Growing Appetites, Limited Resources
Synopsis
- This brief video describes the need to find other sources of energy that will not run out in the future and the negative side effects of using these finite fossil fuel resources for energy.
- Students will observe data and animations illustrating the global increase in energy use and the way carbon dioxide can trap heat in the atmosphere.

Teaching Materials
Positives
- This video emphasizes that even if burning fossil fuels didn't cause climate change, we would still need to come up with alternative forms of energy because fossil fuels are a nonrenewable energy source.
Additional Prerequisites
- The closed captions do not work on this video, but there is a transcript.
Differentiation
- Cross-curricular connections could be made with social studies classes and civics classes when discussing the unequal exposure of people to air pollution from burning fossil fuels and the unequal effects of climate change on different communities.
- Students may want to consider starting a Lights Out Day at school or at home.
- Other resources related to this topic include this resource on fossil fuels and carbon dioxide and this video about fracking in Pennsylvania.
This resource stretches students ability to understand the best ways to use energy efficiently, and to find alternative sources of energy that are renewable and clean, and identify sustainable means for energy storage and conservation. The second component is a game that allows students to investigate and practice the use of clean technology and energy in the future. It is advised to use this resource when instructing.
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.
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