Climate Change: A Global Challenge
📓 Passage (~892 words)
A. Climate change has emerged as one of the most critical challenges facing humanity in the 21st
century. Defined as long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, climate change is
primarily driven by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil,
and natural gas. These processes release large quantities of greenhouse gases like carbon
dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) into the atmosphere, which trap heat and contribute to the
warming of the planet.
B. The scientific consensus is clear: the Earth’s climate is changing at an unprecedented rate.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), average global
temperatures have increased by more than 1.1°C since the pre-industrial era. This warming
has triggered a series of cascading environmental effects, including more frequent and intense
heatwaves, rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and shifting weather patterns. Some regions
now experience prolonged droughts, while others endure heavier and more unpredictable
rainfall. These changes disrupt not only natural ecosystems but also human activities such as
agriculture, water supply, and urban development.
C. One of the most visible impacts of climate change is the melting of polar ice. The Arctic is
warming at more than twice the global average, leading to the rapid loss of sea ice and
threatening the habitat of species like polar bears and walruses. Melting glaciers in Greenland
and Antarctica contribute significantly to sea level rise, which poses a threat to low-lying
island nations and densely populated coastal cities. In some scenarios, entire communities
may be forced to relocate as their land becomes uninhabitable. Coastal erosion, saltwater
intrusion, and increased flooding already affect millions of people worldwide.
D. Climate change also has profound economic and social implications. Agricultural yields are
projected to decline in many parts of the world due to changing rainfall patterns, soil
degradation, and extreme weather. This jeopardises food security, particularly in developing
countries where resources for adaptation are limited. Additionally, climate-related disasters
such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires can destroy homes, disrupt livelihoods, and displace
populations. These challenges have led to the emergence of a new category of migrants:
climate refugees. Furthermore, the economic toll of these events can reach billions of dollars
annually, putting pressure on both national governments and international relief systems.
E. Governments, international organisations, and scientists around the world have acknowledged
the urgency of the problem. The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015 by nearly 200 countries,
aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with
efforts to keep it below 1.5°C. To achieve this, countries have committed to reducing
emissions, investing in renewable energy sources, and enhancing carbon sinks like forests and
wetlands. Although progress has been made in some regions, many experts argue that current
efforts remain insufficient. Delays in policy implementation, lack of political will, and
conflicting economic interests have hindered more aggressive climate action.
F. Technological innovation plays a vital role in the fight against climate change. Solar panels,
wind turbines, and energy storage systems are becoming more efficient and affordable,
making clean energy a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Advances in electric vehicles, green
construction, and smart grids also contribute to reducing carbon footprints. Additionally,
research into carbon capture and storage (CCS) offers hope for mitigating emissions from
heavy industries. Innovations in agriculture, such as precision farming and climate-resilient
crops, aim to maintain productivity while reducing environmental impact.
G. Individual actions, while smaller in scale, are equally important. Lifestyle changes such as
reducing meat consumption, using public transport, conserving electricity, and supporting
sustainable brands can collectively have a significant impact. Education and awareness
campaigns help inform the public and encourage behavioural shifts. As more people become
conscious of their environmental impact, pressure increases on policymakers and industries to
adopt greener practices. Social media, youth activism, and climate movements such as Fridays
for Future have played influential roles in keeping climate issues in the global spotlight.
H. Despite these efforts, climate change remains a deeply complex issue, intertwined with
economic, political, and ethical considerations. Developing nations, for example, argue that
they should not be penalised for emissions while trying to grow their economies—especially
since developed countries are historically responsible for the majority of greenhouse gases.
This has given rise to debates about climate justice and equitable solutions. Wealthier nations
are urged to provide financial and technical assistance to help poorer countries transition to
cleaner energy and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
I. Adaptation is another key component of climate strategy. While mitigation focuses on
reducing the causes of climate change, adaptation aims to minimise its effects. This includes
building resilient infrastructure, improving water management, and developing early-warning
systems for extreme weather events. Many cities are now implementing climate-resilient
urban planning, integrating green spaces, and enhancing flood defences. In agricultural
regions, practices such as crop diversification, irrigation improvements, and soil conservation
are helping communities cope with changing conditions.
