe weather events like hurricanes, droughts, and floods (IPCC, 2019). Additionally, ecosystems are affected as species struggle to adapt to changing conditions, leading to biodiversity loss. Livelihoods in agriculture, fishing, and tourism are increasingly at risk due to these environmental changes.

Visual 2: Effects of Climate Change on Ecosystems

Solutions to Reduce Carbon Emissions

To combat climate change, several solutions can be implemented:

1. Transition to Renewable Energy: Shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can drastically reduce carbon emissions. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) states that transitioning to renewables could help reduce global CO2 emissions by up to 70% by 2050 (IRENA, 2021).

2. Energy Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency in homes, schools, and businesses can lower energy consumption and emissions. For example, LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances use less energy, which can significantly reduce carbon footprints.

3. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): This technology captures CO2 emissions from sources like power plants and stores it underground instead of releasing it into the atmosphere. Although still in development, CCS has the potential to mitigate emissions significantly once implemented on a larger scale (Global CCS Institute, 2020).

Visual 3: Renewable Energy Sources

Conclusion

Human activity, particularly through carbon emissions, plays a crucial role in driving climate change. However, by transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and investing in carbon capture technology, we can effectively combat this pressing environmental issue. Collaboration among governments, businesses, and individuals is essential to ensure a sustainable and healthy planet for future generations.

References

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2022). Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Retrieved from EPA.gov
2. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2019). Climate Change and Land. Retrieved from IPCC.ch
3. International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2021). Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2020. Retrieved from IRENA.org
4. Global CCS Institute. (2020). The Global Status of CCS 2020. Retrieved from GlobalCCSInstitute.com

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This research paper covers human-induced climate change, focusing on carbon emissions and presenting viable solutions. The accompanying visuals and references contribute to a clear understanding of the intricate relationship between human activity and environmental impact, which can be easily transformed into a slide presentation.