Writing from England, I’ve noticed great coverage in the newspapers regarding the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Report on Global Climate Change. The first phase of the report will be released on Friday in Paris. Pre-publication reports indicate that CO2 emissions have caused global warming, and the indicators such as as the reduction in glacial ice (continental and alpine), rise in sea level, global temperature increase, changes in the patterns of migratory birds and other animal species have been documented. The Intergovernmental Panel Report will provide important data and analysis that teachers could use to involve students in this massive scientific investigation.

An interesting question to raise with students is “Is global warming a hoax.” The report should provide ample data to help answer the question.