VCE Environmental Science

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This great site from National Geographic shows the greenhouse effect – a natural and necessary process that allows life on earth to flourish. Without a layer of greenhouse gases, our earth would be (on average) about 30 degrees cooler – minus 15C! However, over the past 250 years, humans have burnt vast reserves of fossil fuels (oil, coal and gas) which have released carbon into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide. Scientists estimate that carbon dioxide concentrations have risen from between 180 to 280 ppm over the last 650,000 years to about 380ppm today. (Whittaker, 2007, “Understanding Climate Change”).

The overwhelming majority of scientists today, including the International Panel of Climate Change experts, believe that this increase in carbon dioxide has caused increases in global temperature averages and will result in much more serious consequences in the future.

You can view other great examples of animated greenhouse effect diagrams here and here.

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 “On Borrowed Time” is an on-line resource for learning how to manage our environment. The CSIRO has developed two interactive eco-challenges for students. You can play the role of a farmer managing a sustainable farm while still making a profit or be a forest ranger balancing the needs of five vulnerable species while preserving the jobs of local people. These challenges are ideal for learning about the factors that need to be considered when making management decisions and give students an understanding of the process of environmental management.

As well as the interactive challenges (EcoFarm and EcoForest) there are four inquiry-based teaching and learning units (Adaptations, Forests, Fire and Farming) each with English, Maths and Science activities. David Lindenmayer has based this learning resource on his book titled “On Borrowed Time”.