Learn about "Cap & Trade."

One solution proposed by global warming proponents is to establish a system called “Cap & Trade.” Research the cap & trade proposals to see how they would work. Who decides the level of emissions that companies would be allotted? How would they affect businesses and us consumers? What would be the costs? If global warming is caused by humans, is it worth enacting cap & trade legislation? Is it worth enacting cap & trade legislation if global warming isn’t caused by humans? Is there enough evidence to make that decision now?

Understand Al Gore's quote.

In a Grist.org article, Al Gore says “Nobody is interested in solutions if they don't think there’s a problem. Given that starting point, I believe it is appropriate to have an over-representation of factual presentations on how dangerous it is, as a predicate for opening up the audience to listen to what the solutions are, and how hopeful it is that we are going to solve this crisis.” Review the interview and explain what he means by “it is appropriate to have an over-representation of factual presentations on how dangerous it is.”

Learn how green practices affect food prices.

Food prices are increasing worldwide and the United States is taking a lot of the blame. The reason? Ethanol. Ethanol is a product made from corn and is being used as an additive to gasoline to reduce the amount of gasoline used and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by cars. Research the ethanol issue. How does ethanol production affect the cost of various types of food? Is it beneficial to reduce the amount of gas used while increasing the costs of food? Who is being hurt the most by the increase in food prices? Who supports the use of ethanol? Why?

Discover other explanations for global warming.

Review some of the many presentations (including audio and PowerPoint presentations) from The Heartland Institute’s 2008 International Conference on Climate Change. What are some other explanations for global warming? Summarize them and present them to the class.

All these activities are great projects for an Earth Day event at school or at home visit our main Earth Day section for more tips, games, and history on the holiday.

If you are a teacher or educator interested in ordering the full Stossel in the Classroom: 2009 Edition on DVD, please go to Stosselintheclassroom.org.

Laura Young is editor of Crafts and Holidays & Fun on Kaboose.com. Hope Boyarsky is the Crafts and Holidays & Fun intern.