📖 Reading Passage: Climate Change

Climate change means long-term changes in Earth's weather patterns and temperatures. Over the past 100 years, the planet has become warmer because of human activities.

The main cause of climate change is greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, making Earth warmer. The most important greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide (CO₂). When we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas for energy, we release CO₂ into the air.

Climate change affects our planet in many ways. Ice caps are melting, causing sea levels to rise. Weather patterns are changing, with more extreme storms, droughts, and floods. Many animals and plants struggle to survive in their changing habitats.

In New Zealand, climate change brings warmer temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and rising sea levels. This affects farming, native species like the kiwi, and coastal communities.

📚 Key Vocabulary

Climate: The usual weather patterns in a place over many years

Greenhouse gases: Gases that trap heat in Earth's atmosphere

Fossil fuels: Coal, oil, and gas formed from ancient plants and animals

Atmosphere: The layer of gases around Earth

Habitat: The natural home of animals and plants

🤔 Part 1: Multiple Choice Questions

✍️ Part 2: Short Answer Questions