There are several factors that could explain the unexpected surge in temperatures in 2023. One factor is the unusually rapid onset of a natural weather system called El Niño. El Niño releases additional heat into the atmosphere, leading to a rise in global air temperatures. Another factor is the reduction of certain air pollutants, known as aerosols, which reflect some of the Sun's energy back into space and cool the Earth's surface. Regulations implemented in 2020 to reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide, a harmful air pollutant, have inadvertently raised temperatures, particularly in shipping hotspots like the North Atlantic.

A large volcanic eruption in January 2022 also contributed to warming. The eruption released water vapor into the stratosphere, which is a greenhouse gas that adds to warming. While the eruption's impact on global temperatures is still being studied, early findings suggest a limited effect. Additionally, changes in Antarctic sea-ice levels may be accelerating warming. Less reflective ice means more of the Sun's energy is absorbed by the darker ocean surface, leading to increased warming.

Although the rate of warming has accelerated in recent decades, it has not yet exceeded the range of temperatures predicted by climate models. This provides some reassurance that the world has not entered a phase of runaway climate change. However, leading climate scientists warn that the climate may change more quickly than expected in the future. They argue that the climate has not fully responded to the greenhouse gases already emitted, and the cooling effect of aerosols may be masking the true extent of warming. The devastating climate impacts currently being experienced emphasize the urgent need to take action to phase out fossil fuels and address climate change.

Original news source: Climate change: Is the world warming faster than expected? (BBC)

– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a few minutes to read the article together. Then, ask each group to summarize the main points of the article in a news summary format. They should include the key information, such as the unexpected surge in temperatures in 2023, the factors contributing to it, and the urgent need to address climate change. Afterward, have each group share their summaries with the class.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Assign each group a specific aspect of climate change mentioned in the article, such as El Niño, volcanic eruptions, or the reduction of air pollutants. Ask each group to discuss their opinions on whether these factors are the main causes of the unexpected surge in temperatures in 2023. Have them come up with reasons to support their opinions. Afterward, conduct an opinion poll by asking each group to share their opinions and reasons with the rest of the class. Encourage respectful discussion and debate.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write down a list of vocabulary words from the article on separate pieces of paper or index cards. Distribute the cards to the students, ensuring that each student has one card. Instruct the students to draw a visual representation of the word on their card without using any letters or numbers. Once everyone is done, have the students take turns showing their drawings to the class. The rest of the class must guess the word based on the drawing alone. This activity helps reinforce vocabulary and comprehension of the article.
– Speed Summarizing
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs. Give each pair a few minutes to read the article together. Then, assign one person in each pair as the speaker and the other as the listener. The speaker has one minute to summarize the main points of the article to the listener. After one minute, the roles switch, and the listener becomes the speaker, summarizing what they remember from the article. Encourage the students to focus on the key information and practice speaking fluently and concisely.
– Two Truths and a Lie
Instructions: Ask each student to come up with two true statements and one false statement related to the article. For example, they could say, "2023 will be the hottest year on record," "The reduction of certain air pollutants raised temperatures," and "The main cause of global warming is volcanic eruptions." Instruct the students to share their statements with the class without revealing which one is false. The rest of the class must guess which statement is the lie. This activity encourages critical thinking and comprehension of the article.

Climate change is a pressing issue that is causing the ? to warm at a faster rate than ?. In 2023, ? records have been broken, with historically high sea temperatures, low Antarctic sea-ice ?, and extreme weather events occurring on every continent. It is now almost certain that 2023 will be the hottest year on record, which was not predicted by major climate science organizations at the beginning of the year. The main cause of global warming is the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere through human activities like burning fossil fuels. There are several factors that could explain the unexpected ? in temperatures in 2023. One factor is the unusually rapid onset of a natural weather system called El Niño. El Niño releases additional heat into the atmosphere, leading to a rise in global air temperatures. Another factor is the reduction of certain air pollutants, ? as aerosols, which reflect some of the Sun's energy back into space and cool the Earth's surface. ? implemented in 2020 to reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide, a harmful air pollutant, have inadvertently ? temperatures, particularly in shipping hotspots like the North Atlantic. A large volcanic ? in January 2022 also contributed to warming. The eruption released ? vapor into the stratosphere, which is a greenhouse gas that adds to warming. While the eruption's impact on ? temperatures is still being studied, early ? suggest a limited effect. Additionally, changes in Antarctic sea-ice levels may be accelerating warming. Less reflective ice means more of the Sun's energy is absorbed by the darker ocean surface, leading to increased warming. Although the rate of warming has accelerated in recent decades, it has not yet exceeded the ? of ? predicted by climate ?. This provides some reassurance that the world has not entered a phase of runaway climate change. However, leading climate scientists warn that the climate may change more quickly than expected in the future. They argue that the climate has not fully responded to the greenhouse gases already emitted, and the cooling effect of aerosols may be masking the true extent of warming. The ? climate impacts currently being experienced emphasize the urgent need to take action to phase out fossil fuels and address climate change.

1. What is your opinion on climate change and its impact on the world?
2. How would you feel if the current rate of global warming continues and leads to more extreme weather events?
3. Do you think governments and individuals are doing enough to address climate change? Why or why not?
4. What actions do you believe should be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change?
5. How do you think climate change will affect future generations?
6. Do you like the idea of implementing stricter regulations to reduce air pollutants, even if it unintentionally raises temperatures? Why or why not?
7. What is your personal contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions?
8. How do you think the media can play a role in raising awareness about climate change?
9. What are some potential consequences of rising sea temperatures and melting polar ice caps?
10. How do you think climate change will impact global food production and availability?
11. Do you believe that international cooperation is necessary to effectively address climate change? Why or why not?
12. How would you feel if the world entered a phase of runaway climate change?
13. What role do you think renewable energy sources should play in mitigating climate change?
14. How do you think climate change will affect biodiversity and ecosystems around the world?
15. Do you think it is possible to reverse the effects of climate change? Why or why not?

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