"Climate change . . . is the single greatest threat that societies face today." —James Gustave Speth
The Industrial Revolution and Climate Change
What: What were the main features and causes of the Industrial Revolution in Britain 1750 - 1850
How: To consider a number of features and causes and to summarize the facts.
Why: Science shows that carbon emissions and climate warming occurred more rapidly after 1750. The Industrial Revolution is the first human cause of climate change.
Tasks: There are 6 short tasks explained below. You should work through these tasks at your own pace.
Assessment: You should complete task 6 as a summary of your learning and send your work to your Humanities teacher by Monday 30th March - either upload work to Teams or email.
How: To consider a number of features and causes and to summarize the facts.
Why: Science shows that carbon emissions and climate warming occurred more rapidly after 1750. The Industrial Revolution is the first human cause of climate change.
Tasks: There are 6 short tasks explained below. You should work through these tasks at your own pace.
Assessment: You should complete task 6 as a summary of your learning and send your work to your Humanities teacher by Monday 30th March - either upload work to Teams or email.
Teacher Led Overview
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Until recently, humans did not significantly affect the much larger forces of climate and atmosphere. Many scientists believe, however, that with the dawn of the industrial age—and the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil—humans began to significantly add to the amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, enhancing the planet's natural greenhouse effect and causing higher temperatures.
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Look at the graph and annotation below
task 1: Interpreting the graph
What does the graph tell us? - write a short summary of the key message of the graph.
- What is the pattern?
- When does the change occur?
- What is the cause of the change?
Beginning in England and Europe in about 1760 and lasting until 1820-40, the Industrial Revolution was a turning point in history. It forever changed the way we live our lives. This included moving away from hand production in favour of machines, chemical manufacturing, and the increasing use of steam power. This meant more factories—and factory jobs, of course.
Scientists generally agree that the earth has warmed by about 1°C (some say .85°C, others say it’s been more) since 1880. This warming has lead to a warming of the earth’s oceans, rising sea levels, and diminishing snow and ice. But things are quickly getting worse: Since 1990, just 30 years ago, carbon dioxide emissions have increased by almost 50 per cent. And, the past three decades have been the warmest on record.
Scientists generally agree that the earth has warmed by about 1°C (some say .85°C, others say it’s been more) since 1880. This warming has lead to a warming of the earth’s oceans, rising sea levels, and diminishing snow and ice. But things are quickly getting worse: Since 1990, just 30 years ago, carbon dioxide emissions have increased by almost 50 per cent. And, the past three decades have been the warmest on record.
Why did things begin to change in 1750? Causes of the Industrial revolution
Task 3: Spot the difference?
Watch the following overview video. |
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Task 4: What were the main features of the industrial revolution?
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main_features_of_the_industrial_revolution.docx | |
File Size: | 296 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Why did the Industrial Revolution happen in Britain first?
Task 5: Read through the Powerpoint
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causes_of_the_industrial_revolution.pptx | |
File Size: | 363 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Task 6: summarize your understanding of the causes of the Industrial Revolution.
In your own words explain why the Industrial revolution happened in Britain first.
Include:
You can present this information in any way that you prefer
Written answer
Powerpoint/keynote
Short video/iMovie
Poster/infographic
You should send this to you teacher or upload to Teams
Include:
- A brief description of the main features of the Industrial Revolution
- At least 3 reasons why Britain experienced this first.
- Extension: Can you put your reasons in order of importance?
You can present this information in any way that you prefer
Written answer
Powerpoint/keynote
Short video/iMovie
Poster/infographic
You should send this to you teacher or upload to Teams
Extension Activities
Extension Tasks
Please read this textbook extract for more detailed information
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