🌍 Before Reading: KWL Chart

K - What I KNOW about climate change:

W - What I WANT to learn about climate change:

L - What I LEARNED (complete after reading):

📖 Reading Text: Climate Change and Extreme Weather

Climate change is making extreme weather events more common around the world. Scientists have been studying how our planet's climate is changing and what this means for the future.

In recent years, many countries have experienced record-breaking temperatures, devastating floods, and severe droughts. New Zealand has not been immune to these changes. In 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle caused widespread flooding across the North Island, particularly affecting Auckland and the Hawke's Bay region. The cyclone brought winds of over 140 kilometres per hour and dumped more than 400 millimetres of rain in some areas within 24 hours.

Climate scientists explain that as global temperatures rise, the atmosphere can hold more moisture. This means that when storms do occur, they can produce much heavier rainfall. Dr Sarah Mitchell, a climate researcher at Victoria University of Wellington, states: "We're seeing a pattern where wet areas are getting wetter and dry areas are getting drier. This creates a challenging situation for communities trying to adapt."

The effects aren't just about rain and storms. Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities, whilst changing temperatures affect agriculture and wildlife. Farmers in Canterbury have reported changes in growing seasons, with some crops now planted weeks earlier than they were 20 years ago. Meanwhile, native birds like the kākāpō face habitat challenges as their forest environments change.

However, there are reasons for hope. Renewable energy projects are expanding across New Zealand, with wind farms and solar installations helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Young people are also taking action, with school climate groups organising tree-planting initiatives and advocating for environmental policies. As 16-year-old climate activist Aroha Patel from Wellington explains: "Our generation understands that small actions, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world."

🔍 Level 2-3: Locate and Summarise

Some areas received more than _______ millimetres of rain in _______ hours during the cyclone.

🧠 Level 3-4: Make Connections and Infer

📊 Level 4-5: Evaluate and Analyse

🔤 Vocabulary and Language Features

Figurative phrase: _________________________________

Literal meaning: ___________________________________

🎨 Extension Task: Climate Action Campaign

• Be memorable and catchy

• Include a call to action

• Connect to New Zealand's unique environment