J. In conclusion, climate change is a global challenge that demands coordinated, sustained, and
science-based responses. Its impacts touch every aspect of life—from ecosystems and
agriculture to economies and public health. Addressing this crisis requires not only
technological and policy solutions but also collective will and international solidarity. The
decisions made today will determine the state of the planet for generations to come. With the
right strategies and cooperation, humanity can not only confront the threat of climate change
but also build a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for all.
📜 Questions
TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN
Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage? Write TRUE, FALSE, or
NOT GIVEN.
Methane is a more common greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
The Arctic is warming faster than the global average.
Social media has helped raise awareness of climate issues.
DIAGRAM LABEL COMPLETION
Label the diagram using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.
Impacts of Climate Change:
Rising seas → ____________________
Extreme heat → ____________________
Shifting weather → ____________________
MATCHING SENTENCE ENDINGS
Match each sentence beginning with the correct ending A–E.
The Paris Agreement seeks to...
Carbon capture and storage can...
Developing nations argue...
Endings:
A. lower emissions from industries
B. halt all industrial growth
C. that wealthier countries caused climate change
D. replace fossil fuels with coal
E. limit global warming to 1.5–2°C
MATCHING HEADINGS
Choose the correct heading for each paragraph. Write the correct number i–viii.
Headings:
i. Global warming and its scientific basis
ii. The Arctic’s transformation
iii. Climate refugees and social disruption
iv. Mitigation and adaptation measures
v. Technological responses
vi. Climate agreements and global efforts
vii. Role of individuals
viii. International justice and inequality
Paragraph B → _______
Paragraph C → _______
Paragraph D → _______
Paragraph E → _______
Paragraph F → _______
Paragraph G → _______
Paragraph H → _______
SUMMARY COMPLETION
Complete the summary using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.
Climate change has resulted in extreme weather, altered rainfall, and global (1) __________
increases. Melting polar ice threatens (2) __________ cities, while altered agricultural
productivity puts (3) __________ at risk.
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Choose the correct letter A, B, C, or D.
What is one reason why many experts believe current efforts are inadequate? A. Renewable
energy technology does not exist yet.
B. Greenhouse gas emissions are not a major cause.
C. Political and economic delays hinder implementation.
D. Scientists refuse to collaborate with governments.
YES/NO/NOT GIVEN
Do the following statements reflect the views of the writer? Write YES, NO, or NOT GIVEN.
Developed countries have contributed more historically to emissions.
Individual efforts are meaningless in addressing climate change.
MATCHING INFORMATION
Match the information with the correct paragraph A–D.
A. Paragraph C
B. Paragraph D
C. Paragraph F
D. Paragraph I
Examples of technological innovation for farming
Discussion of polar habitat loss
Financial toll of weather disasters
TABLE COMPLETION
Complete the table using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.
Topic Details
Paris Agreement Limit ____________________
Smart Grids Reduce ___________________
Climate Activism Led by ___________________
MATCHING FEATURES
Match the problem with the appropriate climate strategy.
Problem Strategy Type
Strengthening flood defences A. Mitigation
Reducing CO₂ emissions B. Adaptation
Investing in renewable energy C. Mitigation
FLOW-CHART COMPLETION
Complete the flow-chart using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.
Fossil fuels burned → Greenhouse gases released → Global warming increases → Melting
ice causes →__________________
SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS
Answer using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
What kind of migration is increasing due to climate impacts?
What treaty did nearly 200 countries sign in 2015?
Name one area affected by saltwater intrusion.
SENTENCE COMPLETION
Complete the sentences using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.
Energy storage and electric vehicles support __________ alternatives.
Coastal erosion is worsened by rising __________.
LIST SELECTION
Which THREE of the following are mentioned as effects of climate change? Choose THREE
letters A–F.
A. Polar bears changing diet
B. Flooding in urban areas
C. Higher food prices
D. Climate-related migration
E. Shifts in rainfall patterns
F. Volcano activity increase
NOTE COMPLETION
Complete the notes using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.
Notes on Climate Action:
Clean energy = solar, wind
Adaptation = water, infrastructure, __________
Climate justice demands __________ responsibility
Future requires cooperation and __________