Direct Evidence Tells Us Why Earth is Warming
Provided by: Paleontological Research Institution|Published on: May 1, 2025|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Videos
Subjects: Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: Paleontological Research Institution
Location: Earth
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- In this video from the Paleontological Research Institution, students learn that Earth is warming due to high levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and that the main cause of this is burning fossil fuels.
- The video (17:41 minutes) walks through the direct evidence for how we know burning fossil fuels is the main source of climate change, discussing common misconceptions along the way.
- The video ends with discussing decarbonization and asking the audience to consider making a change.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The video is a good introduction to the science of climate change for students.
- The video has many images and figures that make this complex topic easier to understand.
- The video addresses common misconceptions with care and presents facts in a calm and matter-of-fact way.
Prerequisites
- It can be helpful if students are familiar with isotopes, including the concept of a half-life.
- It can be helpful if students are familiar with the general equation for a combustion reaction and, therefore, why burning fossil fuels would release carbon dioxide.
- To learn more about the greenhouse effect, this resource can be used.
- To learn about the role of the ocean in the carbon cycle, this lab can be used.
Differentiation & Implementation
- It is recommended to pause the video at the following times to check for understanding: 2:12, 4:43, 6:12, 9:17, 13:04, 16:34.
- Teachers can use this resource to extend the conversation about climate models.
- After discussing decarbonization, teachers can begin a lesson or conversation about renewable energy. Teachers can use this resource to help with this topic.
- Follow up this video with a discussion about solutions to climate change with Science Lesson: En-ROADS Climate Change Solutions.
- Students can use these lessons to continue working with climate change data.
This resource walks students through a journey of understanding evidence at multiple levels to explain climate change. The narration is clear, and all data have sources cited. Common misconceptions are addressed, namely, that volcanic eruptions are a major cause of climate change and that, since climate has varied throughout history, we should not be concerned. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
