Story: Earth Day Intensifies Global Warming Debate, 04/19/06
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june06/earthday_4-19.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What is significant about the winter of 2005-2006?

2. How is Earthday being recognized differently in the U.S. and the world?

3. What are greenhouse gases?

4. What consensus was achieved on climate change in 2005?

5. What do skeptics of the agreement believe?

6. Describe the history of Earthday and how it has evolved from when it was first founded.

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. In 2001, President Bush said, "No one can say with any certainty what constitutes a dangerous level of warming, and therefore what level must be avoided." Do you agree or disagree? Explain your answer with clear details.

2. In 2005, the Prime Minister of Britain, Tony Blair said, "Climate change is in my view long-term the single biggest issue that we face. And the brutal truth is, without America in the process of dialogue and action in the international community, we aren't going to make progress on it." What did he mean by this? Do you agree?

3. Some cities have taken steps to reduce greenhouse gas emission. Take a look at this NewsHour story:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/environment/july-dec05/kyoto_8-15.html

What, if anything, are cities near you doing?

Write a 300-500 word essay on any of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.