Current topics in EnglishClimate change and climate protection: research, education and policies
The subject of climate change and climate protection is currently under discussion at a nationa as well as an international level. This thematic dossier thus considrs activities and policy in Germany and the international framework, with a focus on action. Since international agreements on climate protection highlight the relevance of education and public awareness, information resources include teaching material, campaigns that address the general public, and specific information services for children and youth.
Climate change/climate protection in Germany
Climate Portal by the Federal Ministry for the Environment
http://www.bmu.de/english/climate/current/aktuell/3821.php
The information is provided by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. It offers resources, news items, events and further links regarding topical issues, i.e. climate protection policy in Germany, current activities, educational activities, teaching resources and internationa networking.
klimazwei - Research for climate protection and protection from climate impacts (pdf file)
http://www.bmbf.de/pub/klimazwei_brosch.pdf
The brochure offers an account of the climate research programme klimazwei, which is unded y the Federal Ministry f ducation ad Resarch(Gerany). It is at both he protection gainstfurther change and an adaptation existing changes (as can be observed from frequent extreme weather conditions). The text s published nGerman as ell as English. Besides providing an overview f objectives, dration and funding gf the pogramme, t outlines he Kyoto Protocol agreements within the framework of international measues against global warming, i.e. emissions reduction in he fight against greenhouse effects.
The Earth System (Climate change researach site by the BMBF)
http://www.bmbf.de/en/917.php
A website on climate research and related issues (global warming, greenhouse gases) by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Germany. It links to topical statements, events and publications (also available in English).
Initiative for Climate Protection
http://www.bmu.de/english/climate_protection_initiative/general_information/doc/42000.php
Since the beginning of 2008 the Federal Environment Ministry (BMU) has made available up to 400 million euro from the sale of emissions allowances for a Climate Protection Initiative. The Climate Protection Initiative consists of national measures (280 million euro) and international measures (120 million euro). The goal is to tap existing major potential for reducing emissions in a cost-effective way and on a large scale, and to advance innovative model projects. Specifically, the BMU promotes climate protection measures for increased energy efficiency and greater use of renewable energies. Furthermore, the International Climate Protection Initiative also supports measures for adapting to climate change in developing and newly industrialising countries. It aims to bring new momentum to negotiations on an international climate protection agreement for the post-2012 period. The initiative thus makes an important contribution to reaching ambitious climate protection targets in Germany, Europe and worldwide.
Climate change, climate protection international
Gateway to the UN System`s Work on Climate Change
http://www.un.org/climatechange/
The UN gateway to climate change provides access to the official bodies active in research and campaigning against various aspects related to global warming and sustainable development, and offers downloads of research reports and statements. It also offers a youth section for learning and teaching.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Peace Nobel Prize 2007)
http://www.ipcc.ch/
The IPCC was founded in 1988 by the World Mtereological Organisation (WO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in order to assess greenhouse effects andclimate change, and suggest mitigating measures. Its main areas of action concernthe assessment of scientific research and socio-economic factors, and it issues annual reports for suggesting political action. These documents are available for download. Winner of Peace Nobel Prize 2007 (along with Al Gore).
Summary for Policymakers of the Synthesis Report of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report - pdf file
http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/syr/ar4_syr_spm.pdf
On November 17, 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, an organisation by the United Nations, published its fourth assessment report on climate change. The report summarises findings from all three workgroups relating to observed chlimate change (global warming and its effects regarding daught, rise of sea levels, cyclones) and its causes, which are related to human activities since the Industrial Revolution. The summary report for policy-makers (23 pages) includes comprehensive figures, talbes, statistic records. Further reports from the workgroups and background information, e.g. pertaining to methodology, can be downloaded from the IPPC websiteThe contents focus on observed global warming, human activities such as production of greenhouse gases, future scenarios, and climate change policy.
Climate Change (EC website)
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/home_en.htm
EU Comission website onclimate change, latest research developments, projects, resources, news, actors in climate policy.
Climate change and EU climate policy (Eurotopics dossier)
http://www.eurotopics.info/en/magazin/magazin_archiv/klima_2007_03/
A thematic dossier on climate, climate change and the role of humankind, climate protection policy in the European Union. The articles are accessible in German and English, a list of further information resources completes the site.
Children and youth - teaching resources
You control climate change: site for schools
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/campaign/schools/schools_en.htm
The website is part of the climate campaign by the EU Commission, it offers information and guidelines to teachers and students regarding climate change, climate control activities. These include background information for homework and lessons, creative tasks, video podcasts.
UN Climate Change Gateway: Resources for Children and Youth
http://www.un.org/wcm/content/site/climatechange/pages/gateway/youth
The website offers statistics and country information regarding climate and biodiversity to children and youths as well as games and thematic competitions. Furthermore, it links to children sites by the World Bank and UNEP (Unite Nations Environment Programme).
Teaching materials on climate change and climate protection: English language site by the Federal Ministry for the Environment
http://www.bmu.de/publikationen/bildungsservice/bildungsmaterialien/sekundarstufe/lehrer/doc/42085.php
A list of English language documents that are available for download, and can be used for teaching environment issues - including teaching and learning units, for secondary schools. Further links: French and Polish versions, primary school educational resources.
YOU can control climate change: brochure for students (pdf file)
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/campaign/pdf/toolkit_en.pdf
The brochure is issued by the EU, it informs young people about climate change and how they can contribute to a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Practical advice concerns waste recycling, switching off electrical appliances, turning down heating, walking instead of driving.
United Nations Environment Programme: Children and Youth (TUNZA)
http://www.unep.org/Tunza/
UNEP offers a comprehensive website to children and youth of different age groups with information resources on the environment and environment protection, with a focus on getting them involved into actin and caring. Interactive options such as blogs, competitions are available, and annual youth conferences are held.
UNEP for children
http://www.unep.org/tunza/children/inner.asp?ct=env_issues
A website by UNEP with basic information for children, addressing topics such as nature consevation and environmental protection (saving trees, water supplies).
ESPERE (Environmental Science Published for Everybody Round the Earth) - Educational Network on Science
http://www.atmosphere.mpg.de/enid/1442
The website is hosted by the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft and it provides (teaching) resources on issues related toclimate, climate change and te environment, e.g. teacher manual. Furthermore, it links to a Climate Encyclopedia that explains pertinent facts for everybody.