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Description
The video explores the chain of cause and effect that links climate change to a loss of biodiversity and concludes with an outline of possible responses aimed at mitigating this effect.
The link between cause (climate change) and effect (loss of biodiversity) is illustrated with a number of examples. The warming of polar regions for example, threatens the habitat on which polar bears and caribou depend and this in turn impacts the food source of northern peoples. The subsequent rise in sea levels and water temperatures has consequences for coral reefs and the delicate ecosystems of small islands and the plants and animals adapted to these habitats. Other examples emerge as the video examines the current and possible future effects of increased droughts and flooding on what grows where and on the ecosystem services required by all life on Earth.
Having outlined the current and projected consequences of climate change, the video turns to an examination of what may be done to adapt to or mitigate these effects, so that biodiversity remains a resource to communities that are adjusting to climate change. Possible responses include maintaining refugees, creating buffer zones and corridors, and introducing plant varieties. The video concludes with a recognition of the need for various government agencies to work together to better ensure what can be done will be done.
General Assessment
Recommendation of how and where to use it
Biodiversity and Climate Change has particular relevance for the unit on Sustaining Ecosystems that is found in almost all grade 10 Science curricula. It initiates a conversation about the impact of climate change on ecosystems and the biological diversity therein. It also has relevance for those units that deal more generally with the consequences of climate change and possible responses to the associated challenges .
The video is an effective tool in introducing the parameters of that conversation and in identifying those topics or issues that students should pursue in greater depth using other resources available from R4R.
Relevant Curriculum Units
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- British Columbia
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- Grade 11
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- Science
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- Life Science 11: Evolution. Evolution occurs at the population level
- Grade 12
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- Environmental Science
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- Environmental Science 12: Human activities cause changes in the global climate system
- Environmental Science 12: Living sustainably supports the well-being of self, community, and Earth.
- Science
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- Specialized Science 12: All members of a species have common characteristics that evolve over time
- Specialized Science 12: Biodiversity is dependent on the complex interactions and processes between biotic and abiotic factors
- Specialized Science 12: Climate change impacts biodiversity and ecosystem health
- Manitoba
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- Senior 2 Science: Dynamics of Ecosystems
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- Biology: Conservation of Biodiversity
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- Science (Academic):Earth and Space Science: Climate Change
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- Life Science 11: Evolution. Evolution occurs at the population level
- Grade 12
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- Environmental Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Environmental Science 12: Human activities cause changes in the global climate system
- Environmental Science 12: Living sustainably supports the well-being of self, community, and Earth.
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Specialized Science 12: All members of a species have common characteristics that evolve over time
- Specialized Science 12: Biodiversity is dependent on the complex interactions and processes between biotic and abiotic factors
- Specialized Science 12: Climate change impacts biodiversity and ecosystem health
Themes Addressed
Air, Atmosphere & Climate (1)
- Climate Change
Ecosystems (2)
- Biodiversity
- Habitat Loss
Land Use & Natural Resources (1)
- Habitat Restoration
Water (1)
- Marine Environments
